This was really helpful, thank you. I've been swimming in rivers all my life, and instinctively follow this advice, but the video has made me realise the importance of voicing my internal dialogue when wild swimming with my husband and son. It looks a beautiful spot!
Hi Tamsin this is great to hear! I think there are quite a few people just starting out on their wild swimming journery who may not yet have river-reading skills. I hope this video helps them to see that understanding what you're doing and making choices on swim position in the water, not just going with the flow, is where our confidence comes from 🏊♀️😀
Hi Rachel... your Tuesday morning in the UK is my Monday evening in 🇨🇦. In addition to the time difference, we also have a massive difference in our rivers. At this time of the year my local river has ice floes coming down it. For this reason, I’m sticking with the local lakes until freeze-up ❄️💦. I loved seeing the scenery as you were walking & swimming, and it was interesting to see what things you look for when you swim a river. This was a great little video. Thank-you for sharing your passion for wild swimming... I love it!! 🏊♀️
Hi Mary, I was thinking of you when I put in bits of the walk as I know you say you enjoy the scenery. Rivers are pretty different all over the place. This one is exceptionally clear because it is a chalk stream but with that it's rather chilly, not enough for ice floes thankfully! Hope you can keep swimming for a few weeks to come 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach When you have minute can you fill me in on what is a “chalk stream”? (Yes... I could Google it, but you’re far more interesting. Haha)
Just that the river flows out of springs in bedrock formed of chalk, making for crystal clear water www.wildlifetrusts.org/habitats/freshwater/chalk-rivers Here is the one I was swimming in: www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/explore/rivers-and-canals/river-itchen
Thank you Rachel. Hope I’ve spelt your name correctly! I’m a novice and finding your videos immensely helpful. I’ve lived by the Wye for a long time and wish I’d swum in it years ago! Your vids are excellent and I’m very grateful to you.
Ah the Wye is a beautiful river. I worked on it around Glasbury in my early career and have kayaked or canoes several sections. I've yet to swim in it, but next time I'm nearby I'll be getting in! Thank you for your lovely comment. 🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach Give me a shout if you’re swinging by the Forest of Dean to Ross section of the Wye. Of course, a solitude swim is lovely but do both! I’d be delighted to see you
So peaceful! The water is crystal clear. It’s amazing how fast it flows, it looks quite calm from above but it looked tricky to get to the other side. I’m from the UK, but live in Greece now. I enjoy your videos as it reminds me of home. I haven’t been able to get back since before the first lockdown so I can’t wait to go again. You can’t beat the British countryside🤩
I made the last part of the crossing to the otherside look like hard work as I reduced the angle of my body a little bit early, ferry gliding takes the strain out of crossing. I hope you can get back soon and get an eyeful of our pretty countryside 🏊😄
I love lowland rivers, the first time I swam in a quite fast flowing river in the Belgian mountains, the water was really fast and shallow, and there were a lot of sharp rocks, so I came out with bruises and a few slight cuts that didn’t go through my skin.
Dear, seen your channel today first with this your tutorial! Thanks a lot! Respect for swimming in that cold water! Besides the main topic I also like a lot the nice landscape you're swimming in and of course your "sharkasm" shirt. I live in Berlin with much water but all concrete surrounded. Got to find a place... thanks again!
Hi thanks for watching. I do try to vary where I shoot the videos in my local area to try and catch some pretty scenery. Hampshire is a beautiful county. I’m sure you’ll find so wilder swim spots if you go a little further out. I recently read a book called ‘Turning’ by Jessica J Lee it is about her discovery of loving wild swimming as she swam in many lakes in the Berlin surroundings of Berlin, Potsdam, Wandlitz, Königs Wusterhausen it was a lovely book and made me want to visit Berlin!
@@EverydayAthleteRach yeah, I read her book as well👍and I know quite a few of her places. To be honest I stopped outdoor swimming when it got cold, changed into indoor pools. But since Nov 1st they're all locked down. I already swam in spring lockdown with Neo, have to try again now... Thank you for the inspiration, Rachel.
It's a silky smooth quick glide through the beauiful countryside. Such a lovely swim and the water is exceptionally clear too, because it is a chalk stream. 🏊😄
It seems swimming is the same as boating with no rudder. If you've ever used a space flight simulator it's the same idea: You consider the momentum you've already got, the direction you are travelling in and apply thrust in an appropriate direction that will alter your trajectory to the direction you want to go next. ...Oh and of course in a river the "space" isn't flat and even - it curves around things and stretches out and bunches up, etc!
I am a somewhat fanatical long distance swimmer @@EverydayAthleteRach in the sense that I take risks which I shouldn't swimming in strong current rivers and doing lake crossings alone of several kilometers at age 61. Watching your video reminded me that we should all be careful when swimming especially alone. In Thailand I did a 6 miles swim with a friend which was folly because we were unprepared , had not checked the currents nor the distance and were very far from land...we were lucky to get back unscathed. Do you ever exceed your limits?
