tips for a safe winter swim

[@adaptivo3692]

Slightly random fact: when Yvon Chouinard (who went on to found the Patagonia clothing line) was in his tent after a day’s climbing in Antarctica, he found he could not heat up despite trying everything. Eventually he downed a shot glass of olive oil and this kickstarted his system to release some stored fat, which warmed him. This principle has been used by alpine climbers for a long time and I have found cheese to be effective at warming me up when trying to get to sleep on cold mountain ledges in the Alps. So there’s a good excuse to eat a lump of cheese!!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Maybe my Christmas Eve sunrise dip will be accompanied by cheese and biscuits rather than cake. Great shout!

[@rinchenpema8]

This is so interesting hearing what Yvon did. Unlike Rachel, who doesn't want a milky drink, I love to drink hot chocolate after a cold dip. I also add cardamom, cinnamon and a small dollop of ghee. Now it makes even more sense to keep the ghee added to my drink.

[@adaptivo3692]

Yes; not sure if Yvon drinking the olive oil was intuitive or not, but I’ve tried it before when very cold and it did warm me, so perhaps there is some basis for the theory that it “tricks” the body into releasing stored fat because it knows more is on the way. Hell who cares, just eat cheese!

[@ingom6363]

@@rinchenpema8 I give up Wendy, what's Ghee?

[@anvangheluwe4049]

@@ingom6363 sort of idian butter. I don't know how to explain well in English, bit if you heat up ordinary butter, it separates in oil'like substance and other white stuff. The oil- like substance is ghee. When it cools down again it becomes solid again.

[@swimmerwater]

Rachel, Last year your videos helped me through my first winter of swimming. I'm still at it with a few new swimmers who join me everyday. Your videos are the BEST! Thank you Again!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Theresa thanks for letting me know how you're getting on and for keeping watching my videos, it's super to know you're still at it and encouraging more people to get involved! 🏊😃

[@adaptivo3692]

Anyone considering solo swimming like this would do well to note the emphasis placed on time in the water and position (relative to the bag onshore) in this video.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Glad those messages came across loud and clear 🏊‍♀️😀

[@squiffell]

Great wee summary of the important points to consider for winter swimming and a useful reminder for those who are seasoned winter swimmers - this in only my second winter. I've learned so much from your videos over the past 15 months. Thanks so much! And not only do I grin like you while I'm in the water (and for a considerable time afterwards) your lovely smile and cheery chatter make me smile back at you every time I watch your clips. BTW, none of the Splashers timed themselves on Sunday. 🙄 Cheers from Edinburgh, Rebekka x

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Rebekka, nice to hear from you. There's time for the Splashers to time themselves next time, the limit is the end of the season. It was really just to get people thinking about changing quickly. Enjoy the water! Rach x

[@spiderrouge5335]

Lovely little video Rache; you’ve been such an inspiration and font of knowledge to newbies and old salts alike for absolute yonks and I thank you for providing such wonderful and safety minded content. 🙏🏻 I’m still enjoying my on board Cake and Coffee whilst bobbing around at the the end my swim and I’ve called this activity ‘Race-To-The-Face!’ (I am alone in thinking that this is a great idea and fear that it will not catch on...especially after “The Affair Of The Baked Potato,” sinking without a trace despite huge amounts of tuna and swimming less than 500mtrs into driving rain. I shall secure it with TWO elastic bands instead of eco-friendly hand-woven kelp fronds should I try it again...or maybe liquidise it first to make use of Neutral Buoyancy. And don’t worry about it going to waste, I have spotted several snorkel clad spearfishermen in this particular dock, and I’m sure anything with Tuna would be a rare and exotic prize). I have tried out your suggestion by the way with my 35 ltr Seac tow float, not a bad idea thanks but it’s a bit too bright a yellow for fine dinning though a good size. Post Aquatic Repast would be a far more comfortable experience still if the mean girl would allow me use her stand-up-paddle board as a floating breakfast table instead of a place to do Public Open Air Underwater Yoga... Anyway, Stay safe, keep warm and should you ever find yourself here in ‘Grim-Oop-Norfff,’ give us a shout and you can have a splash at Salford Quays; it’s a great swim and with half of the country’s TV Production less than a stone’s throw across the water, you never know who you may bob into and I think you’d do very well with your own little TV Programme. Merry Xmas and a Happy, Splashy New Year to you and yours. Spider

[@alisonbeck3209]

