The benefits of cold water swimming

As surfers in the UK, immersion in cold water isn't new and has always been our thing (apart from those rare months in the Summer/early Autumn where the water temperature is bearable for a shortie wetsuit or even just boardshorts for a brief time).

Cold water swimming has become increasingly popular over recent years, with lots of media coverage, books, social media posts and more

However as more people are taking part in it, we are learning more about the benefits of it - both as a standalone thing and for something that could even help with our surfing.

Here's some of the key reasons why cold water swimming is a great activity to do:

1. It's a good form of exercise

Swimming is a great exercise for people of all levels of fitness. It is thought that swimming for just 30 minutes per week can help prevent things like Type 2 Diabetes, strokes and heart disease. 

It not only burns calories - depending of course on how long you swim for and how vigorously - but also helps you to develop muscles and build your lung strength.

And for surfers, a swim stroke like the front crawl is mimicking paddling a surfboard, making it the next best thing to surfing itself. 

If you think about the times you've turned up at the beach to surf, only to find the conditions are not what you wanted. However you can still go for a swim and get some exercise in.

2. It can help with aches and pains

Some evidence is emerging to show that cold water swimming is helping people with certain physical conditions, such as arthritis, to help manage their pain. 

Also the cold water itself is found to help with injuries you might be suffering with, such as muscle pulls. Think of it as a liquid ice pack.

3. It relieves stress and anxiety

You probably already know that surfing can be a great stress reliever and cold water swimming is no different. The act of having something to focus on that requires you to maintain your breathing and perfect your swimming techniques will have a really calming affect on you. This is also closely coupled with the next benefit...

4. It helps you commune more with nature

Again, as surfers part of the appeal is the chance to get outside and 'be at one' with nature. On a peaceful, cold winter's day, swimming in the sea or your local lake, or river, allows you to pause from your often busy life and take in your surroundings.

You can watch the birds spiralling above you and may even (if you're lucky) have an encounter with one of the friendly dolphins, porpoises or seals that inhabit the waters around our coastline.

5. It's free

A real benefit if you want to exercise more, but can't afford gyms, fitness classes etc. You might need some initial equipment, but even just a swimming costume and towel will do you. 

General advice before starting

As with any outdoor sport, make sure you approach it in a safe and sensible way. If you do go swimming alone, especially somewhere remote, then make sure you tell people where you are and when you will be back.

Make sure if you're only going to wear a swimming costume or thin wetsuit, that you have plenty of warm clothes, a changing robe and a hot drink for when you come out of the water.

If you're in doubt of the conditions of the sea, lake or river, then do not go in.

Just as you would with all new sports activities, if you're unsure about anything related to your own medical conditions, then seek the advice or your doctor or other medical professional first. For example, The British Heart Foundation advises anyone with a heart condition to check first with a medical professional.

So next time it's flat or blow-out, why not find a suitable place to cold water swim instead?

We stock lots of products that can help you with your cold water swimming or Winter surfing, including towels, changing robes, hoodies and sweatshirts, and waterproof dry bags.