Human Behaviour

This Blog is about the funny things we say and do whilst getting in, swimming and getting out.

What type ofopen water swimmer are you?

After spending years watching and listening to people during sessions I thought I would put together this short blog.

We are all different that is what is great, we have different needs and that's ok too.

Getting In:

Are you an

• Ooh are.......... pirate type

• Silent (or not so silent) swearer....bugger

• Do you go in backwards

• Do you stand on tip toes

• Stand with your arms in the air (like it makes a difference)

• Stand for ages till you feel able to set off (this is me, everyones left me)

• Do you get in and swim straight away

Can you identify your type? General advice is to go in slowly, but I know lots of people who just can't do that if they had to wait around they wouldn't swim.

As I said earlier me I stand for ages before I feel I can swim, I breathe slow and think calm thoughts. When it's really cold I do a little sideways dance, like it makes a difference, when it's so cold that it bites your ankles I tend to get out them get back in again, I find the air hitting my legs (skins swimmer) makes the water feel warmer I amy do this a few times, mostly because I am a total woose. I don't hide the fact, as the water temp drops I definately become a dipper rather than a swimmer.

Swimming types:

Dipper:

I don't hide the fact, as the water temp drops I definately become a dipper rather than a swimmer. I want to feel the benefits, but more often than not my head wins the inner voice battle. There is nothing wrong with being a dipper, there is statistical evidence that proves just two minutes of cold water provides you with the benefits experienced from cold water.

Solo:

I am here to reset my inner clock, engage with nature, have time just to myself. We love a bit of ottering, any time of year.

Social Swimmer:

Loves putting the world to rights, catches up with all the gossip between friends, chats with a new swimmer to make them feel welcome.

Speedy swimmer:

Watch out world here I come, I have a set distance in mind to acheive from this swim. Or maybe your a goggle faffer?

Just to remind everyone why we don't put the buoys out once the water temperature gets to 12 degrees and below, is we ask you to be mindful of your body, that it should be about wanting to keep swimming through the winter than, how long you spent in the water or the distance your achieved. There are many other factors to consider also, the weather particularly how windy, wind chill can be a nightmare and remember your core temp will continue to drop whilst walking back to car to change and whilst changing.

First Winter Swimming:

https://www.sovendebjorn.com/products/swimming-journal

You may like to invest in a swimming journal, take a moment either before and /or after each swim. This can be hard at first it takes perserverence, jot down any thoughts or emotions.

Over time you may notice trends in moods, time between swims.

For thoughts on kit for winter check out previous Blogs.

Hope you've enjoyed this short insight