Open Water Swimming

Swimming in the evenings at Queensford Lake 

I’ve always loved swimming. I feel stronger in water than on land, more agile and confident. I love the feeling of swimming below the surface in a body of water; the dark and cool, quiet weight makes me feel calm. Also filling my lungs and bobbing at the surface and then swimming as fast as possible, pushing through the water. Like after any good workout, I drive home feeling tired in the best way, physically pushed and mentally exhilarated.

I like being around water in general, exploring rock pools and snorkelling in shallows, collecting stones on a pebbly beach. Some of my favourite memories are from lake holidays in Canada and dog walks when they swam in the ponds near home.

I have a distinct memory of being quite little and nervously taking in the distance across a pool during a summer holiday in Canada. I launched across and doggy paddled my way into the waiting arms of one of my family.

Swimming in Queensford lake is wonderful. I book a 10 minute window to start between 6 and 7.45pm and head over after feeding Kiwi after work. The swimming club has both 500m and 1000m swimming loops marked with large buoys and each swimmer has to wear a bright coloured cap and a tow float. This summer the water temperature fluctuated around 20 degrees centigrade. Getting in is the hardest part, wading slowly up to my waist and splashing water onto my arms. Then braving it and swimming out into the circuit. Within a minute or maybe two I acclimatise to the temperature and remember why I’ve come to do this.

I have a micro fibre towel and dry robe to wrap up in after my swim and walk back to my car. With practice, I’m getting better at changing into clothes from inside my fleece changing robe. I feel full of mental energy and clarity after a swim. When my mind is busy and rushing, moving my body helps me to find balance again.