30th April Introduction to Open water swimming

About this event

Please note this is a green event - refer to Grading System at top of event page

Introduction to Open water swimming

This introduction to cold wild water swimming will take place in a private, exclusive, clean, natural spring fed lake in safe environment with Wild Swim and adventure Specialist Angela Jones.

Situated within an area of outstanding natural beauty, this private lake provides the perfect setting for you to safely learn about swimming wild and kayaking and be free in nature.

Chemical and perfumed products worn can harm eco system of lake Please abscond from wearing if swimming in lake Also please make sure wetsuits are clean and fully dried so no cross contamination may occur Thank you 

Know the facts and experience the health benefits. This is all about mindfulness and energising the body and soul.

Control of breathing and mindset, challenge yourself!

Safety is paramount so this introduction to cold wild water swimming is fully insured and supervised by highly qualified swim specialist Angela Jones who has been swimming wild for over 30 years in work and play.

Open to all abilities Over 16s.

Wetsuits can be provided.

Old Lands / Dingestow Court Estate (Postcode NP25 4DY; OS Grid Reference SO450097) - what3words///maddening.-modes.glare

 is part of the Dingestow Court estate, and is located just west of the village of Dingestow, 6 km west of Monmouth.There are main roads to Old Lands/Dingestow Court from the south (A449 from Newport), west (A40 from Abergavenny) or east (M50/A40 from Monmouth/Ross-on-Wye).  Leave at the A40-A449 junction adjacent to Raglan and drive east on the minor road signed to Raglan and Mitchel Troy (this is a dangerous junction, so please take great care).  After just over 1 mile turn left at a cross roads, where the opposite right turn is signed to Penyclawdd and a fishery.  After another 600 m turn right at the T junction, with a group of Scots Pines to your right.  The drive to Old Lands is on the right after another 200m, with signs saying Old Lands and Gwent Wildlife Trust. Turn in there and the  visitor's car park is  on the left. For over spill use the Gwent Wildlife car park.  Please look out for Swim Wild Wye Sign at entrance. 

A MUST !!!Sturdy footwear for 600m uneven slippery walk to lake    -

Please  DO NOT WEAR WETSUIT UNTIL SWIM

Swim Equipment

• Costume
• Towel } Goggles
• Hat
• Water Shoes ,Tow Float
• Wet Suit
• Tow Floats are supplied 
• Wet Suits can be hired for £5 
• Drink Bottle and Warm Clothes for after swim
• Warm Kit to be worn with swim costume underneath prior to swim - DO NOT WEAR WETSUIT UNTIL SWIM

Is it for me?

To participate in this event you need to be able to swim 200m .You will need to confirm this during registration so please read the declaration.

8 Benefits of Cold Water Swimming

1. It boosts your immune system

The effects of cold water on the immune system have been studied widely. Cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at activating its defences.

2. It gives you a natural high

Cold water swimming activates endorphins. This chemical is what the brain produces to make us feel good during activities. Cold water swimming is also a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to treat depression. Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier. Endorphins are released when we’re in pain, to help us cope with it.

3. It improves your circulation

Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It forces blood to the surface and helps to warm our extremities. Repeated exposure adapts us to the cold.

4. It increases your libido

Cold water was traditionally seen to repress sexual urges. The fact is that it increases libido! A dip in some cold water boosts oestrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido.

The benefits of increased libido include more confidence, higher self-esteem, and enhanced mood.

5. It burns calories

The heart has to pump faster in cold water and the body must work harder to keep everything warm while swimming. Overall, far more calories are burned during cold water swimming than swimming in warmer conditions. The idea that drinking cold water increases the number of calories you burn may be a myth, but it is a fact that cold water decreases your body temperature so much that the body must act.

6. It reduces stress

Cold water swimming places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers become calmer and more relaxed.

7. It is a great way of socialising and making new friends

There is a great sense of community and camaraderie amongst cold water swimmers. There is nothing that brings people together like facing a challenge and sharing the experience as a group.

8. There are ongoing studies into the effects of cold water swimming and the menopause. 

The difficulty is that it is difficult to prove that it is specifically the cold water that is having the positive effect – as the aspects of socialising and doing exercise will both improve general health and wellbeing. What’s not to like?