Open Water Swimming
According to www.swimming.org, ‘swimming in open water has a long and
colourful history dating back as far as 36BC, when the Japanese organised the
first open water races. The Romans held high-profile races in the Tiber, when
thousands would crowd along the banks to watch and cheer. The Knights in the
middle ages reputedly had to swim in full armour as one of their seven required
agilities.’
In 1986, FINA officially added open water swimming to the
international competition calendar and in 2008 the International Olympic
Committee listed the first ever Olympic 10km marathon swimming race as one of
the events for Beijing. Team GB
clinched three medals in this event – half the medals on offer – and since that
moment the UK has really seen an upsurge in outdoor swimming. Echoing the bold waterbabies of Russia,
China and Scandinavia, more U.K citizens are becoming converts of cold winter swimming,
arguing that it boosts the immune system, improves circulation and provides an addictive adrenalin rush which
cannot be found amongst the cosy lanes of your local pool.
Pauline Squire, Wild
About Swimming owner, confirms this. “The natural endorphins high from swimming
outside in fresh air can last for days.
It’s been proven to be a mentally and physically beneficial activity. Open water swimming can also take you to some
of the most stunning locations, where your mind can rest while your body is
embraced by the waters. In my opinion it’s
the most inclusive sport/hobby you can have, and open to any age or ability.”
Europe’s biggest open water swim series, Great Swim, is
attracting more first time entries each year.
Aqua Sphere is the official swim kit partner to the series and the
brand’s Marketing Manager, Fiona Walker, completed her first Great Swim last
year. She says “This was a huge personal challenge. Up till then I was a confident swimmer, but I
wasn’t a particularly good swimmer. But I love being outdoors and there’s
something very instinctive about taking to the open water and engaging with the
elements. No chlorine, no lanes, no hair tumbleweed populated with plasters and
scabs! There are very few things that compare to the exhilaration of an open
water swim! My favourite memory was a training swim where the water was chilly
but fresh and clear and I was surrounded by swallows dipping around me as I
swam. The sun glinting off the water and
the rush of the birds around me as I became part of their environment was just
wonderful. ”
Fiona trained
systematically in her local pool and, as it became warmer, took her training outdoors.
Conversely we all saw Davina McCall’s
shocking collapse after swimming across Windermere as part of a Sport Relief
fundraising challenge this chilly February.
Simon Griffiths of H2Open magazine believes “the fact that she struggled
to breathe or to lift her arms out of the water are fairly normal responses for
an inexperienced swimmer plunged into cold water and almost certainly could
have been avoided with more training and preparation.”
Fortunately Davina recovered quickly but the
experience was a timely reminder of the risks in open water swimming,
especially in extremely cold conditions. Simon advises “making your first open
water swimming experience a winter one is a little foolish. Swimming in
Windermere should be a wonderful and life-affirming experience. For most people
it is. We wonder if Davina had any opportunity to savour the majestic
surroundings and the beautiful, clear water. Did she, at any point in that
swim, experience, notice and enjoy the electric tingle of fresh, cool water
against her skin? Did she delight in the weightless calm that only swimming can
give you?. If you haven't yet tried open water swimming, please prepare
properly and consider when and where you first do it. Make sure it's a positive
experience that brings you back for more.” Pauline adds “There appears to be wide condemnation for
Davina's lack of preparation for her swim. The normal open water swimmer trains
and prepares well in anticipation of the enjoyment and competition of an event.
Sadly, that Davina didn't, has potentially brought the sport into disrepute and
does leave the rest of us defending our right to enjoy the water.”
Davina - we do admire your gumption - but please
revisit Windermere with us this summer for a swim you'll remember for all the
right reasons, not the wrong ones.
Aqua Sphere is the
official wet suit and goggle brand to Great Swim. www.aquasphereswim.com/uk For information about entering and training
for a Great Swim visit greatswim.org
By Fiona Walker - Aqua Sphere UK
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