A guided wild swim experience, elevated by changing rooms, a sauna, and steam room
Description
In the beautiful setting of The Swan at Streatley's river gardens, join an "Introduction to Wild Swimming @The Swan" for an immersive journey into the world of wild swimming. Guided by Jo, a passionate swimmer with an impressive repertoire of achievements and qualifications, you'll experience the thrill of wild swimming with the comfort of on-site amenities including changing rooms, a relaxing sauna, and a rejuvenating steam room, plus a hot drink included for. This 90 minute experience helps you educate yourself as you step into the Thames, but not without creature comforts like a hot shower afterwards plus use of the hotel's sauna and steam room should you wish* Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or dipping your toes into wild swimming for the first time, this experience promises a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
The session will start with an informative talk covering:
-wild swim benefits
-wild swim risks to mitigate AND how to mitigate them-how to assess water quality
-how to read the water conditions
-how to adapt your swim to temperature
-how to find swim spots and some examples of local ones
-useful swim kit
-how to tailor your swim length as your body reacts to the water
-cold water / cool water adaptations
-Q&A
We will then remove our warm layers and go for a swim. This could be 5 strokes, 50 metres or 500m - the length of the swim is determined by the group.
Following this participants will change, with the option of using the Swan at Streatley's sauna and steam room, before meeting in the cafe for a hot drink and post swim chat. This is a chance to review the experience and ask any questions which popped into participants heads as they swam.
About Jo, Swim Coach:
Jo has swum outdoors for over two decades, and equally loves swim challenges and social swims where you soak up the scenery. Jo's swim accomplishments include a Solo English Channel Swim in 2017, Solo Bristol Channel swim in 2020, Lake Windermere (2016) Thames Marathon (2019), and competing to a high level in Ice Swimming, reaching AG Bronze at the 2023 World Championships.
She looks forward to meeting you at the Swan and showcasing the beauty of the river, sharing knowledge and enthusiasm along the way.
*sauna and steam room use is at participants risk and the water temperature and swim duration should be factored into choice whether to use them.