I guessed that was Eling Rach. I spent many happy times as a kid on goatee beach but we were never allowed to swim, just in case we got stuck in the mud😂 It’s all been spruced up since I was a kid. Eling church is a lovely little church. I’m only swimming in a Lido at the moment and using a wetsuit so I can stay in longer to get my swimming confidence ready for Calshot in the spring! I was going to do my changing challenge time but got stuck in my wetsuit! so I think I’m still on the outside of ten minutes to get changed. My go to drink is green and blacks hot chocolate made with almond milk, peppermint tea or soup if it’s near lunch time.. love the video and very helpful hints. Thanks for sharing. 😀

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for watching Alison. I'm please to hear you're working on your confidence. ry to pour some water into the wetsuit to unstick it, otherwise, whip it off in the water as you're about to get out. It's a bit refreshing, but it comes off like a banana skin. There is a time that's been set for a wetsuit and it's over 11 mins, so you should give it a go :)

[@JMarkLoughridge]

Thank you for all your wonderful videos-so helpful. I especially found the dry robe comparison ones useful when I was purchasing! One thing I find helpful before I get in is to splash water on the back of my neck, to give my body a signal that I am getting in to cold water! As far as I understand it, it is close enough to the vagus nerve which controls breathing/pulse etc. I find it starts to regulate my breathing before I am actually in deep.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for coming along for the ride Mark. Brilliant tip about the neck splash. Hope you’re keeping fit and well! 🏊‍♀️😀

[@Jellyfish_Openwaterswim]

Good morning Rach. I did 30 times openwater swimming after whatching your video. Finally yesterday, -5 degrees celsius winter swim too.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey there, welcome to my channel! Sounds like it's pretty chilly where you're swimming! Where in the world are you? 🏊😃

[@jessieharris3899]

Thanks for another great video. I started swimming outdoors in March 20 and got seriously cold after my first dip - novice mistake, stayed in way too long. Your videos have been really helpful and I'm much more safety savvy these days. I'm absolutely hooked and plan to go through the winter without a wetsuit. I hate milky drinks in my flask too so I bring peppermint tea and eat some dark chocolate with it - it's like liquid after eights! Not sure how well it'd go with cheese though!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Oh wow Jessie, the peppermint tea plus dark choc sounds like a really tasty combo. I'm please to hear that managing to get super cold early on that you've stuck with it. Good luck with this winter's swimming. Enjoy the water 🏊😃

[@cinderelladevil1687]

Hi Rachel. I live in Spain. I am taking up cold swiming. I am looking forward to the winter months. I live in Pamplona, and my husband and I have found a pond next to our home to go swiming. Your videos are so inspiring for us.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Cinderella De Vil thanks for getting in touch. It's great to hear you have found a local swim spot. As you go into the winter months, be sure to reduce your time in the water as the water cools - in the winter it's really just dipping and floating for most of us 🏊😀

[@RossCraigAvon]

What a fabulous place to swim I love the basque region and Northern Spain good luck and stay healthy

[@rachpwanders6095]

Great points on not trying to stay in for fitness at this time of year. Winter dips may be short, but it's nice just being able to stop and enjoy what's around you. I have hot squash too, but sometimes have a fruity green tea or rooibos tea instead 😋.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Fruity squash is really my go to for chilling out and taking it all in post-swim. Thanks for joining me 🏊😃

[@suebrown4420]

Lemon & Ginger Tea for me(ginger psychologically helps me to feel warm) or at this time of the year Sainsburys Merry Berry non alcoholic mulled punch feels like a real treat 😊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Those sound like delicious options. Whittard also do a non-alco mulled wine which is really tasty too.

[@suebrown4420]

@@EverydayAthleteRach will definitely give that a try.

[@justapro2463]

You videos are so informative I actually love them thank you for making me want to swim

[@Kipeyssister]

I've started to take a tea which contains ginger or cinnamon (no milk obv)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Sounds like one to try 😋

[@abderrazak6122]

New to the channel. New to winter swimming. Just started training myself on cold water.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Welcome! Hope you’re enjoying the content and the water!

[@christopheradams7158]

What a great video you've left no stone unturned there Rachel why not call up to Redcar in Cleveland & have a swim in the North Sea with our group im sure that you would enjoy it

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

When I'm up in the area I'll look it up. I'm sometimes up that way for work. A dip is always on my mind!

