The Wild Swim Relay: a celebration of teamwork and resilience

Team swim challenges are more than the sum of their parts, as Ashleigh Bulcraig knows. Here, she shares her experience of swimming with a team of strangers – or soon to be friends – at the Level Water Wild Swim Relay in Shepperton.

The experience of participating in the 24-hour swimming relay last weekend is one that I will cherish forever. It was an event that not only tested our physical limits but also highlighted the power of camaraderie and shared goals.

The journey to this remarkable event began with a simple act of spontaneity: I submitted a picture of my Aspire Alpaca teammates and me, celebrating our recent completion of the English Channel. With big grins and a large bottle of champagne, we were filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Little did I know that this spontaneous act would lead to my selection for Outdoor Swimmer Magazine’s 24-hour Wild Swim Relay swim team in Shepperton Lake for Level Water.

At the time of my submission, I also shared a bit about myself. I am a 44-year-old pelvic health physiotherapist, a wife, and a mother of three children. I was searching for another challenge that would give me a goal, focus, and time to do something for myself. The relay presented itself as the perfect opportunity to achieve this. The thought of swimming for an extended period while being part of a team was incredibly appealing.

Team connection

What drew me to this event was the camaraderie that comes from being part of a team. During my training for the English Channel, I experienced the profound connection that develops among teammates. Each member shared a deep love for swimming, and we all worked towards a common goal. Our team was a beautiful mix of ages and swimming abilities, yet we supported one another through the challenges we faced. This sense of unity was palpable, especially when the going got tough. The bonds formed during those training sessions were invaluable, and I was eager to experience that again in the relay.

When I received the news that I had been selected for the relay team, I was overjoyed. However, I quickly realised that I had only six weeks to prepare. A WhatsApp group was created for our team, and I was thrilled to discover that I was part of an all-female team. This made the experience even more special, as I felt a sense of solidarity and empowerment among my teammates.

In the lead-up to the relay, I must admit that my training was not as rigorous as it could have been. Instead, I focused on enjoying the simple pleasure of swimming in the sea with my local friends whenever possible. I relished the conversations with my regular swimming companions at the local pool, a stark contrast to the intense training I had undergone for the Channel swim the previous year. This more relaxed approach allowed me to reconnect with my love for swimming, free from the pressure of strict training schedules.

United by swimming

As the day of the relay approached, excitement and anticipation filled the air. The event was set to take place at Shepperton Lake, a picturesque location that provided the perfect backdrop for our challenge.

The atmosphere was electric as teams gathered, each with their own stories and motivations for participating. It was inspiring to see so many individuals united by a shared passion for swimming and a desire to push their limits.

The event was filled with joy and laughter, despite the cold and wet conditions. As we took our turns in the water, the camaraderie among our team was evident. We cheered each other on, offering words of encouragement and support with every stroke.

The night brought its own set of challenges, as the temperature dropped and fatigue began to set in. However, the spirit of the event kept us energised. I managed to get only an hour of sleep, yet the laughter and chatter among teammates kept my spirits high.

Night swimming

Swimming in the dark was a unique experience. The water felt different, and the sounds of splashing echoed in the stillness of the night. Each time I entered the water, I was reminded of the beauty of swimming and the freedom it brings. The rhythmic motion of my arms and legs, combined with the cool water enveloping me, created a sense of tranquillity that was both refreshing and invigorating.

As the hours passed, our team continued to support one another. We shared stories, laughter, and even moments of vulnerability. There were times when fatigue threatened to overwhelm us, but we found strength in each other. The bonds we formed during those long hours in the water were unbreakable. We were not just individuals swimming for a cause; we were a team, united by our shared experiences and the challenges we faced together.

The relay was not just about swimming; it was about friendship, teamwork, and the shared joy of pursuing a common passion. Each member of our team brought something unique to the table, whether it was a sense of humour, a motivational spirit, or simply a willingness to lend a helping hand. This divergence enriched our experience and made the event even more memorable.

Elation and cake

As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the lake, we felt a renewed sense of energy. The final hours of the relay were filled with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. We knew we were nearing the finish line, and the thought of completing this challenge together fueled our determination. The cheers from our fellow participants and supporters created an atmosphere of celebration, reminding us of the significance of our efforts.

When the relay finally came to an end, we gathered together, exhausted yet elated. We had accomplished something remarkable, not just as individuals but as a team. The sense of achievement was overwhelming, and we celebrated our success with laughter, hugs, and, of course, a cake. The experience had brought us closer together, and I knew that the memories we created would last a lifetime.

Participating in the Wild Swim Relay was more than just a physical challenge; it was a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and the joy of pursuing a shared passion. It reminded me of the beauty of swimming and the bonds it can create among people from all walks of life. As I reflect on this incredible experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a remarkable event and for the friendships that blossomed along the way.

Enjoyed Ashleigh’s blog? Read team member Jane’s blog about swimming in deep water, Hazel’s words about finding joy in challenges and Debs’ brilliant words about why participating in an event helps build her swim confidence. The Shep Shifters team is kindly supported by Zone3.