‘I love the sense of adventure’
Wild swimmer Naomi Smith, 53, lives in Redruth, Cornwall, with her husband Mark, 56, and their sons Ted, 20 and William, 18.
The first time I went wild swimming in June 2020 at Portreath Beach, near my home, was a disaster. My friend Liz and I went out at high tide, the sea was rough and we struggled to stay upright as we walked into the water – both of us fell over.
But our second attempt two weeks later was so different. It was a bright morning, the sea was calm and welcoming. After my swim, I felt invigorated, refreshed. I couldn’t stop smiling. ‘This is incredible,’ I said to Liz as we swam up and down in the tepid water.
I originally started wild swimming because I wanted a challenge, my children were more independent and I finally had the time for fitness in my spare time when I wasn’t working as a wellbeing advisor.
The idea came to me after seeing people talking about wild swimming on social media.
As a child I loved swimming, but I’m not a strong swimmer so I joined a local club, The Bluetits Chill Swimmers, to give me confidence. My husband has been really supportive from the start.
FEELING GOOD
I think that trying something new and being open-minded about how to stay active is really important. I’ve discovered an activity that I love; I enjoy getting in the water all year round – even in winter. It’s different every time, the conditions, the company and the way it appeals to your senses.
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Denne historien er fra August 07, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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