[@marycharlebois6627]

Hey Rach… awesome video with so many important tips!! You’ve got me thinking about possibly purchasing a watch for winter swimming only. I think I would not want a watch for summer swimming as I am so ridiculously self-competitive that I would always be trying to beat my previous numbers. That said, a watch is a perfect safety tool for winter swimming. I have plenty of time to look for a watch… no swimming here for another 4-5 months😢. I’m excited to see your Christmas (or is it Christmas Eve?) swim this year. What a fun thing to do on that festive day. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary☃️❄️

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Mary, you're right to highlight having to keep myself in check about trying to beat the numbers, as it is the numbers which keep us safe. Stay warm and I hope you get a bit of rest over the festive period ❄🎄⛄🔥

[@AbreTuMente]

Thank you Rachel!! Great video!!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@amdelorey]

Great overview video. Thanks Rach. I like chicken or veg bouillon in my thermos. Salty and warm!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Yum yum yum. Why have I not thought of this, especially as it comes in granules. Am going to get involved with this choice! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@dfaulkner1985]

Great video. Some great tips! I swim on the local beach here in Bettystown Co Meath

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for joining me. I hope you're enjoying a few not-too-dramatic dips at this time of year? Enjoy the water 🏊😃

[@annedoyle9640]

Thanks for the tips Rachel. I’ve really enjoyed finding you on KZbin this year! I’m only swimming in a managed lake (the SHAC) at the moment as it’s my first winter swimming outdoors. Your tips for getting changed quickly are always fascinating, but I have a lot of practice to do! In my flask is Rooibos Chai, which hits the spot nicely.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Anne, there's nothing only about swimming in a lake. Any outdoor immersion is fine by me, well done on keeping on getting in! I'm not keen on Rooibos, but it does have a decent strong flavour so I can sort of see the attraction! I'm striving for the perfect drink!

[@rebeccamandelos3164]

Very informative video. I am thinking of doing it…. For now , acclimating with cold showers ( gradually).

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Wow! Good luck with the cold showers!

[@rebeccamandelos3164]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks 😊

[@teresastjohn-jeffrey301]

I take a hot, belvoir cordial honey, lemon and ginger ... hits the spot nicely x

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Mmmm I’ll check those out in Tesco tonight!

[@Franscampi]

Merry Christmas Rachel, great video some very good tips as always. Hoping you will make it to Southbourne for a swim in 2022. My hot drink of choice is ALWAYS a good strong tea and that time after the swim when you sit and reflect with some cake and tea is crucial t9 the whole experience for me!!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too! I'm sure I'll make it to Southbourne for a swim soon. It's been a bit wild over by you recently, hasn't it? I love sitting and reflecting or supping my drink and litter picking after a swim. See you soon!

[@anvangheluwe4049]

Hello Rachel! I am new to your channel and I really love it! I found you as I was preparing my first winterdip ever on this first of January! I'm in the South of France and the first of January was a beautiful sunny day with water temperature of 10 °C. It was lovely! I'm looking forward to my next swim with my hubby as my buddy on the side. But now we have snow😂. Thank you for your lovely and very accessible videos! Much love!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Welcome to my channel An, it’s great to have you here! Wow 10°C on the first of Jan - étonnant! Which part of the South of France are you in 06?

[@anvangheluwe4049]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Hello Rachel, I'm in 04 Alpes de Haute Provence. And it was in Lac st Croix. The 10°C was on the border of the lake, very shallow water, so deeper in it was colder I guess🤣In any case It was marvellous! My hubby is a bit anxious, but I'm going to show him some videos of you to calm him down😊Thanks a lot!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@anvangheluwe4049 I bet it’s a beautiful swim spot, maybe with snow capped mountains? I worked near Barcelonette for a few months when I was younger, and a few years later worked at Embrrun on Le Lac de Serre-Ponçon for a few months. 04 is one of my favourite places 🥰

[@anvangheluwe4049]

@@EverydayAthleteRach l

[@lindase7715]

Another fabulous video Rachel. Thank you. X

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dogsduck]

Thank you! I live on the coast of Maine USA. This is my first year swimming in the ocean during the winter and I am always looking for more tips from veteran cold water swimmers. Thank you!

[@markreynolds4226]

Susan, I'm another Maine swimmer! Ferry Beach, Scarborough, is our 'home' beach. This a great channel for good tips and motivation.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Susan, welcome along. I love hearing where people are getting in the water. Thanks for joining me! 🏊😃

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

What a lovely thing to saym thanks Mark!

[@dogsduck]

@@markreynolds4226 oh my goodness! I live in Scarborough and I swim at Ferry Beach too!

