Dear fellow swimmers
Welcome to the start of winter
Tomorrow is the 21 December, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the start of astronomical winter
(metrological winter started on 1 December).
I will be marking the day with a quiet dip in the Thames at sunrise, which is at the lazily indulgent time of 8:04. I prefer to do a quiet, reflective swim in my own time, rather than a boisterous organised festive dip - but if you do prefer the latter, see our Festive Dip List 2025.
Winter conditions are coming...
I also prefer to swim on the solstice than Christmas day (although I may end up doing both). From a winter swimming perspective, it's likely that we haven't yet experienced the coldest water and toughest conditions. But we have reached peak gloom. From the solstice onwards, the days get longer. I like the idea of marking that turning point with a swim.
Through autumn, our swims get gradually later as we try to time them with first light. This is partly for safety reasons, but also because sunrise gives us the most spectacular colours.
...But it's so more than just enduring the cold
When we talk about winter swimming, we mostly focus on the cold. It is the most obvious feature. It's the cold that punches you in the chest, steals the air from your lungs, numbs your fingers and crushes your head. It's what we have to pay most attention to from a safety perspective, and the one that puts people off (well, there's pollution too, but that's another article).
But I encourage you to look past the cold and embrace the full experience. Be enraptured by the rapidly changing light conditions as the sun rises and lights up clouds from underneath. Wonder at the trees defiantly raising their bare branches to the sky. Marvel at the waterbirds going about their business, already collecting twigs and fallen leaves for their nests.
Winter swimming isn't just about enduring the cold. It gives us a unique opportunity to enjoy what makes this season special. Earlier this year, we asked you to share pictures of your favourite swimming
spots. Go and look yours again tomorrow (whether you winter swim or not), on the shortest day, and admire them anew when the sun is low in the sky and the trees are barren.
We'll be back next week with some reflections on the year gone by and suggestions for making a difference in 2026, but
meanwhile Merry Christmas from everyone at Outdoor Swimmer.
