This week:
Adjusting to Autumn water dips
Are you still doing it? What have you changed in your dipping routine from Summer to Autumn? Did you know the Sussex sea is warmer in October than it was in June?
It’s pretty easy to jump in the river or the sea in the summer months. But at this time of year, as the air cools, one requires an extra push to get in the natural water in the UK. But did you know the Sussex sea is warmer in October than it was in June?
Our local beach is Camber Sands; a gorgeous expanse of sandy dunes. The average water temperature in Camber in October is around 15.9c .
In July the water was 16.6c, which is less than 1 degree warmer than October. And the water in October is still warmer than it was in June (14.3c)!
So why does getting in the water in October feel so much colder than it did in June? The difference is mental, and the ambient air temperature. It feels colder in October because days are colder, the air is cooler, and we are generally wrapped up warmer. Stripping off in October feels a little more shocking to our skin than it does in June, coming out of Winter and Spring coolness.
The Flogo team have a couple of strategies for ensuring they still get their water dips in October: firstly, we try not to stop. Going a month without a dip makes it harder to jump back in, mentally at least.
The other strategy that works reliably is breathwork. Rosalind writing here, and this strategy helped me get back in to the sea after decades apart. I practice breathwork at home. When I am waterside about to take a cold water dip, I do a few deep breaths. That helps me tune in to my breath, as I have practiced at home.
As I begin undress on the beach/riverside, I gently begin to deepen my breaths. Big deep breaths in, thinking words like ‘calm’ and ‘breathe’ to myself.
I allow myself to relax. I focus fully on what I’m doing (no chit chat!), and begin to step in to the moment. I don’t think or speak the word ‘cold’ at all. It is just sensation. A cool sensation, perhaps. I try to notice it, without labelling it or judging it, and I appreciate that I get to sense it.
Getting in the water, I take it slowly, allowing my body to get used to each new inch of cool water around me. This avoids my body going in to shock, and allows me to stay in the water longer, as well as really enjoy the whole process! It feels very mindful and relaxing. It helps me be in the moment.
What works for you? Are you still going in? We would love to see your prep and adventures in the October waters, wherever you are! Tag us in your photos on social media, we would love to share your moment with you.
Here are some links about breathwork: click here for a Wim Hof breathwork video (don’t do this full breathwork practice before going in the water). The following link shows the physical and mental benefits of breathwork.
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Recommendations for October: Roamer Recycled Overshirt
Our navy unisex Roamer is perfect for layering over your tee during Autumn.
We Love
Here’s some things the Flogo team are loving this week:
- Tom is loving cold showers and watching The Windsurfing Movie.
- Charlie is loving walking and yoga nidra, and listening to the Banksy Story podcast.
- Rosalind is loving rainy sea swims and jumping in the waves. She’s also enjoying breathwork. It always helps.