[@darrenbullman9450]

Great video as usual , thank you. Raising awareness to be mindful of what we are doing , and measures to reduce the chances of something going wrong. Definitely worth getting the breath settled before setting off and allowing the body to acclimatize. I actually refuel up looking at the optimal nutrition so i have a fresh cold pressed (unpasteurized) juice :) x

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

The juice sounds like a nice way to rehydrate. Thanks for watching 🏊😃

[@wertnevis7319]

Thanks for another great video. Vimto Winter Warmer .

[@nicolaward6826]

Hi Rachel lovely video it’s Nicola who swims at Stony Stratford 🤣 Tea pigs do a lovely selection of flavours I’m currently drinking mint chocolate without milk and I also love Chai latte

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

That sounds quite tasty 🏊☕😋

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Mint choc sounds interesting, might give that a whirl, thanks for the idea.

[@terrie3531]

There's definitely hot chocolate in my flask every single time!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Nice, that is a good shout, but do you do Options or something, or do you add milk?

[@nadiaswan1405]

I love your videos

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you for saying so Nadia, it's great to have you along for the ride 🏊😃

[@patriciapowers3751]

Merry Christmas Rachel! I’m a bit behind on your channel. Say, what is hot squash? Never heard of it.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Patricia, squash is fruit cordial that you dilute with water no drink.

[@swiminthesea6391]

Very useful tips as usual. I also keep looking at my watch and listening to my body when winter swimming. This year luckily, I can do pool swimming for distance and fitness which I do once week. Last winter I had to make do with short swims between 5 and 10 minutes as it was my first winter swimming in open water and the pools were closed. There's still a fitness effect, though. I noticed this when I was able to do longer swims in spring. I was much quicker finding my rhythm and covering distance then people who hadn't been swimming at all. Also, I had been concentrating on improving my breathing and stroke technique and that resulted in me actually swimming better and even slightly faster than I had the previous summer. I even surprised myself by managing 50 m butterfly for the first time since I was 10. Swimming has become effortless and continues to be so. My hot drink of choice is unsweetened herbal tea. Instead of cake I usually have banana, nuts and sometimes cheese sandwiches for food. In the future I will also consider teas containing cinnamon and other warming spices. I love the idea of olive oil or ghee to get the warming process going.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Banana and nuts is a great post-swim snack. I also agree that when it's warming up slightly you do get into your swimmy stride much more quickly having dipped though the winter. Lemon grass and ginger cordial is also great.

[@swiminthesea6391]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Oh, yes, lemon and ginger sounds really good for warming up.

[@Clairewy]

I joined some bluetits for a dip the other day but I just dipped feet as have no equipment and nervous about logistics of getting changed on a beach

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Getting your toes wet is the firzt step. Well done on joiing a group and getting started. One of the easiest and most modest ways to get changed in public is to use a changing robe, whether that be homemade (2 large towels sewn together leaving a hole for your head and one for each of your arms), or a dedicated changing robe which can be towelling or weatherproof.

[@emilysilverman8529]

Thank you for you informative videos. I swim with the Dolphin Club in San Francisco We are in the middle of Polar Bear season. it usually 9-12C We do not wear any gloves, booties, flippers or wet suit. We do wear an insulated cap with ear plugs. . In order to earn a polar bear people over 60 need to swim a minimum of 20 miles people under under 60 40 miles. We also have out cove swim around the San Francisco Bay Polar Bear season is Dec 21 to March 21 . Understanding tides ebbs and floods are critical i eat a banana and have warm up ginger powder tea with water before I get in. I also use an salt tablet Acclimation is key to successful Polar Bear season

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Emily, thanks for watching, your polar bear season sounds full on! I like the sound of the ginger powder tea though, I might look into that, at the moment I'm often drinking warm elderflower and ginger cordial. I must say that I;m looking forward to the warmer weather though 🏊😃

[@laurahoughton1289]

Great tips, thanks so much. Wondering whether it might be possible eventually to safely swim outdoors for exercise in winter with the aid of a wetsuit, undervest, cap/hat + hood + booties/gloves, ie. the maximum possible gear. I'm nowhere near there yet but I hold out hope that one day I can do it safely.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Laura, I can definetly stay in longer with a swim wetsuit, gloves, booties and a neoprene cap, so some kind of exercise-type swimming is possible. Enjoy the water 🏊😃

[@pootlemum]

Hi Rachel- I remember some time ago you explaining about swimming below the bridge and how do this safely with shipping traffic etc but I can’t seem to find it - are you able to post a link to it?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Which bridge do you mean?

