Nicola is one of our Find Your Freedom adventurers and a regular wild dipper. Here. she provides an insight into the benefits of wild swimming, along with some top tips and dipping spot ideas. Give her a follow on Instagram @wild_swimming_caldervalley
I began wild swimming almost 3 years ago and I cannot emphasise how much it has changed my life! From that first dip at Gaddings Dam, Todmorden - I was hooked. I have finally found something that is just for me, something that helps me to reset and make me feel incredibly proud of myself.
Every time I plunge into cold water, I instantly feel the tension and stress leave my body and mind. There really isn’t anything else like it. When I’m in the water, I cannot think about anything else. All of my worries and stresses become completely irrelevant. I focus on my breath, my surroundings and every little noise I can hear. Pure bliss.
Nic's Tops Tips: Get your swimming costume off as quickly as possible and get as many layers on as you can. Don’t swim alone during the Winter.
Nic's Swim Essentials: Neoprene gloves & socks, Dip & Dales costume & towel (obviously!) and a flask of Yorkshire Tea for that post swim warm up.
Nic's Fave Dipping Spots: Gaddings Dam, Lumb Falls & Ryburn Reservoir.