@@stevemorse108 yes sometimes, but more through bloody mindedness. Sometimes I’ve pushed it too far in poor conditions and got sick swimming in a river after heavy rain when the conditions on the coast were too wild for a 7km swim. The issues are usually fatigue and mentally wringing myself dry. I swim parallel to the land usually but have swim across an alpine lake in lightening - one of my less clever decisions. Swim safe!
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks for your reply....bloody mindedness yes I can relate to this. Nietzsche wrote "The line between will power and obstinacy can become blurred". The satisfaction of crossing a lake and returning feels transcendental somehow. I sometimes have to overcome nerves in the middle of a lake; mind over matter type of dynamic.The lightening lake crossing sounds exalting. In days of yore I imagine that after walking in the woods and hearing wolves howl and many other dangers one felt safe within the castle walls. In Zen Buddhism it is said that we appreciate things by contrast i.e. a soft mattress after a hard stone etc..
Love your videos Rachel, thank you. Always so positive and inspiring. I'm new to regular wild swimming, since August (in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland) and your advice has been so helpful. I'm interested to know how long ago you started outdoor swimming, and do you prefer swimming alone or is it just out of necessity? Best wishes, Alex
Hi Alex, welcome to the clan! I've always enjoyed hoping in for a swim anywhere that's wet, but took it more seriously a few years ago when I trained for the Dart10K. If I'm training I like to swim alone, so I don't hold anyone up, or accidentally encourage them to stay in longer than they otherwise would have. I also enjoy just hanging out with nature and taking it all in. I'm opportunistic too and often decide to swim last minute. That said, I do like a swim with one or two other people for a bit of company sometimes 🏊♀️🏊♀️🏊♀️😀
I'm learning more about the rivers due to boating, but I'm also planning on doing a bit of swimming. Nobody ever mentioned the floating debris just under the surface. What looks like a stick may be a huge tree trunk and what looks like a plank of wood could be an entire pallet! And there could also be some yucky things which are not so much boat hazards but more swimmer hazards! Saw some ducks SPEEDING down a fast flowing river then expertly halting in an eddy section. :) ...Yes, I was wondering if it was because they saw me. They waited downstream a bit and it paid off - I threw some pieces of apple I was eating in the water and a moment later they moved in line with it. When you're at the water's edge swans will tend to harass you for food, but not everyone is there to feed them. :/
This was very useful, thank you. You have confirmed what I do instinctively so this makes me feel better about knowing what I do. I think I know where this is and will be swooshing soon. I’d like to get a bit further up if it’s possible so will go for a scout out first. Thanks again :)
Wonderful! I scouted a little further up, there's a weir under a bridge and then it's clear for quite a bit further up but looks quite shallow. I'd be interested to know what you think 🏊😄
Hello, loving the vids! Slowly making my way through them and what amazing info you have on here. I live in Fareham, not too far from the New Forest. Is there any places you would recommend for a winter beginner or would you say the sea is a good place to start?
Hi there! Thanks for joining me. I'd say the sea is the easiest place to get going and it tends to be a degree or two warmer than the inland waters. There are several Facebook swim groups over your way - the Shark Shack (Hill Head, I think) and Win the Morning Win the Day who swim on Friday mornings at Stokes Bay Gosport..
Hi Rachel, just found your channel after you gave me a follow on Instagram. Really good informative video, I’m going to check out some of your others over the week! Keep up the good work Ash 🏕
@@EverydayAthleteRach hmmmmmmm, mostly like a frantic eel (although obviously still think I look like a swan). Am just starting with open water swimming and your videos are fantastic!
@@mandydrake9015 I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the videos. There are so many options for outdoors swimming and there’s almost always something nearby to hop in to 🏊♀️😀
Hi Rachel, You have really inspired me with you clear, interesting and common sense advice! Thank you. Please could you tell me where on the Itchen you are swimming. Where did you park and the access the river? Do you know how one can find out about the water quality of a river. I love river swimming and I will definitely follow your advice! When lock down is over ans it is safe ans appropriate to do so maybe we could meet up for a swim in the Itchen. All good wishes and thanks, Jane
This is a popular spot for swimmers in the Hampshire Open Water Swimmers on Facebook, it is near to Bishopstoke, easy to spot from a riverside walk. I won't put the exact location here. 🏊😄
Hi there, loved the video and i do live nearish River Itchin but could not recognize the spot, could you give me any map directions where you have done it?
Park at the Hub in Eastleigh and walk upstream next to the river until you reach the second set of dog steps, swim back down to the first set to get out 🏊♀️😀
I’ve only done one dip so far, into the North Sea off Northumberland - but am keen to continue and your videos are not only extremely helpful but fascinating too. I would like to ask you about Weill’s disease; I’ve always understood that all inland waterways are infected but clearly this isn’t the case or I doubt you’d be happily going into them! How do you avoid contracting it?
Hi Alex, welcome to the clan! Weils disease comes from rat's urine. Most likely place to come into contact with it on the river bank. I keep cuts covered, and wash my hands before eating and I would visit a doctor if I got flu like symptoms after swimming outdoors: www.nhs.uk/conditions/leptospirosis/
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks so much for your speedy reply! It’s good to know that there are simple ways to avoid getting it. Since I live right beside a beautiful river as well as quite close to the sea, it’s very tempting to give it a go some day!
