introduction

The Swimmer as Hero

Introduction

As with cold water, I think it is best to dive straight in, rather than wasting time on lengthy introductions – what, in the water, SW and I would call "prancing" (accompanied by snorts of derision and much self-congratulation on our own non-prancing status). We are two sea bathers. But I'm not sure that does us justice. We are two hardy, intrepid, fearsomely brave wild swimmers; adventurers, never shaken by the terrifyingly wide spectrum of colours which our knees, toes and fingertips turn in plummeting temperatures; nor the bemusement of others, the warnings of imminent death, of certain incarceration in a mental institution; nor, most regularly, by winds, waves, snows and tempests, in our quest to fully submerge in the murky depths off West Dorset. That's not quite true. But we are certainly two friends who swim as early and as late into the year as possible, long after the tourists have gone home and the locals have tucked up with the Antiques Roadshow.

The leaves have fallen from the trees, the beach has returned to a haven for dog walkers snuggled in coats and hats, the nights have drawn in, and warm fires and toasted muffins are the evening's greatest thrill. But peer closer into the water, into the Autumnal, the Winter, the post-Christmas and the early Spring seas, nudge your companions and point incredulously, for out there somewhere, you will see us. This year we plan to swim all year round. As the Summer ends and, as SW says, "October, when we can start to feel quite brave" approaches, we thought we would log our Winter swims. Partly for posterity, partly to motivate ourselves, partly because we are tired of recounting our adventures to those who are not sufficiently impressed.

It's hard to explain to the uninitiated what appeals, and frankly addicts, the wild swimmer to cold water. Wild Swimming has become fashionable of late, and thanks to primarilly the heroic Roger Deakin, but also Charles Sprawson (from whose awesome book "Haunts of the Black Masseur; The Swimmer as Hero" the title of this blog is taken from), Kate Rew, Daniel Start, and the sterling members of the Outdoor Swimming Society, a lot has been said about the physical and mental benefits of the cold water plunge. But for SW and I, when it comes down to it, it's purely and simply for the fun of it – the endorphin rush, the sense of achievement, the joy of being in the water in a breathtakingly beautiful place, the prolonging of the summer, and a million other things combined. The swims are always full of hilarity – if the blog can capture even a drop of the jokes, witty banter and brilliant fun that we have, it will be worth reading. I can guarantee it.

And so, The Cast –

MG

SW

A Silver Lurcher known only as "The Mascot"

… with special appearances by KH, and other more infrequent guests; The Crew – family (not always supportive, but supportive of each other in their view of us as mentally unstable) loyal swimmers who'd be with us if they could (JJ, HL); The Location – West Dorset – all is set.

Picture the beach. The nights are cold, but the sun is out today, and just for today you can't believe the summer is really over. The sky is pale, blue, cloudless. Behind you, cliffs of golden sandstone. In front, silken water. Crunching sand beneath your toes. And all of that is yours. It's a perfect day for a swim.