Go wild for sea swimming

WILD

Cornwall has 400 miles of coastline to explore, from long sandy beaches to hidden coves and busy harbours. The sea doesn’t just make for a great backdrop though, it's an aquatic playground where you can immerse yourself (literally and figuratively) in a whole range of activities.

SEA SWIMMING

Sea swimming, or wild swimming as it’s also known, has become more popular than ever since the pandemic started. And it’s no wonder: studies show that immersion into cold water, along with time spent in nature is not only a great way to stay active, but that it boosts mental health and immune systems.

With around 20 beaches in and around Falmouth alone, including safe, sheltered coves, you’ll be perfectly placed to take the plunge and start sea swimming.

TOP TIPS FOR WILD SWIMMING:

Find some friends. If you haven’t swam in the sea much before, it’s good to get a swimming buddy or join a group. The Students' Union Sea Swimming Club meets every Sunday at 1pm and like to round off their sessions with a pint or a hot chocolate to warm up.

Pick your spot. Gylly, Swanpool and Maenporth beaches are all great places to swim as the water is usually calm. However, there can occasionally be surf and rip tides, so get to know your chosen location and always check it’s safe to swim.

Get the kit. Anything goes when it comes to sea swimming – some people rock winter wetsuits, while others opt to go minimal, wearing just swimming costumes or trunks all year round. Either way, a swimming cap and goggles are really useful to help you see and be seen in the water.

Acclimatise. If you’re planning on swimming year-round, it’s important to acclimatise to cold water. As you get in, try wetting the most sensitive parts of your body – like your face, shoulders and the back of the neck – to help prime you for full immersion. Going for frequent dips, even if they’re short, will really help to build up your tolerance and confidence too.

WARM UP. Once you’ve got out of the water, get dressed and warm up as soon as possible. Some swimmers swear by dryrobes, but these can be pricey. We recommend bringing a warm hat and gloves, along with a hot drink to help you warm up from the inside.

MAKE A SPLASH. The start of term is the perfect time to start swimming, as autumn is actually when the sea is at its warmest after being heated up by months of summer sun (well, theoretically at least!) Get ready to jump in and fall in love with sea swimming once you arrive at Falmouth!

Other ways to get your dose of Vitamin Sea:

SURFING

Cornwall arguably offers the best surf in the UK, and whilst most of the best beaches are on the north coast, Fal Surf Club will help you progress, whatever your experience. There’s also the opportunity to join them for their annual trip to warmer waters.

KAYAKING

Falmouth Student Kayak Club runs weekly skills sessions at Ships & Castles, as well as weekend trips paddling and surfing the coast. In and around Falmouth, you can hire kayaks from Swanpool, St Mawes, Mylor Harbour and Loe Beach.

SCUBA DIVING

While you’ll need to get a dry suit on, the waters around Falmouth offer some spectacular diving, with great visibility, wrecks and sea life aplenty. EFU BSAC is a student-led club that helps to keep the costs down. You can also try the Cornish Dive Centre in Falmouth, Atlantic Scuba in Mabe or Seaways based in Penryn.

SURF BOAT ROWING

Not for the faint-hearted, surf boat rowing, a sport imported from the much warmer waters in Australia, is a small but growing sport around Cornwall. Fixed-seat fibreglass boats are launched from the beach and, as the name suggests, rowed through the surf. Expect an exhilarating, if bumpy, ride. Although mostly based on the north coast (St Agnes, Portreath and Porthtowan) lots of clubs row from Mylor throughout the winter. Plus, surf boat rowers are an enthusiastic, friendly bunch who are usually happy to share lifts during the summer.

GIG ROWING

Pilot gigs – 32-foot-long fixed seat wooden boats – were originally working boats that would race out to guide ships into the harbour. Pilot gigs are now raced across the country and Falmouth boasts one of the most successful clubs. If you fancy giving it a go, they run novice sessions on Saturdays from 12-2pm from the Watersports Centre in Falmouth. You’ll also find friendly, welcoming clubs in Flushing and Mylor, Helford, Penryn, Devoran and Truro.

FAL SAILING CLUB

With a J/24 yacht as well as several classes of laser and a RIB, joining the Sailing Society is a great way to get out and explore the coast. There’s regular racing in the Carrick Roads through the summer, as well as great potential for more relaxed sailing.

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

Stand Up Paddleboarding (or SUP) is a relatively new sport and a great way to explore the many hidden coves and beaches around Falmouth. If you like a bit more of a challenge, there are opportunities for surf, sprint and long-distance racing too. Based on Gyllynvase Beach, WeSUP offers SUP hire and lessons. Or try Elemental at Swanpool.