@@EverydayAthleteRach I just started sea swimming and your videos are so informative and interesting. 😊 yet to try a river but excited too after your video. It looked like a beautiful swim xx
Hi I enjoyed your video , I’ve never done wild water swimming so can you give me some advice? Is it best to buy a wetsuit? I did notice that your very brave considering the river is quite cold. I’m only a slow breast stroke swimmer, I do worry a little about how dirty the water maybe?
The water in this river is from a chalk stream and is very clear. I never have any worries about the water being dirty. That said, I don't swim for a couple of days after heavy or sustained rain because of the surface run off from fields, roads, and sometimes the draininage system is overwhelmed and the water company releases into the rivers. After a couple of days it's back to normal. I have a playlist about getting started with outdoor swimming which will probably answer quite a few of your questions: ruclips.net/p/PLrBM9GuZgXX6dGkhGdXU1TPD2N69EA_UU See you in the water soon 🏊😀
Great video. I kind of do this instinctively but when cold what is at play , better to think it through. By the way , you didn’t flinch getting in that water. I got in three weeks ago and was outmoded breath , promptly got out and ordered a wet suit 🤣
I think these are skills which are in everyone, if they pay attention and tap into it, thinking 'what will happen if I do nothing?' I bet the wetsuit has made a huge difference!
That looks so beautiful and an escape from reality! I thought you controlled yourself really well whilst swooshing - was it an effort to move sideways? When driving the faster the speed the slower the steering must be but that's because the road surface is still! Less the case with a swoosh so maybe it's a bit more of an effort? Plus less buoyancy than the sea :)
It is a really picturesque spot, and the weather was kind so I could show plenty of leaves changing colour. Moving sideways in the flow is easy, so long as I give myself enough time. I sight really far down the river so I know where I need to be. You certainly feel the reduced buoyancy compared to the sea. 🏊♀️😀
I love your friendly presentation. How can you keep smiling when surely your teeth must be chattering?! Once again, useful information. I've also watched your videos on acclimatisation. What worries me about swimming down rivers is the awful stories you hear of drowning. Is it true that reeds can grab your legs and pull you down? Can you guess what it is that causes swimmers to drown in rivers?
Hi Peter, I wouldn't want to speculate of the main cause. But stats show that 80% of people who drown were not expecting to be in the water - fell in/boat capsized/drunk. If you're in a river you should keep your feet up to avoid the plantlife below. Should your foot get tangled, it is the current that will keep the body moving, but the trapped limb which will stop it being able to go with the flow. Much the same can be said for walking in fast-flowing water with rocks - foot gets trapped, weight of water pushes the person over. River water is mostly colder than the sea too, so swimming in a river can initially take your breath away - get in in an eddy or where there is little flow to get your breathing under control before setting off on your swim. 🏊😃
My first and last river swim gave me river itch.Had it for 2 weeks. What about swimming with the current.Is it generally ok if mild and if I know the route well?
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thankyou, that's handy to know, I'm more to lake and upland river dips, but got a wierd fear of being chewed by fish, and an eel wrapped round my ankles would be way too much!
Hi Teresa, it is pasture land, and I don't put my mouth or face in the water after it has been raining. So far I've been sick only once, by accidentally swimming past a sewage treatment plant. I made a video about that: Is it ok to swim in a river after heavy rain? ruclips.net/video/E_5NCphzZ9E/видео.html And this one about the risks of swimming in lowland rivers in the rain: ruclips.net/video/HNtUbk52Jv4/видео.html
Hi Jack, this one was about reading the water, not the water quality. However, here are two others which cover that topic: What are the risks of swimming in the rain? (lowland rivers / coast) ruclips.net/video/HNtUbk52Jv4/видео.html Is it ok to swim in a river after heavy rain? ruclips.net/video/E_5NCphzZ9E/видео.html Hope you find what you're looking for in these 🏊😃
I m afraid of snakes and python underwater. Can u do video on that. Everybody knows about ocean marine life and its risks. But, not everyone talks about Lake with fresh water (fresh water and depth) and river (which I am afraid of). My main concern is snake and python, usually in lakes they swim on the surface but python they can sit down underwater for 10 to 15 minutes to catch prey. So, when ever i go in the lake deep one i wait for 10 to 15 mins. Because lake water are merky and has almost zero visibility. We can only see our hand. Could you tell more about marine life and fear of animal in these water bodies? And is it rational to think about pythons in deep water or even snakes. Thanks in advance....love your videos. For swimmers its a life saver.😀👍
Hi Pradeep I'm sorry to hear that you worry about marine life when you are swimming. In the UK we only have one venemous snake and it is really small and shy, it's called an adder. Adders and grass snakes can swim, but I've never seen one. People who have seen them have seen them in the water have spotted them swimming on the surface of a lake or river. If I go somewhere with more scarey wildlife, I will make a video about it. Most of the time animals are more frightened of humans so they keep out of the way.
