Swimming the temps down

Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas shares her advice for acclimatising to the cooling water temperatures this autumn

September is the best month for open water swimming. I love spring and summer, and even ice swimming in the dead of winter can be fun. But, September holds a special place in my heart. As the temperatures drop and the kids go back to school, the crowds lessen and the lakes can feel more peaceful. A welcome calmness and quiet descends upon my Saturday morning swims and the changing of the seasons makes me want to hold onto every last ounce of warmth before the water rushes headlong toward ice.

September is the perfect balance of warm summer water and cooler autumn air. It creates the perfect opportunity to test your mettle in the cold by allowing you to swim the temperatures down until you can’t take it any more (or things freeze). September and October create the perfect opportunity to get a head start on an English Channel qualifier or to see if an ice mile is in the cards.

Here are some tips for safely swimming down, to get the most out of the autumn season!

1. Start when it’s still warm and cosy!
2. As the temperatures drop, try to keep swimming as long as you can.
3. Air temperatures matters: a hot, sunny afternoon is very different than a cold and drizzly evening with wind.
4. I like to combine water temp and air temp for a “total temperature” to help determine how long/how far I can swim. I know a score of 100F/20C is cold, but something I can manage. Much below that, I know I need to be careful. Everyone has a different comfort level, so learn yours and know when it’s safe to push lower and when you need to be cautious.
5. Track the air temp, water temp and how far/how long you swam. Keep notes so you can remember how you felt and how long you lasted. This will be helpful for the spring when you want to start building again and for the next season to know how long you can make it.
6. As temperatures get colder, don’t forget the gear:
   
   Warm beanie
   Gloves
   Warm parka – water proof and with a zipper is preferred
   Warm socks
   Layers: I like a loose t-shirt on the bottom, then a hoodie, then the parka.
   
7. Make sure you have a good breakfast. Nothing good ever came from swimming cold on an empty tummy.
8. Don’t forget the hot tea or hot chocolate. This is your official permission to add a healthy dose of sugar to the tea. Studies show that giving your body something sweet to eat or drink after a cold swim helps ward off hypothermia by jumpstarting your digestive system, hence aiding the re-warming process.

And mostly, have fun. Enjoy the water and the changing scenery. Pools can wait a little longer – enjoy the outdoors while it’s still friendly and accessible and before the indoors beckon!