One positive to winter for open water swimmers is that sunrises are later, making swimrises – swimming at sunrise – more regularly achievable. If you’re thinking of giving it a go, we’ve got some tips you should be aware of. Choose an east-facing swim spot The sun rises in the east (and sets in the […]
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You’ve seen the water dotted with them, but why should open water swimmers use a tow-float? First of all, let’s explain what they are. A tow-float is a small, brightly-coloured inflatable that you attach to your body via a waist band and leash. It floats along behind you as you swim, making you more visible […]
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One key difference between pool swimming and open water swimming is that you have no lane lines or markings on the floor to follow. The world is literally your oyster and you can go in any direction you please, for as long as you wish. The downside to this new-found freedom is you have to…...
Continue reading "What is sighting? How do you get good at it?"
Sarah Kerrigan lives for her time in the sea with friends and family, drinking in nature, and enjoying a low impact exercise where her (dis)ability isn’t a factor. On the last Saturday of October one of my swimming buddies and I decided we were going to attempt heading out to the first buoy at Sandycove […]
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Why can’t I swim in a straight line when swimming in open water? It’s a common question we get asked all the time, and the answer is a combination of factors that need to be worked on. Here’s what we see as the main ones to take a look at: 1. Sighting Sighting is when…...
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You’ve seen the hoards bobbing along on your coastal walks and now you want to dip your toe to see what all the fuss is about? Here’s what to expect on your first winter swim in Ireland. Getting in hurts! No matter how slowly you acclimatise, getting in hurts. It’s stingy and cutting. But this […]
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I’m as excited as a child on Christmas Eve, though I’m an adult and it’s June; Lockdown is ending and the only way to celebrate is a Sunrise Hike and a Swim. Little did we know that we were on the cusp of something wonderful that would get us through a tougher second Lockdown. As […]
Continue reading "Portsalon Plungers by Mary O’Doherty"
Winter open water dipping can be exhilarating and a wonderful way to spend time with friends outdoors. But it is not without serious risk, so it’s a good idea to get clued up before taking the plunge. We’ve got a few tips below about what to look out for when planning your dip, what to […]
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Going for a swim in cold, open water can be exhilarating, but it’s not without risk. There’s a few things you need to know to enjoy the water, safely.
Continue reading "RNLI | Top Tips for Better Cold Water Dips"
Is this a mistake? The fear is real, it’s been so long. Maybe I’ve forgotten how? Do I bolt, send an excuse? Oh hell, too late, they’ll already have left, I’d say most are probably nearly here. They arrive, we exchange greetings, cross the tracks, smelling the fresh earth scent that only early morning can […]
Continue reading "Is This A Mistake by Pearse Reynolds"