Park at 'the Hub' in Eastleigh and follow the riverside path upstream alongside the Itchen until you reach the second set of dog steps, swim down to the first set with tall poplar trees behind them. It is deep enough to swim the whole way, although you bump the riverbed in a couple of places if you stray out of the main flow (near the weir I walked over). As it is a chalk stream it is gin clear unless there's been a lot of rain, and then it is very chilly. 🏊😄
Hi Daniel, thank for watching. I have looked into the Wim Hof Method, but have so far not investigated it far enough to try it out as I haven't felt I needed anything else. I'll bare it in mind though. Is it something that you personally do when you swim on cold water? 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach hey! Yes I practice it daily and every week I spend 30mins in an Ice Bath. it’s amazing for wild swimming. Not just for resistance to cold, but for athletic performance as well! It has many, many benefits
If in doubt, just dip in an eddy outside the flow of the river. If you're in the UK the level of the river is probably pretty low at the moment so may be worth staying out so as not to damage habitats by standing on the river bed or yourself bumping into protrusions from the riverbed, like rocks. Take a look at it and see how you feel. There'll always be a lake, the sea or a lido nearby x
@@EverydayAthleteRach I am in Romania right now, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I thought it would be freezing but it was just abit cold. Fun experience 👍👍
Apparently the Environmental Agency spokeperson on ITV recently has told us we shouldn't swim in Rivers and leave the Fish alone to continue to swim in polluted waters. The water that's most likely been polluted by illegally untreated water dumping by the water boards. Some say the water boards are getting away with it due to the incompetence of the regulator
@@EverydayAthleteRach I wonder what it's like for the poor Fish and other creatures swimming about in the Rivers It's quite ironic in history lessons how we look back at the Industrial Revolution and its effect on polluting Rivers. Yet its happening in present time
Good informative video, however it's a bit of a shame that you didn't take the opportunity to point out some of the damage to the environment that swimmers can cause. 2 of your "get out" points are areas with river revetment installed (your so called spikey bits!) to protect the bank from erosion. You had an opportunity here to point them out and maybe say you'd note it as an emergency get out point, but to avoid using in normal circumstances due to causing unnecessary erosion to the river bank. Sadly again you used the erosion patch at the Withymead dog-dip steps. The steps are there for a reason - please use them! The other thing you could have mentioned is how you should spend as little time walking along and disturbing the river bed as possible during the coming months - the salmon come to breed there and we can easily destroy their reds.
Hi Ele, thank you for your feedback. I think it sounds like a video on how to minimise the environmental impact of swimming could be a good topic. Would you be interested in helping me with that? I hadn't realised the reason for the steps, thinking they were a hangover from something. When I have climbed down them I've found them to be really slippery - maybe the jump is better here? Now you point it out it makes perfect sense. Good point on the salmon breeding too. I consider myself better informed for your comment, thank you 🏊♀️😀
This was really helpful, thank you. I've been swimming in rivers all my life, and instinctively follow this advice, but the video has made me realise the importance of voicing my internal dialogue when wild swimming with my husband and son. It looks a beautiful spot!
Hi Tamsin this is great to hear! I think there are quite a few people just starting out on their wild swimming journery who may not yet have river-reading skills. I hope this video helps them to see that understanding what you're doing and making choices on swim position in the water, not just going with the flow, is where our confidence comes from 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach I would not dare swim in a river, but thank you for your advice!!!
Hi Rachel... your Tuesday morning in the UK is my Monday evening in 🇨🇦. In addition to the time difference, we also have a massive difference in our rivers. At this time of the year my local river has ice floes coming down it. For this reason, I’m sticking with the local lakes until freeze-up ❄️💦. I loved seeing the scenery as you were walking & swimming, and it was interesting to see what things you look for when you swim a river. This was a great little video. Thank-you for sharing your passion for wild swimming... I love it!! 🏊♀️
Hi Mary, I was thinking of you when I put in bits of the walk as I know you say you enjoy the scenery. Rivers are pretty different all over the place. This one is exceptionally clear because it is a chalk stream but with that it's rather chilly, not enough for ice floes thankfully! Hope you can keep swimming for a few weeks to come 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach When you have minute can you fill me in on what is a “chalk stream”? (Yes... I could Google it, but you’re far more interesting. Haha)
Just that the river flows out of springs in bedrock formed of chalk, making for crystal clear water www.wildlifetrusts.org/habitats/freshwater/chalk-rivers
Here is the one I was swimming in: www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/explore/rivers-and-canals/river-itchen
Excellent advice - good safety prompts too 🏊
Thank you, and thanks for watching 🏊😃
As we can't get to our river swim at the moment - how amazing to take part in yours! Could really feel the water. Very informative. Than you
Hi Jean thanks for joining me. I hope you enjoyed the swoosh! Hope your recovery vet returns to swimable soon. Stay safe and well 🏊♀️😀
Hi, this was a lovely video to watch. I’ve only ‘swam’ in our local river a couple of times before, but I’m keen to take this up more frequently.
Thanks for watching, this is a lovely spot. All the same kind of checks apply when walking up a river to check out the hazards. Enjoy the water!
Thank you Rachel. Hope I’ve spelt your name correctly! I’m a novice and finding your videos immensely helpful. I’ve lived by the Wye for a long time and wish I’d swum in it years ago! Your vids are excellent and I’m very grateful to you.
