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What is wild swimming? -

Essentially, "wild swimming" refers to any type of swim that takes place in the great outdoors. Any free swimming in a river, lake, or ocean is covered by the term.

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What's all the fuss about? -

Driven partly by an overwhelming urge to get outside and enjoy swimming during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, wild swimming has been surging in popularity.

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The allure of wild swimming -

With many swimming pools closed during the pandemic, the allure of plunging into open waters became overwhelming for many people. Despite the chilly temperatures, outdoor swimming has particularly soared in popularity in the UK, where ever-increasing numbers of hardy swimmers jump into the water year-round.

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An increasingly popular pastime -

Membership of the Outdoor Swimming Society grew by 36% in 2020, but the pastime had been steadily gaining a fanbase even before lockdowns began.

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Outdoor escapades -

In Britain, internet searches for the term "wild swimming" increased by 94% between 2019 and 2020. And it's not hard to see the appeal of combining exercise with beautiful scenery.

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Swimming and well-being -

A low-cost hobby that often requires nothing more than a swimsuit and a sense of adventure, many people swear that wild swimming provides a mental health boost that no municipal pool could provide.

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Scenic swimming -

For many people, the beauty of wild swimming is the opportunity to enjoy exercise while spending time in nature. Those lucky enough to have rivers, lakes, or an ocean close by have increasingly been taking advantage of the opportunity for swimming, while others will happily travel in search of the perfect place for a swim in nature.

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Rising tide of swimming converts -

The rising popularity of wild swimming in British waters has partly been driven by the word-of-mouth bestselling book 'Waterlog.' Published in 1999, the book is environmentalist and filmmaker Roger Deakin's passionate recollection of swimming in Britain's waterways.

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Swimming by the book -

'Waterlog' became the unofficial handbook of the wild swimming movement, and the 2021 publication of the book in the US looks set to further increase the sport's popularity 'across the pond.'

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Cold water swimming -

But what about when the weather gets really cold? Many dedicated swimmers will dive in year-round, even in freezing temperatures.

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Sub-zero swimming -

For some cold-water converts, the fun really starts when the mercury dips below zero. Even in the icy-cold winters of European countries such as Lithuania and the Ukraine, an increasing number of people are taking the plunge.

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Icy adventures -

Enthusiasts swear that swimming in freezing temperatures brings a whole lot of benefits for physical and mental health. And there does seem to be some science to back this up.

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The method behind the 'madness' -

Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, creator of the popular "Wim Hof Method" of cold water exposure, says the sport strengthens the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and improves blood circulation.

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Cold water therapy -

The Wim Hof Method has an ever-growing army of fans, from triathletes looking to boost their performance, to mere mortals looking to boost their health. And in many cold countries, taking a dip in an 'ice hole' is seen as a healthy winter habit.

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Cold water swimming -

When practiced safely, exposure to the shock of cold water has been shown to reduce stress levels, increase metabolism, and aid sleep. Worth taking the plunge for?

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Breaking the ice -

The success of wild swimming also stems in part from the social aspect of the activity. Wild swimming meetups are increasingly popular, and there's nothing like braving cold water together to break the ice!

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Time-honored activity -

It might be newly-fashionable, but it's not a new idea: people have been swimming at this spot in Dublin, Ireland, for hundreds of years.

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Family fun -

Few parents would want to plunge their kids into icy waters, but wild swimming is a great way to spend time as a family when the weather is warm enough. Warm towels, cuddles, and hot drinks are a perfect reward for taking the dip!

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A growing worldwide community -

A growing worldwide community of like-minded people means that wild swimming enthusiasts can now swap tips on wild swimming locations in many different countries. For swimmers on vacation, an open lake certainly makes a change from the hotel pool!

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Serious swimmers -

While many people enjoy wild swimming as a casual hobby, for others it is a way of life. Serious athletes will often get up at the crack of dawn to swim in all weathers.

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The swimming bug -

What starts off as a weekend hobby could quickly become an all-encompassing passion. Enthusiasts swear that wild swimming is addictive, and that once you've caught the wild swimming 'bug,' there's no looking back!

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Swimming in splendid isolation -

Just as wild swimming can be a sociable activity or a serious athletic pursuit, it can also be a valuable opportunity to escape the crowds, switch off, and just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

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Budget-friendly pursuit -

Another factor helping to drive the popularity of wild swimming is the fact that it's incredibly easy on the wallet. Gym fees can be extortionate, swimming pool prices can sting, but there's no charge to take a swim in a river or lake.

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Wild swimming 'kit' -

Of course, just as runners tend to end up spending a fortune on expensive gear for their 'free' exercise, serious swimmers might find themselves splashing out on a wet suit and other gear to cover distances in the cold.

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Instagram appeal -

Research has shown an increasing appetite for wild swimming among young people. Swimming industry insiders attribute this partly to social media, and the growing Instagram interest.

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More women taking to the water -

Far from being a predominantly male pursuit, wild swimming is increasingly popular among women and girls. Research shows that female participation in outdoor swimming rose 50% to 65% between 2017 and 2020. The sense of community seems to be part of the appeal.

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Physical benefits -

The physical benefits of swimming are wide-ranging. It's a low-impact sport with little risk of injury, can boost muscle strength, and can be good news for lung capacity and cardio fitness.

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Exposure to nature -

One of the most appealing aspects of wild swimming in lakes and rivers is the opportunity to spend time surrounded by wild nature. Water birds, fish, and all manner of colorful diving insects may well keep you company on a solo swim.

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Sense of freedom -

For many people, wild swimming is all about the sense of freedom. It's an opportunity to strip down to the essentials, and take bold strokes through great expanses of water, without constraints of pool rules or crowds of people.

Sources: (Outside Magazine) (BBC) (Wim Hof Method)

See also: Amazing secluded swimming spots around the world

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