Rachel, this was a fabulous video in every capacity. From the interesting footage of the massive container ships, to the info on the booties, the relaxing swim, the litter picking at the end, and of course, your colourful hoodie and signature bobble hat. Here in 🇨🇦 we are having massive delays in the supply chain for many items. I have been trying for months to order neoprene swim gloves and booties but no stock is currently available. The good thing is that this forced me to look in the basement and to investigate which items of my canoeing gear I could make do with last Autumn. It turns out that my canoeing gloves are great for a brief dip in our frigid waters (they are too thick but they trap the warmth). My thick neoprene zip-up canoeing booties with my thinner neoprene socks worn inside work the charm for dipping and bobbing. These items would be overkill and not flexible enough for actual swimming, but I won’t be doing that for months. So I have discovered that several treasures from my canoe kit are doubling up nicely for swimming. My left foot and knee are full of metal (5 orthopaedic surgeries) and metal gets waaayyy colder than human flesh. Neoprene has been a life saver for my metallic body parts. By providing the necessary warmth to my foot, it means I can actually still walk properly when I get out of the water. Keep these great videos coming please, I look forward to them every Tuesday. I am sending major snow flakes from the PNW area of 🇨🇦 to you in the southern UK (because we have lots to spare). ❄️💙💦
Thanks for the snow flakes, a few arrived on Sunday morning! Great to hear that you can use come of your canoeing kit to swim, I love when I can get double usage out of my kit. When I turned up and the tugs were manoeuvring the container ship I was thrilled. I love the sight of these massive beauties, it's amazing that the deep water channel is so constricted at that point that the vessels are so close to the land, I thought you'd like a bit of container ship action! Next week it's a bit of a bike ride river scouting mission. Stay warm my friend ⛷❄🌨⛄🏂😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach I did notice how narrow that channel was where you were filming. I kinda half-guessed that it must be a very deep water area for ships of such size to be docking and maneuvering around. It seems so close the the swimming area. I loved seeing the kayakers paddling by in the background as you spoke. I look forward to the bike riding adventure next week. Currently my trail bike is on a trainer in the basement where I can cycle during the winter... too much snow and ice for outdoor riding for the next few months 🚴♂️🏊♀️
Hi Rachel - as a novice and entirely smitten cold water swimmer, I am finding your videos so helpful and entertaining - a fabulous resource - I am learning so much from your expertise and love your warm and down to earth approach - thank you so much - Julia (Forest of Dean)
Thank you, Rachel. This will be my first year attempting winter wild swimming and watching your channel with all of your helpful hints and tips is helping me so much.
Aw, I'm really pleased to hear that. If you have anyting you're looking for that I haven't made a video on, please let me knpow as I'm always thinking of new ideas. 🏊😃
Great comparison of products that is very helpful when purchasing a second pair of footwear for swimming this winter. Love your videos Rachel, you are a ray of positivity and sunshine in this current Covid life, so grateful to be able to swim. The lake where I swim in the west of Ireland is just beautiful, an uplifting swim everyday, adding more gear as we go lol. Take care
Lovely video, Rachel. I was lucky enough to swim in the snow that day at my local park with the swans. They are very used to me now. The same cannot be said of the pedestrians!
Pedestrians cum-commentator/hecklers? I was surprised at the couple who spoke to me when I was filming this, the lady said 'outdoor swimming, how wonderful', the guys said 'in this weather? you're keen' I'd say that was one of the kinder interractions I've had! 🏊😃
Great video as always with useful tips and encouragement. Thanks Rachel. I bought neoprene socks from temu (£5 roughly) with velcro straps round the ankle to keep the water from flushing. they are really cosy and comfortable and easy to take off
Good timing! I'm in the market for a new pair of warmer booties for winter. Vigorous kicking brings water in and my little pencil-sized ankles do nothing to stop it. So, something with a tighter cuff would be perfect for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas as always!