Ah the Wye is a beautiful river. I worked on it around Glasbury in my early career and have kayaked or canoes several sections. I've yet to swim in it, but next time I'm nearby I'll be getting in! Thank you for your lovely comment. 🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach Give me a shout if you’re swinging by the Forest of Dean to Ross section of the Wye. Of course, a solitude swim is lovely but do both! I’d be delighted to see you
Very relaxing video. I 'dip' in the sea regularly, but normally use the river more in the Summer, but it did look so peaceful. 😊
It’s tranquil, more so early or late, when there are less people walking or running along the path 🏊♀️😀
So peaceful! The water is crystal clear. It’s amazing how fast it flows, it looks quite calm from above but it looked tricky to get to the other side. I’m from the UK, but live in Greece now. I enjoy your videos as it reminds me of home. I haven’t been able to get back since before the first lockdown so I can’t wait to go again. You can’t beat the British countryside🤩
I made the last part of the crossing to the otherside look like hard work as I reduced the angle of my body a little bit early, ferry gliding takes the strain out of crossing. I hope you can get back soon and get an eyeful of our pretty countryside 🏊😄
Great video focusing on safety thank you .
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it 🏊♀️😀
Looks like a lovely walk along the river too.
It was really lovely and the water is so clear you can see the river bed 🏊😄
Lovely video!! Very relaxing swim from the looks of it 😊
It is a super little spot and great summer or winter. The water is gin clear too.
Lovely video! Thanks for the detailed advice and beautiful scenery.
Thanks for watching, I’m pleased you enjoyed it 🏊♀️😀
I did my first solo river swim at the weekend and it was amazing. Your videos have really helped me know what I’m doing. Thanks Rachel
Great job! It's beautiful to be submerged in nature 🏊♀️😀
I love lowland rivers, the first time I swam in a quite fast flowing river in the Belgian mountains, the water was really fast and shallow, and there were a lot of sharp rocks, so I came out with bruises and a few slight cuts that didn’t go through my skin.
Fast flowing mountain streams are a bit cheeky. Mountain pools are fun though.
Dear, seen your channel today first with this your tutorial! Thanks a lot! Respect for swimming in that cold water! Besides the main topic I also like a lot the nice landscape you're swimming in and of course your "sharkasm" shirt.
I live in Berlin with much water but all concrete surrounded. Got to find a place... thanks again!
Hi thanks for watching. I do try to vary where I shoot the videos in my local area to try and catch some pretty scenery. Hampshire is a beautiful county. I’m sure you’ll find so wilder swim spots if you go a little further out. I recently read a book called ‘Turning’ by Jessica J Lee it is about her discovery of loving wild swimming as she swam in many lakes in the Berlin surroundings of Berlin, Potsdam, Wandlitz, Königs Wusterhausen it was a lovely book and made me want to visit Berlin!
@@EverydayAthleteRach yeah, I read her book as well👍and I know quite a few of her places. To be honest I stopped outdoor swimming when it got cold, changed into indoor pools. But since Nov 1st they're all locked down. I already swam in spring lockdown with Neo, have to try again now...
Thank you for the inspiration, Rachel.
It looked so peaceful! 😀💚
It's a silky smooth quick glide through the beauiful countryside. Such a lovely swim and the water is exceptionally clear too, because it is a chalk stream. 🏊😄
Really enjoyed this - thank you! Very soothing to watch but just some great tips too!
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed it 🏊♀️😀
It seems swimming is the same as boating with no rudder. If you've ever used a space flight simulator it's the same idea: You consider the momentum you've already got, the direction you are travelling in and apply thrust in an appropriate direction that will alter your trajectory to the direction you want to go next. ...Oh and of course in a river the "space" isn't flat and even - it curves around things and stretches out and bunches up, etc!
You're absolutley right, it's about reading and anticipating the watery flow and using it to your advantage, rather than fighting it.
Great section of river I know it well. I've dived in at that get in a few times
Wow! That would have been bold in the temp that day! I'd have been gasping! It's a beautiful strect though 🏊♀️😀
Excellent advice thanks.
Thanks for watching. Good to hear you enjoyed it 🏊♀️😀
I am a somewhat fanatical long distance swimmer @@EverydayAthleteRach in the sense that I take risks which I shouldn't swimming in strong current rivers and doing lake crossings alone of several kilometers at age 61. Watching your video reminded me that we should all be careful when swimming especially alone. In Thailand I did a 6 miles swim with a friend which was folly because we were unprepared , had not checked the currents nor the distance and were very far from land...we were lucky to get back unscathed. Do you ever exceed your limits?
@@stevemorse108 yes sometimes, but more through bloody mindedness. Sometimes I’ve pushed it too far in poor conditions and got sick swimming in a river after heavy rain when the conditions on the coast were too wild for a 7km swim. The issues are usually fatigue and mentally wringing myself dry. I swim parallel to the land usually but have swim across an alpine lake in lightening - one of my less clever decisions. Swim safe!
