Today I started a Chill swim course at Saunton Sands in North Devon. It's getting on for 2 years since I did the Into the Blue, a South Devon Chill course at Bigbury-on-Sea for those living with and recovering from cancer. That course gave me something so special, a love of getting into cold water!
If you've read my blog you'll know how much the cold water dipping has helped me cope with pain and the mental strain of living with stage 4 cancer. I am a nervous bobber though and I would like to change that. I'd love to build up to feeling more confident in open water.
It's things like rip currents and not knowing the depths of a place - some you can walk out for ages and it'll be only up to your knees, others have sudden drop offs. And in the rivers it's the swoosh and fear of getting swooshed away! It's a healthy fear to have, but I'd like to be a bit braver and actually swim not just bob! In fact I would really like to one day manage the swim to Burgh Island at Bigbury, so there's my challenge!
I have struggled to keep up a regular swim practice, the first course I did was wonderful and people still meet up each week, but it is an hour and a half from me and mostly I can’t manage that kind of drive, especially when on chemo. This course is a bit closer.
I can't wait to get back into a weekly swimming habit and hopefully grow my confidence in a safe supported environment, and maybe actually swim a bit rather than bob!
The First Day
On arrival I was met by the lovely Erin and Mark, and after initial introductions and chat (interesting why these groups are always made up of significantly more women than men) we made our way to the beach. I love Saunton Sands, it's one of my favourite beaches. Grace says it's her second favourite beach, her favourite being Exmouth. When she hears the cafe does lemon and sugar pancakes it may become her new favourite!
We had the safety talk and some good information about the benefits of cold water. I always love the fact that after only 2 minutes of immersion you have received all the benefits the cold water offers, any time spent in after that is purely for the joy of it.
The obligatory warm-up star jumps were performed to the best of our ability and then we were off to get cold and wet! I loved it.
I didn’t hesitate, but may have squealed… I even dunked my head under a couple of times, I normally bottle out of that when it’s really cold. but it felt good.
I had such a bad fibromyalgia day yesterday, I was dosed up on painkillers all day. This morning I felt a bit better but had some pain, I made the decision not to take any pain relief and see what the cold water did. Despite a busy day, as of 9pm, still no painkillers. The effect the water has on my body is wonderful, it eases the pain sensations changing them into something better. It also lifts my mental wellbeing. I’ve been feeling low and incredibly stressed lately waiting for scan results. Living life scan to scan is taking its toll in a way that’s hard to put into words. Sometimes, the uncertainty is so heavy that my mind tells me it would be easier to just have bad news to deal with, rather than this constant cycle of rebuilding hope only to fear losing it all again. Of course it wouldn't, but the mind takes you to strange dark places at times of stress.
I’m terrified of not making it to our trip to Lapland in December, but I’m choosing to keep booking these adventures with Grace. I will never give up.
The water lifted me, being with others also enjoying it lifted me. It’s always special to share a dip with people who get it and share the emotions the water can bring - the highs and the lows! There's alot that can be freed with the waves. I was tearful at one point, a release of the last week perhaps, then laughter and joy took over. Needless to say I can’t wait for next weeks session - the added bonus being Tigger is on the way home!
PS. Brighton Water Shoes now have towels and cups in their newest colours and have 50% off until 10th May with Ambassador50
💚 Coastal Patina Olive
💜 Salty Afterglow Lilac
🖤 Black Rock
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