No problem Megan, I'm pleased the info was helpful. Have you thought about some thinner neoprene socks worn underneath your booties, or perhaps a velcro strap at the ankle to tighten the cuff?
@@EverydayAthleteRach I was thinking of a velcro strap but wasn't sure. Might try that and/or a second pair as a quick remedy to get me through this winter! Many OWS supply companies are out of stock and I can see why! Thanks again, Rachel.
I love your videos, they are easy pace interesting and factual. They brighten up my week. This one was stunning with the ships. I’m new to open water swimming just since October but totally addicted to a North Sea swim now.
I imagine you tend to see large ships further towards the horizon, if at all just there. It is nice to get in the water and just be. I was hoping for a swim this morning, but it's looking unlikely as the wind direction means that getting changed will be exposing.🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach there is sometimes a que on the horizon waiting to unload at Port of Tyne. Added wonder to a sunrise swim. Thank you again for your videos I have found your tips invaluable. 😍.
Hi Rachel just watched this video and the related one on the Lomo gloves - both very comprehensive and really helpful. Now for a spot of retail therapy! Cheers Audrey
Thank you Rachel as informative as ever. Sadly I can’t swim at the moment coz not close enough to sea or river but I’m virtually swimming with you! Thank goodness for dog walks 🐾👍🏊🏻♀️
I, too, am virtually swimming with Rachel cuz I’m from the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest region of 🇨🇦... and there is no open water in sight. Everything is frozen ❄️💦 I am really looking forward to breakup season in April when I can dip in my lakes and rivers once again. Have a lovely dog walk today.
Thank you for yet another informative video. I'm lucky enough to live near enough to the sea to be still swimming through lockdown, though I wasn't lucky enough to get a snow swim as we didn't see any here, only a few miles inland from here. A snow swim is definitely on my bucket list :)
Hi Sarah, it was nice to see the snow on the beach, a really unusual sight. As you say, swimming whilst it's actually snowing would be amazing - mesmerising, possibly leading to staying in a little too long too! 🏊😃
Hi Rachel! Thanks for your great hints and always inspiring and empowering videos. We find car mats quite useful as equipment to avoid muddy feed too. Best wishes from Vienna.
Hi Angela... you probably know this already, but Rachel’s channel is certainly a great place to learn. I’m pretty sure that you, like the rest of us, will become addicted to wild swimming once you get started. Greetings to you from 🇨🇦 and have an awesome day.
You start when you're ready. You'll know when you are because the temptation will get to much and you'll find yourself at the water's edge taking your shoes off! Welcome along to my channel, it's noce to have you here 🏊😃
Hi Rachel-another great one! I have the c skins boots and yes-they do fill up with water. Seem to keep my feet warm enough but I’m keen to try the lomo ones now too after watching this. As you say-the lomo gloves are just fab. Also loved the clip of the ship departing 😍 You made me laugh too “Look away if you don’t like feet” 😂
Thanks Karen, I just love the big ships, I could take a flask and some binos and watch what they're up to all day. I find them majestic and love that I can swim in the water with them as part of the scenery. The socks are great. I'm not sure if they changed the sizing since I bought mine in December as I'm a size 7, but bough M (which the website now says is 5-6), I can't believe I wouldn't have bought the recommended size. I guess if you have slender ankles a size down might work for water-tightness..
Thank you Rachel. I am not swimming at the moment. I am cycling locally and also pole walking (hide under my hat!) and looking out for animals and birds as diversion. My swim socks are Blue Seventy with fleece - feet cold!!!!
Wonderful! I am 'brisk walking' about 3 mornings a week, rather than running because I keep injuring myself! Nothing wrong with some pole walking action! Next week's video has a bit of cycling in it 🚵🚶😃🚶
Oh Rachel, your videos bring me so much joy, as well as giving me the information I need. You just have this lovely way about you that makes me smile (and also want to get back in the water!) I am still a bit torn between the two boots but good to know both are great and definitely better than going barefoot and having two blocks of ice for feet! Thank you for your videos :)
@@EverydayAthleteRach exactly! I went with the lomo socks in the end, shame the matching gloves are totally sold out everywhere though so chilly fingers will remain but hooray for warmer feet!