[@pootlemum]

@@EverydayAthleteRach hi - Totton bypass. I have swum the marshes there from the footbridge to the culvert but was wondering if you can swim the river lower than that. I thought you had posted a video about swimming below Totton bypass bridge towards Ealing beach.. and you comment about being visible but also staying away from the sailing club etc. I could be making this up!!

[@helenheggadon6324]

Ginger tea with honey. Very warming.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Nom nom!

[@open_water2411]

Hi Rachel, can I ask what watch that is? I totally agree with the time in the water even though my distances are pathetic too the challenge on the body is monumental. Great stuff as ever.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I use a Garmin Fenix 5s but have used a number of Garmins all of which I’ve bought second hand on eBay.

[@open_water2411]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks Rachel.

[@jillsmith6123]

It’s a peppermint tea for me

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I’ve never tried peppermint tea maybe I need to branch out!

[@hammothw4814]

is the changing robe needed, or just use a towel then change into your clothes? I am new to this and just not sure what are the benefits of the changing robe. thanks

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

A towel works just fine. The bonus of a changing robe is that it’s hands free so easier to get changed without having to tuck it under your arm or hold it in your mouth.

[@hammothw4814]

@@EverydayAthleteRach ok, thanks. keep up the good work

[@maryannbest7124]

What was the virtual person ap for safety?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

RYA SafeTrx app

[@shonahayden8085]

I would love to take part how can I join ?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Shona, I think you'll find the answers to some of your questions in this playlist: Get involved in outdoor swimming kzbin.info/aero/PLrBM9GuZgXX6dGkhGdXU1TPD2N69EA_UU Welcome to the water. Enjoy 🏊😀

[@shonahayden8085]

@@EverydayAthleteRach I live in Boston, do they have sessions at Anton's gowt, I have swam outdoors before, just thought it might be nice to try something local, thank you for your lincs but there's a lot of clips there, is there a local group I can contact ?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@shonahayden8085 try Facebook searching these groups: Boston Bluetits and Lincolnshire Outdoor Swimming Tribe. There are a lot of clips in the playlist but the titles should help you find the ones which answer your questions. Ones such as ‘how to get started’ should be the first to check out I’d say. Good luck 🏊‍♀️😀

[@tracywilliamson3880]

I put vegan drinking chocolate in my flask, no plant milk either, only cocoa with some sugar. redbush tea is another good hot drink and doesn't go bitter like standard tea and is naturally caffeine free

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

The drinking choc sounds good, but I'm not into Rooibos tea. Recently I've found my breakfast tea working well, not sure if it's because technology has moved on so it stays warmer and doesn't turn horrible tasting?

[@Clairewy]

How do you attach tow float

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Tow floats come with a belt which fastens with a clip around the waist.

[@Clairewy]

@@EverydayAthleteRach oh thought the clip I saw just clipped the bag shut

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@Clairewy the waist belt is separate to the clips on the bag opening which make it water tight

[@aleksandra1275]

I am wondering what the water temperature was there for being in the water for ten minutes 🤔 My last swim was in 2,8°C and I was in the water for only 1min30sek 🙂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It was warmer than that but less than 10ºC. I don't post temperatures and times together because I'm worried people may take them out of context and try to stay in longer. 2.8ºC is pretty cool though, where in the world are you swimming in those kinds of temperatures?

[@aleksandra1275]

@@EverydayAthleteRach in the Baltic Sea in Estonia 🙂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@aleksandra1275 aha that makes sense. Will the sea freeze near you?

[@aleksandra1275]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Yes, it does 🙂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@aleksandra1275 😯

[@mehitabel1290]

If the limit of your winter "swimming" is a rush in and straight out again, wind, tides, hazards, exit/entry points and visibility aren't all that relevant... :-/ But one day, I might even manage a stroke or two..

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Quite a few of my swim spots are in areas with boat traffic so visibility is always high on my list. You can get into trouble in only a few seconds so the length of swim is irrelevant but predicting what might happen to me - if there is flow or waves is important for deciding on whether to get in. You lose heat 20 times quicker in water than in air so once I get in the time is ticking towards a tipping point where I will be unable to help myself as motor function in the fingers is lost quite early on. All of these potentially frightening things which could occur and the pleasure getting in the water brings are the balance I have to strike for a safe swim.