View from the water
There’s joy to be found in all sorts of swimming activities: why not try something new?
SIMON GRIFFITHS
Many masters swimmers (older swimmers who continue to train and race in pool events) are mystified by cold water swimming. They may, occasionally, venture into open water in the summer, in a wetsuit. But by early autumn they won’t be shifted from heated water. Here they can train to their heart’s content and work on their fitness and skills without any fear of hypothermia.
Similarly, many cold water swimmers don’t see the attraction of racing in the pool. They love the crisp, skin-tightening feel of cold water, the early morning mist, the hopeful faint warmth of the winter sun and the chat, giggles and cake that follow a brisk chilly dip. They complete their days with the smug knowledge of their cold water bravery and the glow of having done something good for their health and wellbeing. But they would be terrified at the thought of doing a race in the pool, climbing onto a starting block and sprinting down an empty lane.