After retiring from swimming, I have dabbled in other sports; rowing, cycling, judo and running. I had a go at paddleboarding but, although I loved the challenge and the idea of it, I just couldn’t balance due to my poor vision, and I was too scared to move forward into the unknown! But I have always been drawn to the water, so back to the pool. It seems that once in the water I can really be me – just me and the water, my old friend! I had always dreamed of outdoor swimming and had watched with envy as people ran off into the sea to face the waves and endless water. How could I possibly do this without being able to see? I felt a real draw to open water but had no idea how to take the steps needed to “dive in” – sadly my guide dog doesn’t swim!
I became friends with a lovely lady, who is an incredibly experienced open water swimmer, a channel swimmer, and a fountain of knowledge for all things wild swimming. She took me to our local river, held my hand as I got in, and then took me under her wing. And then I was hooked.
The cold-water shock… the immediate, sudden, overwhelming feeling of cold all over, all around me, tingly pain in my fingertips, my toes, the back of my neck… suddenly I was so incredibly aware of every single cell in my body, my focus was truly on me, the here and now, the moment… Just breathe. Then I became aware of the smell of the river; the strong, slightly sweet, slightly musty, earthy tang. The fresh air blowing across the water and kissing my face, ruffling my hair. The sound of the birds so clear and close… some rustles in the riverbank and bushes. I felt like a part of nature, not an observer; taking part in life, rather than watching it go by. We spent time just floating in the river, Heather pointing out to me the swans, the ducks, describing what I couldn’t see. What a beautiful experience we shared together.
And then there is the post swim high – something unlike anything I have ever felt, in any sport. It is a drug I crave; long for over days that I cannot dip, until I get my “fix” and feel the release, the reset that brings sunshine to my days. Frustratingly I have to wait until a friend can take me and can’t just go when I feel the need, but I feel lucky to have lovely friends that take me when they can and I am always grateful for what I have rather than yearn for what I don’t. Perhaps because my time in the water is so limited, I cherish and treasure every moment more than I would do.