Another well presented video, thank you. Having cut my big toe today I wondered about putting my neoprene socks on but as you say they are fine under a wetsuit but prone to water ingress when worn alone. I will try using a couple of velcro straps around the tops as I have found this helps on my wetsuit wrists and ankles as they are thin (as is my neck) compared with the rest of my body.
I feel like a cheat....swimming in an out door hotel heated pool! But researching kit and folk to swim with ready to get out there in North Devon. Great resource Rach. Thank you
Great video again. I swam on Monday, trying to do a daily swim , but just wearing my little shoes. Couldn't get any c skin ones in my size , so got cheaper ones which don't provide any barrier to the stones. It was -3 outside on Monday, a friend reported -10 on the other side of the island. Blimey. See you next week!
The little shoes will work just fine, and it's often the getting in and out that is the most challenging if there are pebbles underfoot. Might be woth addins a thin neoprene sock inside your little shoes for a bit of extra warmth. See you next week 🏊😃
Hi Rachel, many thanks for sharing your thoughts on booties! In the middle of summer I wear an old pair of Crocs for foot (not thermal) protection, and in colder months I wear a pair of Cressi swim socks - but still slide my neoprene covered feet into the Crocs to go swimming - helps to protect the swim socks from wear and tear and I'm pretty confident wading into water when I'm not sure what is underneath! Keep the videos coming!
Hi Steve, plus one for crocs. I agree on the walking into the unknown underfoot, though once I'm in I tow them behind my towfloat, I like how it looks like the wearer has just evapourated! Thanks for watching and keep swimming www.geoguessr.com/
Still swimming. we had snow here too in Ireland and it made for some very lovely wintery scenes whilst swimming. I have 5mm socks with a very thin rubber base, but I wear them with the cheapo Aldi/Lidl booties (one size up), as my local beach is fairly stoney, and the combo keep my feet nice and warm. I had hoped to get the lomo gloves but they don't make them small enough for me, it is a nightmare trying to get gloves to fit that don't cost a fortune (17cm tip to wrist and 7.5cm palm) and are in stock....
Hey Rachel! I managed a swim yesterday in glorious sunshine 😀I'm not sure about the weather for the rest of this week though... Hopeful for another dip tomorrow morning. Keep well! PS. The first of your videos I watched was about how to take off neoprene booties... For a while this was one the most challenging parts of going for a swim, but thanks to your advice, I'm now getting the hang of it... 😉
Val I'm pleased to hear that the video helped. It's exhausting when they're stuck fast and you're feeling cold, tired and impatient!! Nice to hear you managed a swim yesterday. I was hoping for one today, but looks like the wind's up at my swim spot, so getting changed would be very cold 🏊😃
Hi Rachel great video. I love my lomo tri gloves thanks but I just can’t get wetsuit socks on without a zip. I wear Alder wetsuit boots with a zip. Water comes in a bit but warms up against my foot so really warm. Easy to get off. Thickish sole for walking. Love the videos xx
Hi Carol, I am older and less flexible than I would like to be so I find that my neoprene canoeing booties with a zipper and a thick sole are, like you said, easy to get in and out of. I wear my booties with a thin neoprene sock inside and this combo works a treat. It is great when we can find the right product and the right size that works for each individual person. i enjoyed your comment, greetings to you from 🇨🇦 and have a great day.
