Ow!

Well, as anticipated the water temperature has continued to drop and today hit 5.2 degrees. The wind was fairly kind, a gentle 10mph north, north easterly. However after 500m in the water the “after drop” was more significant than I’ve experienced this winter. During this month I took the decision to stop using my bike to get to and from the beach hut. This is mainly to do with not really feeling safe riding it after the swim. It can also add to the wind chill factor post swim as well.

There is a further cold spell forecasted so I am hoping to be able to get in a few sub 5 degree swims. This is the qualifying temperature for an ice mile as defined by the International Ice Swimmers Association (IISA). I will probably never get to complete an official ice mile but it’s a good experience being in the equivalent temperature of water, even if I’m only able to manage a third of the distance!