How to Stay Warm after Wild Swimming
During the winter months, the UK weather can be brutal.
Well, it can be like that all year round actually, but particularly during winter and especially after a freezing cold dip in the sea… But for us avid wild swimmers, there is one important thing we simply must do after a swim - stay warm!
Yep, that’s me straight after a swim in the sea. Dripping wet and freezing cold but still smiling!
As you may have read in my previous post (and if not then please go back and check it out for everything you need to know about open-water swimming), there is such a thing called after-drop. If you swim outdoors often, you have more than likely experienced this. It is the reduction in your body's core temperature once you get out of the water.
It's usual for the natural process to begin when you're in the water. To save your vital organs, your body will reduce blood flow to your skin and limbs, keeping your core warm but your skin and limbs chilly. Your core temperature will decrease as soon as you step out of the water because the warmer blood in your core will mix with the colder blood from your skin and limbs. It is vital to keep your body temperature stable during this process for your own health and safety.
What is the best to stay warm after swimming?
Wrap Up!
When you’re ready to leave the water, make sure you’ve got enough clothing to wrap up warm. The best thing to do is to undress, discard the wet items and start drying off straight away.
I personally use a hooded beach towel/poncho, wear some comfy, loose jogging bottoms and an oversized hoody. Then I whack a dry robe on over the top. If you’ve got one, a beanie hat is also a good idea to stop the heat from escaping your head.
Drink something hot!
Your body will begin to shiver soon after you exit the water; this is when it starts to use up all of its energy, so you should try to restore it as soon as you can!
Perfect excuse to treat yourself and enjoy a delightful hot cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate to help you replenish!
Avoid a hot shower straight away
It's better to let your body naturally warm up before stepping into a hot shower.
Your core temperature drops faster and lower when you take a hot shower since it speeds up the rate at which cold blood rushes to your warm core.
It’ll be a terrible shock to the system so please avoid it!
What are you waiting for? Get swimming!
If you liked this be sure to read my previous post: Everything You Need to Know About Wild Swimming