Hey Carol, the neoprene appendages are always a compromise on feel/heat protection/under-sole protection, as long as what you have keeps your feet warm enough for the dip you want then it works. Searching for the perfect pair can be expensive and disappointing. Perhaps as Mary suggests use a thin neoprene sock under your zippy boots 🏊😃
Thanks Rachel, I’ve got the CSkins Legend 5mm and have always found them toasty warm, I don’t feel any water in them so was really surprised taking them off (with a shoehorn) when loads of water shot out! Maybe mine are more of a snug fit 🤗 I was interested to hear you talk about armpit burn? I think I felt that yesterday in the Thames... 🦢🏊🏻♀️🦢
@@EverydayAthleteRach I got them this morning and tried them on. I see what you mean by the slightly odd shape but they seem a good, snug fit. The Lomo gloves are very snug compared my cheap diving gloves. I thought they were too small initially but they are quite stretchy and slipped on easy enough. Trying them out tomorrow morning in the North Sea and will report back. Your videos have been a real inspiration to me and are full of excellent advice, thanks very much!
@@EverydayAthleteRach I tried them the this morning and the Lomo gloves, socks and hat are SO much warmer than the previous ones I was using. It made for a much more enjoyable swim!
I love my lomo socks, so far i've not felt the cold in them at all (but I've not swam sub-5c yet). I have quite a high instep, so the extra fabric on top has made them quite comfy but I have suffered "balloon feet" on occasion when the water has got in.
I really struggle to get my boots and gloves off after a swim. I was considering getting a pair of boots with zips like the ones Seabirds are selling. I’ve watched your other video though so I will try your shoe horn trick first 🙏
Hi Heather... I, too, really struggled with removing my gloves. After watching Rachel’s video on how to get gloves off and then using her tricks I have solved the problem. I highly recommend that video. I wear neoprene canoeing booties with a zipper (and thin neoprene socks inside) and, yes, the zipper does let a bit of water in, but they are easier to remove afterwards. That’s what works for me. I hope you have some luck with the shoe horn trick.
Thanks for all your helpful videos. I wear a pair of boots from 2 bare feet..which are slightly too big, and a pair of neoprene socks underneath, a bit cut down so dosnt stretch the boot. Swimming in Eastbourne..keeping me sane..🙂
You're feet must be toasty in that little get up. Thanks for sharing the idea, especially of cutting down the sock to preven cuff stretching of the bootie 🏊😃
Hi Rachel, enjoyed your video. Had a swim yesterday - trying out my new gloves, which were great. Hadn't been able to swim for a week as the waves had been quite high (beach is steep so I am wary of the undertow).
Hello Rachel! Great topic! OMG those container ships behind you! Because I couldn't find neoprene boots in my size...or 5mm socks, I have doubled up the 3mm socks which works for me. Until recently the winter here has been pretty mild. I've had been swimming 1/2 mile daily in a wetsuit... until a few weeks ago. Now I have gone over to swimsuit, gloves & socks for a dip. (a few minutes) A few days ago while dressing I had my first brush with hypothermia. My brain & body were not working together. I knew I had to get dry & dressed quickly. But I couldn't move fast enough while the dizziness set in. Fortunately the local polar bear mens club saw me struggling down at the shore. One escorted me over to their outdoor fire to warm up while I drank my tea. Fortunately I only live a few blocks away from the water. Now I'm trying to figure out what's best for me.... swimsuit or wetsuit in the winter months? Always a pleasure to watch your channel! Thank you..... Be well & safe.
Woah! That sounds like a scarey little incident. It sounds like the dip was slightly too long. Also, did you have things lined up in the order you'd be putting them on? That takes the decision making out of the equation. I'm pleased there was someone there to help you. Was it still or windy conditions for the swim, and was your changing area exposed to the wind. Did you have anything on your head for the swim and whlst getting changed too? Stay safe and see you next week 🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach Hello Rachel, After going over all the details of that morning. Yes.... I was in for about 10 minutes. The water was warmer than the 28 degrees temps & windy. Yes... I did place my clothes out over the fence near the water. Also I wore a rubber cap & ear plugs. ( I dipped my head in a dive before getting out.) Now I have some ideas of my mistakes. 1. Stayed in too long. 2. Struggled to pull off the neoprene socks while standing up...which took way too long. 3. It was sunny, but I had no shelter from the wind while dressing. 4. I should have worn a hat in the water and not submerge my head. What I can say is thanks to all the information from your videos, along with the local polar bear club members tips, reading up on winter swimming, I was able to pull myself together dry off & change into warm clothes. My walking was a little unstable, however before the local polar bear swimmers released me from their warm beach fire, they asked me: "Who is the President?" With one arm up in the air... I was happy & proud to say: "President Joe Biden! Thank God!" See you next week... Be Well, Theresa
It's great that you've been able to reflect on where you may make improvements to your swim and post-swim routine for a safer finish necxt time. Brave to rake over it, but you'll benefit from doing so. Stay well! 🏊😃
Hi Rachel, sorry I’m not on social media so can’t message another way. Can you do a video on the subject of ‘turning up and deciding not to get in the water’ a video on the difficult decision when safety comes first. Walking away from a venue when you’re set for a swim is hard and something I struggle to do. Might be weather, tide, temperature or foreign objects visible. Thank you.
