An ode to Outdoor Swimming

An ode to Outdoor Swimming

By Abby Cornforth

An ode to outdoor swimming, celebrating the joy of open water.

Wild swimming is a release, a distraction, an addiction, a cure.

I started swimming regularly once I began working for Alpkit a few years ago, i met likeminded people who also had that thirst for adventure, or the crazy gene, whichever.

In February, my Dad got diagnosed with cancer, for a while I didn't really have a coping mechanism, but pretty soon I yearned for water. I craved the cold liquid that would make my skin tingle.

I decided to swim 52 miles in 2020 (the total length of all major Cumbria waters) to raise money for Cancer Research, it became my focus and my medicine. Every part of wild swimming, or cold water swimming, is exciting; from packing your kitbag, to hiking to your destination, to the post swim burn!

There's something about walking into a cold body of water, inch by inch, everything floats away, there's nothing to focus on but your breathing.

It brings a sense of relief from everyday worries, when you need just 15 minutes to forget about reality, what's happening in the world, any negative thoughts and you can just be, be in the moment and be yourself.

No worries, no stress, no anxiety, no pain.

This article was written by Abby Cornforth, our Store manager in Keswick.

Outdoor Swimming Swimwear and Wetsuits

  • New

Straven [Womens] Straven [Womens]

Straven [Womens]

Natural rubber insulated shorty swimsuit for wild swim warmth and freedom
£99.99

  • New

Tarka Wetsuit [Mens] Tarka Wetsuit [Mens]

Tarka Wetsuit [Mens]

Natural rubber active shorty wetsuit for wild swims, paddlesports and swim-run days
£119.99

  • New

Tarka Wetsuit [Womens] Tarka Wetsuit [Womens]

Tarka Wetsuit [Womens]

Natural rubber active shorty wetsuit for wild swims, paddlesports and swim-run days
£119.99
Terrapin Natural Swimming Wetsuit [Mens] mens terrapin outdoor swimming wetsuit - action

Terrapin Natural Swimming Wetsuit [Mens]

Natural swimming position with thinner more flexible neoprene
£139.99
alpkit womens terrapin wetsuit alpkit women's terrapin wetsuit

Terrapin Natural Swimming Wetsuit [Womens]

Natural swimming position with thinner more flexible neoprene
£139.99
Alpkit men's Lotic outdoor swimming wetsuit alpkit - maelstron - lotic - action

Lotic Swimming Wetsuit [Mens]

Our best all-round wetsuit for outdoor swimming in open water
£199.99
alpkit womens lotic wetsuit in black womens Lotic outdoor swimming wetsuit - action

Lotic Swimming Wetsuit [Womens]

Our best all-round wetsuit for outdoor swimming in open water
£199.99
Silvertip Cold Water Wetsuit [Mens] Close up shot of the Alpkit Silvertip outdoor swimming wetsuit

Silvertip Cold Water Wetsuit [Mens]

Fleece-lined wetsuit for long swims and braving icy waters
£224.99
Silvertip Cold Water Wetsuit [Womens] Silvertip Cold Water Wetsuit [Womens]

Silvertip Cold Water Wetsuit [Womens]

Fleece lined cold water swimming wetsuit
£224.99
alpkit element wetsuit mens jacket in black front Element Wetsuit Jacket [Mens]

Element Wetsuit Jacket [Mens]

Front zip wetsuit jacket. Keep warm your way and easy to put on.
£99.99
alpkit element wetsuit mens vest in black front Element Wetsuit Vest [Mens]

Element Wetsuit Vest [Mens]

Front zip wetsuit vest. Keep warm your way and easy to put on.
£86.99
alpkit element wetsuit mens pants in black front Element Wetsuit Pants [Mens]

Element Wetsuit Pants [Mens]

Wetsuit pants. Keep warm your way and easy to put on.
£99.99

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