Swims that shaped me: Jonathan Cowie

Contributing editor Jonathan Cowie shares the swims that have shaped his life over the years, from his first ever open water event in his 30s, to his life-changing move to the Lake District

Great North Swim

My first open water event. After doing no sport whatsoever in my 20s, I realised I was unfit, overweight and smoked and drank too much. So I gave up the fags and got fit. In 2009 I decided to sign up to a mile swim at the Great North Swim in Windermere. It was a huge challenge and I remember feeling really nervous before the big day. I made a last-minute purchase of a wetsuit on the way up to the Lake District – rookie error! In the end the wetsuit was fine, and I had the time of my life at the swim. I got out the water hooked on open water swimming.

Christmas Day Dip at Tooting Bec Lido

The swim that started my love of cold water. Invited to the South London Swimming Club Christmas Day races by my neighbour Ann, I was persuaded to get in the 2-degree water of Tooting Bec Lido. And then promptly got out again! But something must have clicked, because I soon became a winter member of SLSC, then committee member and swim captain. My time with SLSC swimming at Tooting Lido cemented my love of outdoor swimming and the diverse, passionate and sometimes downright odd community that we are all lucky to be part of.

Ötillö Engadin Swimrun

“Ooh, that looks a bit Alpy.” I probably hadn’t done enough hill training for the full-distance Ötillö Engadin swimrun in the Swiss Alps, but it was a stunning race. Big mountains, blue skies and sunshine – perfect racing weather. Until the penultimate swim. Suddenly thunder and lightning filled the sky and torrential rain and massive waves on the previously flat lake reduced visibility to zero. We were getting thrown around in the water as thunder roared overhead. It was amazing, thrilling and probably quite dangerous! Fortunately, a safety boat zoomed over and we were pulled from the water before we were struck by lightning.

DART10K

I hated the Dart10k. Evidently it is a lovely swim, but on the verge of long-term relationship breakdown I was in no place to enjoy it. The water was cold, it was fast-flowing, and I was furious. Furious with myself, furious with other swimmers, furious with the world. My goggles may have been filled with tears but I swam hard and angry. My time was quick but enjoyment nil.

Arctic Circle Swim

Swimming across the Arctic Circle date line and back in time, in a swim from Finland to Sweden – with the most amazing sauna at the finish line. And I came third! Restorative, adventurous, competitive and with the added bonus of the lovely company of new Finnish friends.

Windermere dip

In 2021 I left London and moved to the Lake District. On a sunny day in April I drove up the M6 to a new flat and a new way of life. Had I made the right decision? I arrived in Cumbria, unloaded the car, and headed to Windermere for an evening dip. Right decision definitely made!

Fancy sharing swims that shaped you? Get in touch! Email: editor@outdoorswimmer.com