FAQ

I know that cold water swimming can come with a whole host of questions. I have done my best to anwer most of these, but please get in touch if you have any other questions.

Can I purchase/rent equipment?

I sometimes have a small amount of gear available to purchase (swim gloves and water shoes) Please get in touch if you wish to buy them. I also have tow floats available to borrow.

Do you offer private group or individual sessions?

Yes I do, please get in touch to arrange a suitable swim and date.

Which swim is best suited for me?

If you are a beginner, I recommend attending an Introduction to Cold Water Swimming session. This will teach you all the information needed to get you started.
I also run Ray's Cold Club, which is a supported swim group. If you have very little experience, or want to build confidence, this is a great swim session. Other swimmers will be at a similar level to you. I am there as a watchful eye and to offer advice.
If you are looking for an adventure, my waterfall swims and secluded lake swims are ideal. Suitable for beginners and experienced swimmers. These swims are for fun and pleasure, rather than attempting any distance or endurance.
I also run technique sessions, if you are wanting advice on swim technique, to be able to improve your stroke. This is ideal for all levels of swimmer, those just wanting to improve, those in training for events, triathletes and long distance swimmers. I also offer ice swimming help and advice.

Do you have a kit list?

Swim wear

Water shoes

Water gloves (will make your swim much more comfortable if attending a winter session)

Hot drink

Something to stand on whilst getting dressed, eg: a yoga mat, picnic blanket, bath mat or even a bin bag.

Towel

You can wear wetsuit, or rash top & leggings if desired, but not essential.

Appropriate shoes/boots or wellies for the walk to the lake

Lots of warm clothing, easy to put on layers.

Woolly hat

Bag suitable to carry all of your kit

Please be aware that these items really are necessary. If you turn up to a swim and do not have appropriate kit, I do have the right to cancel your swim. Even if it is a sunny day, please bring warm gear, you will be surprised at how cold you can get. Not having correct footwear to walk to a swim, resulting in wet feet may seem like it would be ok, but after your swim you will be cold and putting wet shoes and socks on will not allow you to warm up correctly and can be dangerous. I do carry a small amount of spare kit, but not enough to cover everyone, so please come prepared.

I don't like the cold and I'm worried how it will make me feel

To be honest, I don't like getting cold. I always know that it is a temporary sensation and that I will warm up again afterwards. It is only cold after all. The way I feel after a swim is enough to keep me coming back for more. My happiness levels are boosted, I feel calm and focussed, My sleep is improved.
I always tell my worried clients to stop thinking so much about it. You are obviously interested in taking part, so don't over think it, its so easy to talk yourself out of it. Don't let the thought of getting cold be the issue that stops you.

What if I book a session and I just cant bring myself to swim when I get there?

That's ok. I would never ever force someone in to swimming if they don't want to. I understand what a big deal this can be for some people. It can make you feel so nervous and your adrenaline will be surging. You are there to learn all about the water and how to stay safe within it. Be assured I would never push anyone in or make you feel as though you have failed. This is an experience for you. I don't, however, offer money back if you arrive and change your mind.

Isn't it dangerous?

It definitely can be, but that's why you should come along to a swim with a qualified open water swim coach and outdoor first aider. I can teach you all about the safety issues and help prevent the dangerous aspects from happening.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit?

Not if you don't want to. If you feel you would be more comfortable/warmer, then by all means wear one.
I do occasionally arrange swims where a wetsuit will be needed (long distance river swims during warmer months) When booking a swim, all info and kit list is provided.

I don't have all the fancy gear

As long as you have swim wear, water-shoes and a towel, those really are the most important pieces of equipment. You really don't have to buy the most expensive kit.

Are there any changing rooms?

Unfortunately not always. I will take you swimming in some beautiful, wild locations as well as some gorgeous organised lakes. There are not always changing facilities, or if there is, it may be in a shared facility.
If you prefer to be a little more discreet when dressing, then I would recommend a changing robe or a towelling robe, which allow you to get dressed underneath them. But large towels, ponchos or sarongs are equally fine.

I can't swim, will you teach me?

No sorry. I am not a swimming teacher, I am a swim coach. You must be able to swim to be able to come out into the water with me.
I can help you to improve your stroke and technique, but I won't teach a non swimmer.

Will I get cold?

The short answer to this is; yes you will. Even in Summer time the water can be quite chilly. You can always wear a wetsuit if you are worried about the cold. When its very cold, we never stay in the water very long anyway.
Remember, you will get warm again.