Introduction to River Swimming Ross-on-Wye (includes Water Testing)

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

Have a look at the Event video here

* Safety, Water testing and Quality is Paramount to every session.

This workshop introduces you to River swimming and covers 

• Water safety 
• Water Testing 
• Water quality
• Equipment
• Technique
• Aclimitisation 
• Reading the river
• Dip or distance

Also learning about protecting and respecting the Environment with wild swim specialist Angela Jones. 

This is the ideal session if you want to learn that all important way of keeping yourself safe and learning how to  listen to your body to get the best for your health and well-being.

Water Quality and weather conditions are paramount to Health & safety .Testing of water is carried out 24 hours prior and on morning of swim, EVENT will be moved or postponed if quality is not deemed safe .

Meeting Time & Location

10am

Wilton Car Park

Wilton Rd, 

Ross-on-Wye HR9 5JA

This provides the ideal spot to meet and begin your wild swimming journey (look out for Angela’s mint green coloured Swim Wild branded VW).

Angela Jones has been cold water swimming the rivers Wye and Usk for over 40 years and is highly experienced, qualified and fully insured.

Open to all abilities Over 16s. 

Wetsuits can be Purchased (£20 -£85)or hired on day with prior notice(£5)

Tow floats are included

 Other equipment needed can be purchased on day. 

Learn about the benefits of cold water dipping/swimming in a safe environment.

Social distancing and government guidelines for health & safety will be followed.

Equipment

• Costume
• Towel
• Hat
• Water Shoes 
• Tow Float (included)
• Wet Suit
• Wet Suits  can be supplied with prior warning for £5 each.
• Drink Bottle and Warm Clothes for after swim
• Casual Training Kit to be worn with swim costume underneath prior to swim - DO NOT WEAR WETSUIT UNTIL SWIM

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?