Thinking About Joining Your First Cold-Water Swim?
If you have been curious about cold-water swimming but are not quite sure where to begin, you are in the right place.
Over the past two years, many of the people who joined the Commodities Swimming Club had never tried cold-water swimming before. Myself, I had my own first cold dip only a few weeks before Mathilde and I launched the club.
What follows are some of the things I wish someone had shared with me before my first winter swim. None of these tips is complicated, the aim is simply to help you know what to expect when you find yourself standing at the edge of the cold water for the first time.
Because when the cold water reaches your feet, for a few moments there is only the water, your breathing, and the decision whether to keep moving forward.
We are all beautifully unique
One of the first things you will notice is that people react differently to the cold. Some swimmers are immediately comfortable, others need a little longer to settle and find their breathing rhythm. Some people enjoy remaining in the water longer, others prefer a brief dip before heading back to shore. All of that is perfectly normal, and there is very little value in comparison, as the objective is not to match what someone else is doing. The purpose is to have a positive experience and leave the water feeling good about it. Water has a remarkable way of reminding us that we are all different, and that there is nothing wrong with that.
The hardest part is usually before you enter
People often expect the difficult part to begin once they are in the water. In reality, the most challenging moment often happens a few metres earlier, when you look at the water from the shore and start wondering whether today is really a good day to swim. As you approach, your inner voice grows louder, asking why on earth you are doing this. These internal conversations are surprisingly universal, and the anticipation is almost always worse than the experience itself. Over time, I learned that the best approach is to keep moving towards the water, because the longer you stand wondering whether this is a good idea, the more persuasive that inner voice becomes.
Thirty seconds can feel like a long time
One of the first pieces of advice I received was remarkably simple: stay in for thirty seconds. It sounded easy, but it was not, and at first I lasted only a few seconds. Then again, are limits not something worth trying to overcome? In cold water, thirty seconds can feel surprisingly long, as the sensation on your body is intense and unfamiliar. And then, almost imperceptibly, something changes. The shock begins to fade and your breathing slows. Once you pass those initial thirty seconds, which are the real challenge, everything becomes much easier.
Focus on your breathing
If there is one thing worth paying attention to, it is your breathing. Cold water commands your attention immediately and, as strange as it may sound, you may forget to breathe and start gasping for air. This is completely normal, and instead of fighting the sensation, simply take slow and controlled breaths. Different people develop different routines, but the principle remains the same: slow your breathing, and everything else will fall into place once it settles.
Contrary to what you may believe, nobody is judging you
Newcomers often worry about what others might think of their inexperience or hesitation. The reality is much simpler: no one will judge you. Quite the opposite: the sense of camaraderie is very strong, and the other swimmers will be cheering you on.
Find your tribe
One of the most rewarding aspects of cold-water swimming has very little to do with the swimming itself. It is the people. When we started the Commodities Swimming Club, the idea was simple: bring together professionals who enjoy swimming and meaningful conversations in an informal environment. What emerged was something richer, as conversations continued long after the swims had ended and a community slowly formed. Swimming with others makes the experience both more enjoyable and less intimidating.
Dress for the chill
The swim itself might last only a few minutes, especially in January and February when water temperatures drop and the wind is howling. Consider wearing a warm hat, neoprene gloves and socks. They may become your new best friends during the colder months. For after the swim, warm clothes that are easy to put on make a tremendous difference, as your fingers will be trembling and buttons difficult to fasten.
The water will be there next week
Many first-time swimmers arrive with the idea that they need to achieve something. Stay in for a certain amount of time, swim a particular distance, or prove something to themselves. Water does not care about any of that. A first swim only needs to be one thing: a first swim. You do not need to impress anyone, nor to accomplish anything extraordinary. Just leave the water thinking that you would like to come back.
Respect the water and know your limits
This may be the most important lesson of all. Water is beautiful, but it must be approached with respect and sound judgement. Conditions change throughout the year, with wind, temperature and currents all playing a part. Confidence is valuable, but a healthy dose of humility is essential. Some days feel easier than others, and there will be times when you decide it is best to come out sooner than expected. The goal is not to win a battle against the cold, but to build a habit and a sustainable relationship with the water.
One final thought
Cold-water swimming has given me some wonderful friendships, a few unforgettable moments, and a reminder that we are often capable of more than we think. And if you are still hesitating, that is perfectly normal. Every one of us stood on that shore for the first time, asking ourselves why we were there.
Come and find out for yourself, we would be delighted to receive your application to join the crew.