Hi Mark, thanks for the suggestion. In the Outs=door Swimming Safety playlist ru-vid.com/group/PLrBM9GuZgXX4XNEMUO7diMaluQLvsWudH there's a video called 'Deciding whether to swim today', which might be the kind of thing you were looking for.. 🏊🚶😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach I'm working up to it haha. It takes me half an hour in the summer to get my shoulders wet 😂 so could be sometime on Brighton shores.
What do you think of a zippered wetsuit boot? I have some on order. Thanks for the video! P.s. you asked what we're all up to: Day 90 (consecutive) swimming or dipping in cold water for me. Today, two trips around our wharf-door complex, with 4 harbour seals looking on (and one following me). Am experimenting with some neoprene paddling mittens - no gasket and collected a fair amount of water, but my hands did stay warmer than with my gloves. Might try one of each tomorrow - glove and mitten - as you have done, just for fun.
90 days of dipping is a massive achievement, well done. Has it turned into a habit you can't ever imagine not doing? Zippered wetsuitboots work just fine and are a sight easier to get off. How did the glove experiment go?
Looks like those boots really do hug feet and ankles. Apologies if you explained and I missed but would you say if in doubt go for wiggle room (toe wiggle room!) or wait for it - toe-tally snug? Too tight and blood circulation issues too loose and would de-feet the purpose as water pours in. I've made mistakes with walking boots and running trainers before but a whole different issue when in cold water. Those ships look amazing - Southampton right? Lovely part of the world.
The RU-vid break seems to have you on point with the puns Dave, I hope you are keeping well. I'd go for snug, there's always wriggle room. Southampton docks indeed 🏊😃
Hi good videos, I used to where a wet suit when going on a jet ski and you was saying about water not getting in but I alway thought a wet would let water in and then that water warmed up against your body and that kept you warm, have I got it right?
A well fitting wetsuit keeps you warm by keeping the water out. It is an extra layer of insulation. However, if water seeps in through the wrists, ankles and next, it will warm a little from your body heat escaping into it. 🏊😀
Hi Rachel, I am wanting to get ready for the winter months. My wetsuit boots from last year were cheap and have fallen apart and I'm looking to buy the C Skins that you demonstrate here. I can't find any reviews on their sizing. I wear a size 6.5 shoe so cannot decide whether to order the size 6 or 7. Could you tell me if they come up on the larger or smaller side? Is it better to have them snug fitting? Your advice would be most welcome!
I always buy the same size as I’d buy in a shoe. They should fit nice and snug but with no toe crushing and no huge gaps around the foot. You can always send them back if the sizing isn’t right. Both too tight and too big will give you cold feet.
Hey, Rach, thanks for all your videos. They are so informative. I have got lots of useful info from them since I discovered them a few months ago. Can I ask what camera you use to record your videos as they are such good quality. Thanks
Hi Rachel, thank you for your lovely comment. I use a GoPro Hero 7 (in this video that was the container ship movement and the litter pick) and a GoPro Hero 9 for the rest. I chose the Hero 9 specifically for vlogging as I can see how the image looks and it saves me time.
