sea swimming ‘Just do it’ Yvonne O’Sullivan
I’m sure we all can remember the grim days of lockdown and the requirement to stay at home or at least within 5k of it. As a keen cyclist, the thought of cycling 5km legal loops of neighbourhood didn’t appeal so I had to look for other fresh air exercise activities. Having Dublin Bay just within my 5km limit I took to the sea and became “one of those new sea swimmers”! Within the last 12 months I have become a total convert and have gone from enduring the dip to really enjoying it. Yes, Dublin Bay is cold, there have been jelly fish and it’s not as clear as the Atlantic Ocean but it became my go to place during lockdown. I wasn’t alone, What’s App groups were formed to ensure safety and peer pressure and on
bright winter and spring mornings the numbers swimming in Clontarf resembled Salthill beach on a sunny bank holiday weekend. As distance restrictions relaxed, I managed to swim in different locations around Dublin Bay, north and south side and even as far as Howth! It became a sociable, fun and energising hobby. So what advice would I give to anyone thinking of making the plunge, just do it. It doesn’t become easy, it’s always a challenge, but without fail you will feel better after it and the colder the water the higher the feel-good factor (seriously!). Yes I do have a Dry Robe and it is great but you can’t beat having a filled hot water bottle in your bag and hugging it on the way home to a warm shower and a cup of tea!
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