Swimming in cold water presents you with a lot of challenges as your body struggles with the stress imposed by a hostile environment. Every drop in degree of temperature has implications for your safety and how long you should remain in the water. More so below 5 degree Celsius. Depending on the actual temperature (see our swimming temperature scale at the bottom of this article), you can expect to experience the following temporary conditions: If you are looking for friendly winter swimming companions in the Lake District, try asking in our social Facebook group “Lake District Open Water Swimmers” and you will usually get a positive response and someone to swim with. Get Organised Warm-Up. Our calibrations on thisunitare done using a Fisher Scientific Stirred Water Bath and a UKAS Accredited Laboratory Calibrated Lab Facility Tempmaster Reference Thermometer. That said, the joy of swimming without a wetsuit at this end of the temperature spectrum is the cold water high: the pure exhilaration and rush of endorphins that you get from getting in. Winter swimmers frequently become addicted to it, and it is sufficiently powerful that a 1-2 minute swim can leave you feeling good all day. Anecdotally winter swimming clubs like Serpentine Swimming Club and Tooting Bec Swimming Clubs report increased immunity and fewer colds. 6-11 DEGREES: Freezing

Oh what fun you can have with swim caps! I love the vintage style, and couldn’t resist buying this floral beauty a few months ago. It’s a bit on the large side, but maybe because of the texture it’s a lot warmer than my other (less ostentatious) caps. I wear it when it’s not too choppy, and I’m not likely to lose it in a tumble. Swimming masks, rather than goggles, when worn with a neoprene cap significantly reduce the painful “ice-cream head” feeling of swimming with your head in icy water and have been a revelation to a lot of our swimming friends and clients. They are very comfortable to wear and give you an excellent view of what is going on both above and below the water.Enjoy it… This is the best bit! Your entire body is pleasantly on fire and all of your senses are heightened, you are living the winter swimming dream. If you are new to the world of outdoor swimming, visit a supervised swim spot to build up confidence in the water, ensuring a safety team is on hand to help before, during and after a swim.

I’m a fan of Speedo’s larger Rift Mask goggles. I’ve tried going larger still with other brands, but find if goggles cover too much of your face they interfere with the rim of the swim-cap and leak. Everyone’s face shape is different, though, so you may have to try a few brands until you find the one that works for you. AquaPulse Pro Mirror Goggles – good for sunshine

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If the cost of all this neoprene is making you twitch and you are looking for a low cost option take a look at our Two Bare Feet range. They offer exceptionally good value for money and are perfect for anyone who is just getting into winter swimming on a budget. Changing Robe