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks for your reply....bloody mindedness yes I can relate to this. Nietzsche wrote "The line between will power and obstinacy can become blurred". The satisfaction of crossing a lake and returning feels transcendental somehow. I sometimes have to overcome nerves in the middle of a lake; mind over matter type of dynamic.The lightening lake crossing sounds exalting. In days of yore I imagine that after walking in the woods and hearing wolves howl and many other dangers one felt safe within the castle walls. In Zen Buddhism it is said that we appreciate things by contrast i.e. a soft mattress after a hard stone etc..
Love your videos Rachel, thank you. Always so positive and inspiring. I'm new to regular wild swimming, since August (in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland) and your advice has been so helpful. I'm interested to know how long ago you started outdoor swimming, and do you prefer swimming alone or is it just out of necessity? Best wishes, Alex
Hi Alex, welcome to the clan! I've always enjoyed hoping in for a swim anywhere that's wet, but took it more seriously a few years ago when I trained for the Dart10K. If I'm training I like to swim alone, so I don't hold anyone up, or accidentally encourage them to stay in longer than they otherwise would have. I also enjoy just hanging out with nature and taking it all in. I'm opportunistic too and often decide to swim last minute. That said, I do like a swim with one or two other people for a bit of company sometimes 🏊♀️🏊♀️🏊♀️😀
I'm learning more about the rivers due to boating, but I'm also planning on doing a bit of swimming. Nobody ever mentioned the floating debris just under the surface. What looks like a stick may be a huge tree trunk and what looks like a plank of wood could be an entire pallet! And there could also be some yucky things which are not so much boat hazards but more swimmer hazards! Saw some ducks SPEEDING down a fast flowing river then expertly halting in an eddy section. :) ...Yes, I was wondering if it was because they saw me. They waited downstream a bit and it paid off - I threw some pieces of apple I was eating in the water and a moment later they moved in line with it. When you're at the water's edge swans will tend to harass you for food, but not everyone is there to feed them. :/
It's lovely to watch the wildlife at one with the watery environment and interact with it.
This was very useful, thank you. You have confirmed what I do instinctively so this makes me feel better about knowing what I do. I think I know where this is and will be swooshing soon. I’d like to get a bit further up if it’s possible so will go for a scout out first. Thanks again :)
Wonderful! I scouted a little further up, there's a weir under a bridge and then it's clear for quite a bit further up but looks quite shallow. I'd be interested to know what you think 🏊😄
Hello, loving the vids! Slowly making my way through them and what amazing info you have on here.
I live in Fareham, not too far from the New Forest. Is there any places you would recommend for a winter beginner or would you say the sea is a good place to start?
Hi there! Thanks for joining me. I'd say the sea is the easiest place to get going and it tends to be a degree or two warmer than the inland waters. There are several Facebook swim groups over your way - the Shark Shack (Hill Head, I think) and Win the Morning Win the Day who swim on Friday mornings at Stokes Bay Gosport..
Love your videos Rachel. Really helpful and encouraging x
Thank you so much! I'm pleased you enjoy them 🏊♀️😀
Hi Rachel, just found your channel after you gave me a follow on Instagram. Really good informative video, I’m going to check out some of your others over the week! Keep up the good work
Ash 🏕
Hi Ash, I got wind of you from Dong Dipper Adventures, I’m gonna check out some of your vids too 🏊♀️😀
Brilliant, thanks Rachel!
I'm pleased you enjoyed it Mandy, do you swim like your namesake or more like a swan? 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach hmmmmmmm, mostly like a frantic eel (although obviously still think I look like a swan). Am just starting with open water swimming and your videos are fantastic!
@@mandydrake9015 I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the videos. There are so many options for outdoors swimming and there’s almost always something nearby to hop in to 🏊♀️😀
Hi Rachel,
You have really inspired me with you clear, interesting and common sense advice! Thank you. Please could you tell me where on the Itchen you are swimming. Where did you park and the access the river? Do you know how one can find out about the water quality of a river. I love river swimming and I will definitely follow your advice! When lock down is over ans it is safe ans appropriate to do so maybe we could meet up for a swim in the Itchen. All good wishes and thanks, Jane
This is a popular spot for swimmers in the Hampshire Open Water Swimmers on Facebook, it is near to Bishopstoke, easy to spot from a riverside walk. I won't put the exact location here. 🏊😄
Hi there, loved the video and i do live nearish River Itchin but could not recognize the spot, could you give me any map directions where you have done it?
Park at the Hub in Eastleigh and walk upstream next to the river until you reach the second set of dog steps, swim back down to the first set to get out 🏊♀️😀
I’ve only done one dip so far, into the North Sea off Northumberland - but am keen to continue and your videos are not only extremely helpful but fascinating too. I would like to ask you about Weill’s disease; I’ve always understood that all inland waterways are infected but clearly this isn’t the case or I doubt you’d be happily going into them! How do you avoid contracting it?
Hi Alex, welcome to the clan! Weils disease comes from rat's urine. Most likely place to come into contact with it on the river bank. I keep cuts covered, and wash my hands before eating and I would visit a doctor if I got flu like symptoms after swimming outdoors: www.nhs.uk/conditions/leptospirosis/
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks so much for your speedy reply! It’s good to know that there are simple ways to avoid getting it. Since I live right beside a beautiful river as well as quite close to the sea, it’s very tempting to give it a go some day!
