Dear fellow swimmers
How much risk is too much?
As you become more a experienced swimmer, you may start wanting to test your limits: how far can you
swim, or how cold you can go. Less often discussed, is swimming in rough water.
Organised swims will usually be cancelled when the wind and waves pick up. This is often because rough conditions make it difficult for water safety teams to operate effectively rather than because the swimmers will struggle.
Yet swimming in rough conditions can be exhilarating. You get a buzz from pitting your swimming strength and skills against the forces of nature. But it comes with additional risk.
Last week I had the opportunity to swim into stormy
conditions in the Mediterranean. You can read about how I approached it here.
I share the story with some trepidation as I'm sure some swimmers will think my decision was irresponsible. On the other hand, it was the most fun and memorable swim of my trip. Exposing yourself to risk can be rewarding.
The question is, how much risk is
tolerable?
That, really, is something you can only answer for yourself.
And remember, there's a difference between being reckless and taking calculated risks based on your assessment of the conditions and your
experience. The first is definitely not OK. The second, maybe is.
