That's my last open air swim this year

[Hill Wimp]

As a former triathlete @Rockymountain and not being too far away from the ponds i'd have thought you would be a regular there

 

[Hill Wimp]

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

Gives a true picture of what 8 inches really looks like though

 

[Beebo]

I have done a bit of research and found that naked swimming is no longer recommended due to a crayfish invasion.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new...-Hampstead-Heath-after-crayfish-invasion.html

Swimmer Peter McCafferty, 43, said: "I have been seeing more and more crayfish being pulled out of the ponds and I am very wary of them. I've had a couple of nips on my toes in the past few months - usually when I stop for a rest and tread water, but some people have been nipped in altogether more sensitive places which doesn't bear thinking about."

 

[Hill Wimp]

I have done a bit of research and found that naked swimming is no longer recommended due to a crayfish invasion.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new...-Hampstead-Heath-after-crayfish-invasion.html

Swimmer Peter McCafferty, 43, said: "I have been seeing more and more crayfish being pulled out of the ponds and I am very wary of them. I've had a couple of nips on my toes in the past few months - usually when I stop for a rest and tread water, but some people have been nipped in altogether more sensitive places which doesn't bear thinking about."

Edit - mind you to some that maybe the thrill

 

[Puddles]

So you don't partake with the maniacs that do the swimming in the sea on New Years day then?

Or in the icy waters

brrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[Fnaar]

I once had a swim in Lake Windermere in February. For a bet. I was about 21 or 22 yrs old. Blimey, it was freezing! But I won a whole 2 pints of beer

 

[palinurus]

I haven't swum at Hampstead very often- It's not like I ever think to pack trunks and a towel when going into town. It is pleasant though; swimming with the ducks.

 

[classic33]

Southern Red Sea is pretty good as well - great place for diving as well (apart from all of those pesky pirates)

Sharks!

 

[Puddles]

I haven't swum at Hampstead very often- It's not like I ever think to pack trunks and a towel when going into town. It is pleasant though; swimming with the ducks.

and duck poo

 

[classic33]

Edit - mind you to some that maybe the thrill

They're not sexist, they'll bite anyone.

 

[swee'pea99]

I haven't swum at Hampstead very often- It's not like I ever think to pack trunks and a towel when going into town. It is pleasant though; swimming with the ducks.

It's amazingly pleasant, on anything but the sunniest days, when it tends to be absolutely heaving. You feel blessed, to be able to do something so natural and unregulated in one of the world's great cities...just floating gently, looking up through the leaves...I'm sure in 20 years it will have been commercialised, and it'll be £15 to get in, with a tasteful little cafe selling lattes, carrot cake and ciabbata with mozzarella and rocket, but for now it's all volunteers and amiable shabby.

 

[Fnaar]

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

Cold enough to set yer 'Ampsteads on edge!
On another note, a woman died there recently: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...e-Ahlburg-dead-Hampstead-Heath-pond-swim.html

 

[Doseone]

I love open water swimming. The sense of freedom is second to none. I am fair weather though as I don't like really cold water......or jellyfish.

 

[swee'pea99]

[QUOTE 2668698, member: 9609"]I went into the sea off Chesick (north northumberland) yesterday, jeez, it was cold, it was seriously cold, my old bones don't seem to tolerate it these days, dog loved it though. Other than that it was a fantastic day, warm, sunny and as usual very nearly deserted.

[/quote]
Lovely! Went to Northumberland in the height of summer a few years back. It was freezing then! But the beaches were absolutely stunning - probably the nicest I've ever come across in Britain.

 

[Dayvo]

My last swim was in January in India - water temp. approx. 28 degrees.

My next swim will be at the end of October in India - water temp. approx. 28 degrees.

I find it impossible to swim AND enjoy it if the water is below 23/24 degrees. The warmest it's been here in Oslo is hovering around 20. There's no way I'm going to swim at that temp.