Wonderful video, thank you 😊
I'm pleased you enjoyed it 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach I just started sea swimming and your videos are so informative and interesting. 😊 yet to try a river but excited too after your video. It looked like a beautiful swim xx
@@aoifel77 it was a corker!
Hi I enjoyed your video , I’ve never done wild water swimming so can you give me some advice? Is it best to buy a wetsuit? I did notice that your very brave considering the river is quite cold. I’m only a slow breast stroke swimmer, I do worry a little about how dirty the water maybe?
The water in this river is from a chalk stream and is very clear. I never have any worries about the water being dirty. That said, I don't swim for a couple of days after heavy or sustained rain because of the surface run off from fields, roads, and sometimes the draininage system is overwhelmed and the water company releases into the rivers. After a couple of days it's back to normal. I have a playlist about getting started with outdoor swimming which will probably answer quite a few of your questions: ruclips.net/p/PLrBM9GuZgXX6dGkhGdXU1TPD2N69EA_UU
See you in the water soon 🏊😀
Thank you, this was very helpful!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Great video. I kind of do this instinctively but when cold what is at play , better to think it through. By the way , you didn’t flinch getting in that water. I got in three weeks ago and was outmoded breath , promptly got out and ordered a wet suit 🤣
I think these are skills which are in everyone, if they pay attention and tap into it, thinking 'what will happen if I do nothing?' I bet the wetsuit has made a huge difference!
Great video Rachel 👌
Glad you liked it!! 🏊😄
That looks so beautiful and an escape from reality! I thought you controlled yourself really well whilst swooshing - was it an effort to move sideways? When driving the faster the speed the slower the steering must be but that's because the road surface is still! Less the case with a swoosh so maybe it's a bit more of an effort? Plus less buoyancy than the sea :)
It is a really picturesque spot, and the weather was kind so I could show plenty of leaves changing colour. Moving sideways in the flow is easy, so long as I give myself enough time. I sight really far down the river so I know where I need to be. You certainly feel the reduced buoyancy compared to the sea. 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach sounds like vision is of the utmost importance and that yours is dandy.
I should invest in prescribed goggles!
Great video and amazing content as always 😊
Thank you so much 😁 I'm looking forward to your next video.
Ah the Itchen, such an amazing river, clear waters, and deep pools. Have you swam at the Weir ?
Hi James, I swam through Compton Lock, if that's the weir you mean, the day after this, so fizzy and exhilirating! 🏊♀️😀
I love your friendly presentation. How can you keep smiling when surely your teeth must be chattering?!
Once again, useful information. I've also watched your videos on acclimatisation. What worries me about swimming down rivers is the awful stories you hear of drowning. Is it true that reeds can grab your legs and pull you down? Can you guess what it is that causes swimmers to drown in rivers?
Hi Peter, I wouldn't want to speculate of the main cause. But stats show that 80% of people who drown were not expecting to be in the water - fell in/boat capsized/drunk. If you're in a river you should keep your feet up to avoid the plantlife below. Should your foot get tangled, it is the current that will keep the body moving, but the trapped limb which will stop it being able to go with the flow. Much the same can be said for walking in fast-flowing water with rocks - foot gets trapped, weight of water pushes the person over. River water is mostly colder than the sea too, so swimming in a river can initially take your breath away - get in in an eddy or where there is little flow to get your breathing under control before setting off on your swim. 🏊😃
My first and last river swim gave me river itch.Had it for 2 weeks.
What about swimming with the current.Is it generally ok if mild and if I know the route well?
I often swim with the current, I'm just mindful of being swept on to hazards.
really helpful, thank you
Glad it was helpful! 🏊😄
In the lowland river are eels or large fish a concern ?
I mean you might spot an eel or a fish, but they tend to just shimmy away from you. I love it if I spot anything else alive in the water! 🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thankyou, that's handy to know, I'm more to lake and upland river dips, but got a wierd fear of being chewed by fish, and an eel wrapped round my ankles would be way too much!
You mention run off. Looks like to me there is pasture land there. Doesn't look safe to me. E coli anyone?
Hi Teresa, it is pasture land, and I don't put my mouth or face in the water after it has been raining. So far I've been sick only once, by accidentally swimming past a sewage treatment plant. I made a video about that: Is it ok to swim in a river after heavy rain? ruclips.net/video/E_5NCphzZ9E/видео.html
And this one about the risks of swimming in lowland rivers in the rain: ruclips.net/video/HNtUbk52Jv4/видео.html
What about sewage? I came to this video to see if it is safe to swim in rivers near highly populated towns.
Hi Jack, this one was about reading the water, not the water quality. However, here are two others which cover that topic:
What are the risks of swimming in the rain? (lowland rivers / coast) ruclips.net/video/HNtUbk52Jv4/видео.html
Is it ok to swim in a river after heavy rain? ruclips.net/video/E_5NCphzZ9E/видео.html
Hope you find what you're looking for in these 🏊😃
I m afraid of snakes and python underwater. Can u do video on that. Everybody knows about ocean marine life and its risks. But, not everyone talks about Lake with fresh water (fresh water and depth) and river (which I am afraid of). My main concern is snake and python, usually in lakes they swim on the surface but python they can sit down underwater for 10 to 15 minutes to catch prey. So, when ever i go in the lake deep one i wait for 10 to 15 mins. Because lake water are merky and has almost zero visibility. We can only see our hand.
