Top tips for winter dips: How to get the benefits of wild swimming all year long

One of my tried and tested maxims is to ‘just add water’. Whatever your state, a glass of water, a warm bath, sitting by the sea or a relaxing swim is sure to change our mood.

In the summer months, I love to swim wild. My favourite spots in our local area are the Helford River, Flushing Beach, and Swanpool Beach in Falmouth. Despite the clement temperatures I still find my basal drops significantly, but it is exhilarating as you immerse yourself in nature and become completely focused on breath and rhythm.

In the winter months, to date, I don’t brave it. So, I was fascinated to learn about the growing online and beach side communities who continue to meet to swim every day, all year round.

The two largest such communities in Falmouth are @sheswims and @gyllywellbeingswimmers. I met with the founder of Gylly Wellbeing Swimmers (GWS) Nick Banfield to find out why so many people are joining the movement for sea swimming and how to get involved.

GWS offer daily swims, pitching up on Gylly Beach at 8am (wild swimming) 9am (coaching) and 10am (the 10 o’ clock club). They have a team of coaches who give their time for free to support members in life coaching, swim coaching, meditation, and yoga.

There is a strong emphasis on the community element of swimming here and members are encouraged to meet and talk as much as getting into the sea.

Nick talks about how altruism is integral to why Gylly Wellbeing Swimmers have been so successful, the fact that their services are provided for free and how therapeutic both social connection and nature immersion is for the growing epidemic of mental health issues post-covid.

In revealing my reticence to brave the cold, Nick gave his top tips for winter dips:

1. Choose a good quality wetsuit, gloves and wetsuit socks

2. Dry clothes, ready and waiting on your return

3. Hot water in a flask and a hot water bottle

4. Start short and build up your resilience with 3 minutes then 5/10/15 max in winter – you’ll be surprised how you get used to it!

GWS welcomes new members and can be found at the Blue Flag on Gylly Beach and @gyllywellbeingswimmers