Catching Breath | The Healing Power of Cold Water Swimming

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Scotland has witnessed a spectacular rise in those participating in cold water swimming.

In a country that enjoys thousands miles of dramatic coastline, an abundance of beautiful lochs, waterfalls and rivers, folk up and down the country have bravely put their toes (and more) into Scotland's chilly waters.

Yet, despite the freezing temperatures, people feel energised, invigorated and ready to take on anything once they've taken the plunge.

This short film captures the spirit of what it means to cold water swim in Scotland.

Many thanks to:
Moray Wild Swimmers
Nairn Selkies
Hopeman Mermaids
Wild Dookers
Wild Swimming - Scotland Facebook Group

For their help in pulling this short film together during the bitterly cold winter months of Nov/Dec 2021.

[alexlaurens]

Beautiful, this catches the essence of cold water swimming.

[Tematrilia]

Yay! it is the best rutine habit i have ever got into...it makes me happy

[kathymccarthy]

Thanks for this short film. Our little group in Port Carling, Ontario in Canada just hit our one year anniversary of dipping here over the winter. What an amazing experience every time:) Sending lots of good vibes your way!

[n.s]

We have an ancient primordial connection with cold water and the cold seas and lakes. It is a magic few of us get to experience.

[coastlineandpines]

You've completely summed up cold water swimming! Such a beautiful five mins. Thank you

[kathydilullo]

Wow what a great little film. Totally agree with everything. I'm a bit of a lone swimmer, my favourite place is Collieston Bay, Aberdeenshire. Its a fantastic place to swim.

[lisakedward]

❤😢 I dunno why I'm crying sat here on my bed in Wales uk in my pjs on a Tuesday morning watching this. My god you guys ❤❤

[hilaryrogers]

Brilliant short film which says it exactly as it is! Hello from us swimmers in West Wales 👋

[juliebaumlisberger]

Brilliant! Greetings from Ontario, Canada! We have a pond that I plunge in throughout the winter. As soon as the ice has melted, I am swimming across. It's about 8 degrees now, a bit on the "warmish" side, but I still love swimming every morning! Thank you for sharing our passion!!

[philipchin]

simply Scotland brave, thanks for shewing

[rebeccastults]

YES, I started cold water dips this past fall in the Salish sea in Washington State. What a glorious feeling. Nothing like it. It makes you feel so alive.

[higheyedronescotland]

This is a crackin' wee film. It's so well edited, narrated and photographed.

As a wannabe wild swimmer I found it encouraging and entertaining. My mental health needs attention, (not to mention my physical status) and if it's good enough for Joe Marler, it's more than good enough for me.

[rennicksweddingcars]

I started in April this year I absolutely love it 💫

[lorrainegeraghty]

I really great film, thank yourself for sharing it, it’s very inspiring.

[scorpyloon]

Very inspiring! I've started doing it too over here in Sweden!

[maryannk]

I just started dipping here in Dartmouth Nova Scotia Thanksgiving of 2022 and really feel the joy it brings in my life.

[ghengis]

I prefer swimming in the winter and spring now. Love the buzz. I also like the solitude though. Had the beach to myself today. Alive!

[amandasymon]

Recently joined a beach swimming group on the Isle of Wight - Good bye crippling anxiety - hello joy 🏊‍♀️🤸‍♀️👊👊👊❤️

[MetalDeadness]

beautiful people! don't think... just live! nature is alway there for us.

[andycorellijones]

Invigorating! I’m off to get my cossy...