Could you tell more about marine life and fear of animal in these water bodies? And is it rational to think about pythons in deep water or even snakes.
Thanks in advance....love your videos. For swimmers its a life saver.😀👍
Hi Pradeep I'm sorry to hear that you worry about marine life when you are swimming. In the UK we only have one venemous snake and it is really small and shy, it's called an adder. Adders and grass snakes can swim, but I've never seen one. People who have seen them have seen them in the water have spotted them swimming on the surface of a lake or river. If I go somewhere with more scarey wildlife, I will make a video about it. Most of the time animals are more frightened of humans so they keep out of the way.
Where exactly is that beautiful place and how deep is it ?
Park at 'the Hub' in Eastleigh and follow the riverside path upstream alongside the Itchen until you reach the second set of dog steps, swim down to the first set with tall poplar trees behind them. It is deep enough to swim the whole way, although you bump the riverbed in a couple of places if you stray out of the main flow (near the weir I walked over). As it is a chalk stream it is gin clear unless there's been a lot of rain, and then it is very chilly. 🏊😄
Hi, that rivers looks very safe, Where exactly is that? Harmpshire but which river?
Hi Freddy it is the River Itchen 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach Many Thanks! I am definitely visiting there! best regards
how clear is that water!
So clear, it's beautiful, I often spot fish darting around 🏊😀
Helpful information for cold water -> LEARN THE WIM HOF METHOD
Hi Daniel, thank for watching. I have looked into the Wim Hof Method, but have so far not investigated it far enough to try it out as I haven't felt I needed anything else. I'll bare it in mind though. Is it something that you personally do when you swim on cold water? 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach hey! Yes I practice it daily and every week I spend 30mins in an Ice Bath. it’s amazing for wild swimming. Not just for resistance to cold, but for athletic performance as well! It has many, many benefits
I might give it a bit more thought :)
Are you allowed To swim currently in England?
Yes, but we should be swimming in our local area and only with house hold members or alone with one other person (reply correct on 13 November 20)
I know how to swim pretty well in pools, but my family is driving to a river right now and I'm abit scared 😂
If in doubt, just dip in an eddy outside the flow of the river. If you're in the UK the level of the river is probably pretty low at the moment so may be worth staying out so as not to damage habitats by standing on the river bed or yourself bumping into protrusions from the riverbed, like rocks. Take a look at it and see how you feel. There'll always be a lake, the sea or a lido nearby x
@@EverydayAthleteRach I am in Romania right now, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I thought it would be freezing but it was just abit cold. Fun experience 👍👍
@@dexterousadept8374 brilliant!
Apparently the Environmental Agency spokeperson on ITV recently has told us we shouldn't swim in Rivers and leave the Fish alone to continue to swim in polluted waters. The water that's most likely been polluted by illegally untreated water dumping by the water boards. Some say the water boards are getting away with it due to the incompetence of the regulator
I never swim in the river or sea during or after heavy rain to avoid run off of any kind 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach
I wonder what it's like for the poor Fish and other creatures swimming about in the Rivers
It's quite ironic in history lessons how we look back at the Industrial Revolution and its effect on polluting Rivers. Yet its happening in present time
That lake looks filthy
It's a very clean chalk stream with great visibility through the water so long as it hasn't been raining 🏊😀
I thought I could just float underneath it next min you say stay away from it lol
It’s good to really keep an eye on what the water is doing and where you’ll float to 🏊♀️😀
A man has fallen into a river in lego city
Oh really? Hope he was ok.
Good informative video, however it's a bit of a shame that you didn't take the opportunity to point out some of the damage to the environment that swimmers can cause. 2 of your "get out" points are areas with river revetment installed (your so called spikey bits!) to protect the bank from erosion. You had an opportunity here to point them out and maybe say you'd note it as an emergency get out point, but to avoid using in normal circumstances due to causing unnecessary erosion to the river bank. Sadly again you used the erosion patch at the Withymead dog-dip steps. The steps are there for a reason - please use them! The other thing you could have mentioned is how you should spend as little time walking along and disturbing the river bed as possible during the coming months - the salmon come to breed there and we can easily destroy their reds.
Hi Ele, thank you for your feedback. I think it sounds like a video on how to minimise the environmental impact of swimming could be a good topic. Would you be interested in helping me with that? I hadn't realised the reason for the steps, thinking they were a hangover from something. When I have climbed down them I've found them to be really slippery - maybe the jump is better here? Now you point it out it makes perfect sense. Good point on the salmon breeding too. I consider myself better informed for your comment, thank you 🏊♀️😀
I dunno how I ended up watching this but it gives me anxiety 😂😐
Oh dear, many people find watching or being in water helps with anxiety. I hope it didn;t upset you too much, Rach x