Castle Ashby Open Water Swimming

 

Its a beautiful bright sunny morning with a slight chill in the air. Today is the day that I will finally take part in my first open water swim. It is something I have been thinking about for a long, long time. After speaking to a friend of mine and the upturn in weather I finally took the plunge.... and made the booking. I must admit I have been feeling a bit nervous in the days leading up to the swim. As a Therapist I am extremely interested in the therapeutic benefits that this type of swimming can provide. There are obvious fitness benefits that come from the exercise too. I suppose the question on my mind is can certain swimming activities be particularly beneficial for mental wellbeing? Research carried out certainly seems to support that theory.

We get  parked up and I feel a bit like the condnemned man as we walk through the trees down towards the lake. A large spring fed natural lake that is tested regularly for cleanliness. A few other swimmers are already in the water from the earlier session. A Lifeguard is always on hand to deal with any situations and to brief a first timer like me on what to expect. 

It is compulsory to wear a 'Tow float' which is a buoyancy in case of emergency. A hat of some description should also be worn for visibility. It is now a case of retreating to the marquee to get undressed. I know that some people prefer a wet-suit, especially in the colder weather. I was going to risk ordinary shorts and a stretchy top I use for cycling. No prizes for the best turned out for me today. 

The point of no return.

The water temperature is 11.6 degrees as I walk the board-way with some trepidation. The first few seconds are bound to be the worst I imagine? Be fine once I'm in surely? That's the deal right? Things have suddenly become very real. I ease myself into the water backwards via the ladder. The cold is intense, my feet and fingers feel it the most. This called 'Cold Shock'. The sudden lowering of skin temperature takes immediate effect. This lasts for a couple of minutes. The good news though is I can stand up. I have also been advised not to stray too far away from the safety of the river bank. I need to get moving, can't just stand there freezing. Some deep breaths wouldn't go amiss either. A couple of minutes go by before what could loosely be described as swimming takes place.I feel a bit warmer too , except the toes which stubbornly refuse to cooperate whatsoever. They are usually cold in bed so it was a bit much to ask really. It's reassuring to feel the sun on my face though. As my confidence grows I venture towards the middle of the lake. This was when I had a bit of a wobble ....

Sill waters run deepest ...

Memories of two incidents where I nearly drowned came flooding back. Just for a brief few seconds panic set in. A frantic bit of splashing around and I was back within touching distance of the lake floor. Panic is the worst thing you can do of course, and nearly cost me dearly on a snorkelling trip years ago. I get the 10 minute call, but feel quite good now. I give a confident 'thumbs up' and tell Jackie I'm good for a few more minutes. I would even go so far as to use the word enjoying! All good things have to come to an end though. Getting back up the ladder proved to be a bit more difficult than the descent. Standing back on the board-way I felt quite a sense of achievement watching my fellow swimmers, like a seasoned veteran of the South  Atlantic crossing. I'm quickly brought down to earth as I'm told to go and get dry before I freeze to death.

The water is your friend?

It didn't take long for the shivering and the shaking to start with a vengeance. I believe this is known as 'After-drop'..This is perfectly normal I'm told as the body starts to readjust. After-drop occurs because the body's blood vessels widen as blood flow increases to the extremities, which can lead to a rapid drop in core body temperature. Even in the sun warmed marquee it is hard to get warm. I get dressed as quickly as possible in multiple layers of clothing. Drinking the hot tea from the flask is nigh on impossible. The piping hot liquid is going everywhere such is the force of the shaking. I'm now in danger of scalding myself... All this lasts for a good half an hour before I'm good to go. A hot shower is not a good idea either. This will increase the rate at which cooled blood returns to the core and makes the drop faster and deeper. It was very reassuring to hear that this is perfectly normal, especially for  or inexperienced swimmers. There are numerous benefits associated with Open Water swimming including helping with, depression, anxiety, blood pressure and boosting the immune system. Perhaps mos importantly of all it provides the feel good factor which increases happiness. I certainly felt awake and alive, almost glowing! I shall definitely be dipping my toe in the water again.