WHAT WILL THE COURSE COVER?

You'll get the chance to work together with Simon and Rowan, who have decades of experience as cold water swimmers, ice gala competitors and winter swimming coaches/guides.

The course content will be tailored to you, but will cover everything from mental and physical acclimatisation to gear and events:

Part 1

• Why swim through winter
• What happens to your body in cold water
• How to get winter ready - kit, planning your swims, finding a group, venue etc.
• Basic safety reminder
• Dipping vs swimming
• Mental preparation and mindset – dealing with nerves/fears, building confidence and managing expectations

Part 2

• Your first cool dip
• How to acclimatise
• Cold water shock, swim failure, hypothermia, non-freezing cold injury and afterdrop – what are they, how do you recognise and respond to them?
• Dressing and rewarming

Part 3

• Increasing your time in the water - how much is worth it?
• Tips for when the temperature drops below 5 degrees
• Tips for quicker changing and rewarming
• What to eat before and after a winter swim

Part 4

• Winter swimming events
• Winter swimming challenges
• Community – sharing, journaling and connecting

WHAT PEOPLE SAID

The half-day workshop is based on the four-week course we ran in the autumn.

"I joined this course to find out more about cold water swimming before I took my first plunge into cold water. I'm glad I did because the course gives a very good introduction for anyone who is new to this. It covers all the important things that you need to know before and after entering the water. Simon and Rowan are experienced cold water swimmers, but they create a welcoming vibe in the sessions, and answer any questions that arise, no matter how basic." Pam

"Informative classes and great camaraderie with the WhatsApp chats." Abby