@@EverydayAthleteRach thanks for letting me know. I think I need to save for a GoPro. My £25 action camera is just not cutting the mustard anymore! 😂 Your films are such good quality. I look forward to the ones to come. Happy swimming!
Hi Rachel, that was very interesting. I recently bought the Lomo socks and was hoping that they would be as incredible as the Lomo gloves. Unfortunately I get a fair amount of water inside the socks. Out of interest, once you have got in how long is it taking you to feel comfortable in the water these days?
Hi Sean, that's a bit of a bummer that they let in so much water. I have heard of people adding velcro straps to the top of their booties to help keep it out. Once my breathing regulates (probably about a minute, during which I just float) I feel fine to swim about, even if it does sting the armpits a bit! 🏊😃
Hello, what mm of wetsuits do you swim in in winter and summer? Im looking at a 5mm one for all year round when its too cold to wear my swimsuit, but unsure if 5mm will be harder to swim in (I just do back and breaststroke, i dont swim a far distance). Fab video on the socks im going to buy the lomo ones :) thank you x
Hi Ashleigh thanks for watching. I use both the Lomo 3mm socks and the C-Skins 5mm interchangeably in winter. In the summer I wear Decathlon aqua shoes which cost about £6, I don’t need to protect against cold but I do need to protect my soles. Hope that helps 🏊♀️😀
Hej, thank you, Rachel. I have similar water-in-the-sock-issues with my Orca Thermal Hydro Booties (with ninja toes). They have great soles and fit well (xs by 39) but as soon as I paddle with my feed the of water comes in.
The 3mm Lomo Triathlon and swimming gloves are sold out but I really want some 5mm ones (with the same type of sealed wrist finish) as my hands get very cold. Can you recommend any please? Enjoying your blogs and find them very useful. Thank you
Sorry to hear that Lomo are sold out. Whenever that happens, I ask them to put me on a stock alert list and they're good as gold.I don't have experience of 5mm gloves, perhaps diving shops? 🏊😃
Hi Rach, great video. Just subbed and followed on IG as a result. Just wondering though, penny for your thoughts etc - does anyone partake of longer distance swimming and consider boots like these essential, even in warmer climates/times of year? Done a few 1-2 mile swims over the years but planning a 5 miler, 7.5 miler and 11 miler this summer. Wondering if socks might save a bit of energy re prolonged cold or cause more drag… apologies if this is a weird question 😂
Hey! Thanks for the sub! Sounds like you’re in for a great summer of swimming - good luck with all those events. I’d say the Lomo type socks would be fine for distance swimming lots of flexibility. I will say that I swam a lot of my training distances wearing the Decathlon Navajo aqua shoes with little drag. I’ve swum a few 10Ks and don’t recall cold feet being a thing during the events themselves. Maybe do some training in footwear and see how you go. My coolest one was 13°c.
Hey again Rachel, I forgot to ask in my previous lengthy comment... do you have any info on the swim gloves and booties that are titanium-lined? They are supposed to be the best for warmth, but they are more expensive than the others. Perhaps any other viewers could provide info on this?? I eventually want to order some swim gloves (when our supply chain is back on track) but don’t want to spend the money if this is a gimmicky thing.
I've neber heard of titanium lined gloves, perhaps they are more of a diving glove thing? The ones we use for swimming also often double up for surfing, although some are dedicated swim gloves. 🏊😃
Hi, I have recently purchased the lomo socks. I find them lovely and warm but do get quite a bit of water in them, however as I said the water I poured out has been warm even when swimming at 0.5°c. I wonder if water is getting in as I have a smaller leg diameter.? Thanks for the info. Looking forward to your next one. By the way what make is your dry bag rucksack, could you do a video on choosing one?
Hi Claire, bot the Drybag rucksack tow float (orange 30L) and the 60L drybag rucksack (red) are from Lomo. I made a review video on the drybag ruck sack when I also took it for a swim: Lomo drybag rucksack + outdoor swimming ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zxt6hPHdtOg.html
