That's my last open air swim this year

[swee'pea99]

Been a bit rainy recently, but not really cold, and it was mild today, so I thought I'd go and have a swim in one of the Hampstead Heath ponds. How cold could it be? Well, cold enough to convince me that that's the last outdoors swim of the year. I did actually enjoy it once I'd got used to the numbness that took over from the pain, but it took me about half an hour to stop shivering after I got out. I believe some people keep it up right through the winter. Nutters.

 

[classic33]

Swim underwater, there's that warm layer of water that keeps most pond/lake life alive through the colder winter months.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Why do you put your body through such pain? Whats the difference between swimming in a freezing cold lake,river,canal or reservoir and swimming in a nice warm public baths?! I went for a walk yesterday which took in my local reservoir. I saw a sign that warned against swimming in the reservoir which read something like deep cold water saps your energy and can kill you.

 

[classic33]

If you know what to expect & are prepared for it, you should have few problems. The problem lirs, I feel, with people overestimating their capability & underestimating the effects of the activity. On dry land, commonly seen amongst those who go for a walk up the likes of Snowdon in flip flops & shorts on a sunny day, not realising what it'd be like at the top.

 

[Hill Wimp]

There's a nice man at work that swims twice daily in Hampsted ponds, he swears by it.

Horses for courses i suppose.

 

[Aperitif]

There's a nice man at work that swims twice daily in Hampsted ponds, he swears by it.

Horses for courses i suppose.

As in " F-f-f-fark me! This water's f-f-fffarking f-f-fffreezing!"

That'll be sea horses then, HW.

 

[Hill Wimp]

As in " F-f-f-f*** me! This water's f-f-fff***ing f-f-fffreezing!"

That'll be sea horses then, HW.

Actually it was me that nearly swore when he told me. He is far too much of a gentleman to swear and im pretty sure he wouldn't of grimaced either.

He is a very fit man too, perhaps its freezes any non essential fat out of you.

 

[Aperitif]

Twice per day is dedication; the sure indication of a fit weirdo. It's a bit like sitting on a bicycle for a couple of hours+ each day - minus being in the swim with lorries, buses, cars and other suitably parcelled people.

 

[pauldavid]

Why do you put your body through such pain? Whats the difference between swimming in a freezing cold lake,river,canal or reservoir and swimming in a nice warm public baths?! I went for a walk yesterday which took in my local reservoir. I saw a sign that warned against swimming in the reservoir which read something like deep cold water saps your energy and can kill you.

There is less Urine in open water than in the public baths!

 

[lukesdad]

The sea is still lovely and warm down here. Have to be ready for the annual Aberporth swim on Boxing day

 

[Hill Wimp]

The sea is still lovely and warm down here. Have to be ready for the annual Aberporth swim on Boxing day

Now swimming in the sea at that time of year IS sheer madness.

 

[lukesdad]

Not mad, just a couple of bricks short of a load.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Might be a cool way to burn off a few excess carbs ..I took that view a few times in the sea this year ...but not now...it's a bit serious in there now.

 

[Hill Wimp]

The Indian Ocean is the only sea i would swim in year round, its like bath water, probably just as dirty in some parts too.

 

[Beebo]

Do men still swim naked in Hampstead Ponds?
The cold water cant do much for a man's confidence.