Autumn is upon us, bringing with it much chillier air and significantly colder water temperatures. It can be tempting to swap your wetsuit for a fluffy blanket on the sofa at this time of year, but we all know that open water swimming is incredible for your wellbeing. Do you really want to give up such compelling physical and mental health benefits?
Fortunately, you don’t have to. Just some small adjustments to your approach will ensure that you can keep on swimming safely and comfortably over the Autumn months (and maybe even into Winter, too!). With this in mind, we’ve put together our 7 top tips for swimming in Autumn:
Find The Right Spots
The right location can make or break your swim at any time of year, particularly in Autumn. Water quality can vary significantly due to added rainfall, and you might find that your usual spots are considerably murkier than usual. Not only is this just a bit unpleasant, but it can also become dangerous as hazards become harder to spot. Opt for locations that you know are free of hazards like sharp rocks, and scout out spots with clear entry and exit points. Bonus points if there’s a cafe or car park where you can warm up afterwards - we’ll come to this later!
Prepare For Changing Conditions
Seasonal weather changes bring a range of challenges and Autumn is certainly a period of surprises. One minute it will be warmer and sunnier than expected, the next it will be a wet and windy day more akin to Winter. This makes prior preparation essential if you are going to brave open water swimming in Autumn. Check the forecast, including tide times and swell, just before you go out and pay attention to the water conditions at all times. Never enter the water if you’re not sure how things will play out, and always have extra layers back at shore in case you need them.
Stay Visible
As the days get shorter and darker, visibility is absolutely key to swimming safety. For this, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality swimming tow float like the Swimcell Tow Float or Scubapro Swimming Float. These bright, inflatable accessories will ensure that you can be seen by all other water users, even in a dark wetsuit in murky waters. For added visibility, it’s also worth considering pairing your tow float with a bright swimming cap.
Gear Up Correctly
Although many cold water swimmers often prefer swimming in just a swimsuit/shorts, otherwise known as ‘skin swimming’, we recommend that, for longer swims or anyone starting this winter, a wetsuit is essential, as the temperature starts to drop. That means a swimming wetsuit alongside neoprene gloves and boots for added warmth. It’s also worth giving some thought to how you’ll transport these items to the shore and back. A lack of sun will make it likely you’ll be coming and going with wet kit, so a dry bag for tucking valuables away is always a wise investment.
Adapt Your Schedule
With the days getting shorter, it’s likely that you’ll feel a chill more quickly when you are in the water. This means that adapting your schedule is key to a successful Autumn open water swimming experience. Shorter swims can be just as rewarding as longer ones and will still allow you to experience the benefits of being submerged in cold water. Adapting in this way will also mean that you can fit your swims around daylight and make the most of visibility and safety: a win-win.
Buddy Up
We’re firm believers that all watersports are hobbies best enjoyed with friends! This sentiment certainly rings true for open water swimming; in fact, swimming with a buddy is a great way to stay safe, too. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you’ve got others looking out for you, while your swimming friends will also provide some much-needed motivation on those chilly mornings where your duvet seems more appealing than the water.
Perfect Your Pre- & Post-Swim Routine
How you warm up and recover makes a huge difference in cooler months. Layer up before you get in the water with a hat, changing robe and extra warm layers if you need them, and then have all of these items to hand to put on as soon as you’re out of the water to get your core temperature back up. If you are swimming with friends, you can also add a post-dip cafe trip or car park flask coffee into your post-swim routine. It’s a great chance to connect before going about the rest of your days, whilst helping you to get warm gradually and giving your body the best recovery possible.
Winter undoubtedly brings colder and more challenging conditions for open water swimming, but we hope these tips have proved that there’s no reason to hang up your towel for another year just yet! If you’d like any more advice about swimming in Autumn or want to explore any of our open water swimming products in more detail, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.