The seasons shift from warmer days to colder ones. But for Bryony - a cold water swimmer, surfer, dog mum and outdoor enthusiast this season is far from gloomy. We caught up with her to talk about her approach to breaking winter's icy grip and finding joy in the blue space.
Words by Bryony Rust (@salt_bythesea).
Winter is here, bringing with it shorter, darker days. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Every season can be fun if you find routines that light you up. For me, that’s my connection to the ocean through cold water swimming.
It’s a great time of year to get in the sea. Not because the water is warm and not because the sun is shining. But because, as the darker months stretch on, you’ll be glad you have this routine that stokes your fire through winter.
Days feel more distinct and savoured when you’re out in the elements, noticing the seasonal shifts, the daily change in the air temperature and the textures in the water. Plus, it’s a boost to your mindset - if you’re able to handle the discomfort of getting in icy cold water, imagine what else you can achieve in your day.
The real question is, how to actually edge yourself into that icy water when your brain is telling you it’s a shockingly bad idea.
Research shows that action comes before motivation; by committing to something regularly, the motivation to keep going naturally follows.
I learned this myself after committing to the Surfers Against Sewage Dip A Day Challenge, raising funds for their work campaigning for cleaner waterways. Every day for a month I got in the sea, regardless of whether I actually wanted to. I’d gone public with my commitment and there was no backing out.
The very fact of getting in daily made my month so filled with nature connection that I had a genuinely joyful time. And now without the sponsored expectation, I’m still dipping as the days get darker.
For me, a solo dip early in the morning is a special kind of magic. It’s peaceful and it resets my priorities. A wide horizon and the embodied experience of being ice cold will do that for you.
But you don’t have to do it alone. And, of course, it’s safer with a friend. There’s a ready-made community waiting to welcome you. Cold water dippers are friendly folk; I think it’s all the endorphins.
Groups gather, official or otherwise, on the shore with robes and buckets, a sound like wild geese gathering as socks are stripped off and feet hit cold sand. There’s a chorus as people wade in, shrieking at the temperature.
Sounds carry on open water, and the energised chatter of bobble-hatted folks fills the air. Laughter is guaranteed. You can’t bottle this feeling, but you can go and get yours, available in a cold water spot near you.
Our Island has several regular meets, from the daily dippers of Freshwater Bay, to the weekly Dip ‘n’ Sip crew in Sandown - free cake served to all dippers at the Coffee Bubble after. I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t a motivator for me.
It just so happens that a hot drink and something sweet is also the perfect warm-up prescription post-dip. Plus cosy socks and the biggest coat in your collection. It’s a genuine pleasure to have good gear to wrap up in after a cold dip.
These cold water community gatherings aren’t just about the time in the water. There’s a special kind of friendship that forms from doing this thing together. The cheerful chats afterwards, faces that become familiar over the weeks, as we share snippets of our lives.
Winter can feel a little lonely, with the days so short. This regular commitment and point of connection is an excellent way to ward off the winter blues.
It’s a good time to test out the ‘action precedes motivation’ mindset. Take the plunge, rope in a friend, and discover for yourself the magic of cold water swimming. The cold might take your breath away, but it’ll give so much back in return.
Words by Bryony Rust - @salt_bythesea
Images by Eve Conrad - @eveconradphotography
