Thinking About Trying Outdoor Swimming? Here's What You Need to Know.

We spoke to Simon Griffiths, Founder and Publisher of Outdoor Swimmer, Creator of The Renaissance Swimmer Project and author of Swim Wild and Free about making the move from pool to open water, what you need to know, where to go and what to take.

If you're a pool swimmer thinking about trying outdoor swimming, where would you go?

The first question I’d ask is what you're actually swimming for. Someone training for a triathlon needs something different from someone who simply wants to be in the water, immersed in nature for example. If you’re focused on fitness and distance, a lifeguarded venue or a beach with buoyed swim areas is ideal.
Brighton, for example, has designated swim zones where you can put your head down and get some proper lengths in without worrying about navigation or safety. If you’re drawn to tranquility and the natural environment, a more secluded spot might suit you better and there are lots of books, like Daniel Start’s Wild Swimming Britain or Kate Rew’s Wild Swim, with recommended places around Britain. Having those recommendations means there is experience and knowledge of how to swim safely in those locations so they’re a great place to start.

Do you call yourself a wild swimmer or an outdoor swimmer, what’s the difference?

I’d just call myself a swimmer! Some days I’m training, other days I’m taking the kids to splash about. I don’t see the need to categorise. Depending on your mood and the conditions, why not embrace everything swimming has to offer?

What equipment do you actually need?

Not much, you can be quite minimalistic.

For men, baggy board shorts create drag and make training swims harder work so something more streamlined makes a real difference. Goggles are useful if you're putting your face in the water, but if you're swimming head-up, a pair of polarised sunglasses cuts the glare effectively and keeps things simple.

I live near the Thames which is busy with lots of other people, from row boats to paddle boarders, so I always use a tow float as they help people see you. They’re useful anywhere with other water users. As well as making you more visible, you can lean on one to have a rest when you need to.

In Autumn and winter the requirements change, you’ll need to think about warm clothes for after you get out.

Should you swim alone or with someone else?

Personally I always swim with someone else even though I’m a strong swimmer. I’d always recommend you go with someone else but appreciate that people are different and some love the solitude of a swim first thing when there is no one else around but the ducks on the river and you can listen to the sounds of the dawn chorus. If you are doing this, always let someone know you’re going, ideally have someone nearby on the bank, and take a tow float so you're more visible to anyone else on the water.

If you’re swimming for fitness, having people to swim with also keeps you on your training routine - it’s harder to stay in bed when someone is expecting you at the water at 7am.

How can I fit outdoor swimming into my day?

I like to swim first thing in the morning and I always go with friends so every swim is a social experience. After we get out we’ll have a coffee, sometimes someone brings cake and there is always chat and banter.

In the colder months it is harder. Lying in a warm bed while it's dark outside is a barrier and the first few minutes in cold water are unpleasant before they become invigorating. With experience, you develop a kind of instinctive trust that it's going to feel good once you're in and even better when you get out. In the meantime, arranging to meet someone is a way to get over that hurdle.

What do we need to know about safety?

The most important thing is an honest assessment of your own ability. Open water asks more of you than a pool, and cold water in particular can cause a shock response that triggers panic even in confident swimmers. Knowing about this and having some awareness of how your body might react, goes a long way towards managing it calmly.

When is the best time to start?

Summer is the perfect time to start!

Outdoor swimming in January and outdoor swimming in July are completely different experiences and that’s one of the joys, the variety you get depending on when and where you go.

Where can we find out more about you?

Renaissance Swimmer is my online swimming development and coaching project.

You can find everything from gear reviews to events on the Outdoor Swimmer website as well as buying or subscribing to the magazine.