Cold water swimming

I’ve been doing this cold swimming for a while now, in the hope of feeling healthier, fitter, younger.

I’m not sure what is harder, getting in or getting out. The getting in is obvious, the sea is an average 12 degrees and no attempt to get in slowly is going to cut it. In fact to stand in the cold water and not to move is for me more torturous. The quicker you get in and start swimming the better. After a couple of minutes of how cold is this!! And what is the temperature today, 9, 10, 11?? your body adjusts and then you warm up. Pure ecstasy kicks in after 5 min and you feel top of the world.

Our swimming group believes in 20 minutes, no more, no less. One thing we’ve learnt over the years is no matter how cold and wet and miserable it is, you never ever regret a swim. Most of us wear a cap and goggles, we’re always optimistic we’ll get some good swimming exercise in. Sometimes when it’s just too icy, we don’t even put our faces in. Although I do think who needs botox when you can cold water swim, it's literally the same thing but it doesn't last as long.

We get a lot covered in the 20 min of swimming, from catching up with family life to our health to work to losing loved ones. A coffee afterwards is obligatory, it helps with the warming up process.

Which brings me to the getting out. This is for sure the biggest challenge. How to get dry and put your clothes back on when your hands are so cold they’ve cramped is quite a mission. We have mastered and refined the art of getting dressed outside as quickly as possible. Research has shown that electric hot water bottles are by far the best, getting your socks to warm up in them is the latest win, Uggs or any furry boot are crucial for cold feet and during winter, scarves and beanies and puffer jackets are a staple.

The compulsory coffee is the cherry on the top. We huddle together, keeping ourselves warm in whichever way we know how, I can’t think of a better way of starting the day. We talk how to get younger quickly, how to lose weight fast, becoming beautiful overnight, to go grey or to not, latest fashion tips, just a whole load of girl stuff and then we are free to get on with our day. Happy days!

Camps Bay tidal pool