Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it and where do I park?
If you’re booking onto a DIP YOUR TOE IN group, FROM FEAR TO FANTASTIC 121 session or a FEEL FANTASTIC FRIDAY GROUP then we will meet at Farleigh Hungerford River Swimming Club, map and parking here.
If you are booked onto either Wild Swimming Walk ‘Rode to Tellisford~ a circular walk’ OR ‘Bradford on Avon~ a circular walk’ then you either park at Rode or Bradford on Avon and full instructions are in your confirmation email.
If you are booked onto either Wild Swimming Walk ‘Rode to Tellisford to Farleigh’ OR ‘Rode to Tellisford to Iford to Farleigh’ then we will meet at Farleigh Hungerford River Swimming Club, map and parking here and I will then drive us all to the walk start point. I have a 7 seater car, a full driving licence and business insurance to cover taking passengers. It is a ten minute drive from Farleigh to Rode.
What do I need to bring for a session at Farleigh Hungerford?
A big bag with:
Your swimming kit, depending on what you have or choose to wear [wetsuit, swimming costume, neoprene boots & gloves], a towel & a smaller bag for all the wet stuff
Some sort of blanket/mat to sit and stand on
Warm clothes to get dressed in, include easy to pull on trousers like a tracksuit (e.g not tight leggings) and several top layers.
In colder weather/winter time two pairs of socks, a coat and woolly hat, and even gloves.
I don’t usually bother with any underwear as it’s fiddly and after a swim, you may have cold fumbly fingers so try to avoid clothes with zips.
Your Farleigh Swimming Club membership email or card (you can collect a card on the day if there are ticket collectors at the gate, otherwise just keep your payment email receipt somewhere safe.)
What do I need to bring for a Wild Swimming Walk?
Best to wear your swimsuit under the clothes you are comfortable to walk in, decent shoes and bring
A rucksack with a towel/change robe, swim shoes if you like to wear them & a smaller bag for all the wet stuff - for some walks you will need two swimsuits and towels
Some sort of blanket/mat to sit and stand on
Your own water and/or hot drink and extra snacks
A raincoat
Where do I get changed?
There are a couple of options at Farleigh Hungerford depending on your wish for modesty and privacy. There is a screened off changing area, the pavilion which has a bench or just on the riverbank.
On a Wild Swimming Walk we will just be on the riverbank.
Will my stuff be safe whilst I’m swimming?
Please do not bring valuables to the session, or leave them in your car.
I personally have never had a problem with the safety of my stuff including my phone & keys, however I cannot guarantee this and cannot accept any liability for your belongings.
Are there toilets?
At Farleigh Hungerford there are two portaloos on site for members use. There are paying toilets at Bradford on Avon station car park. Otherwise, it's wild wees all day! I will support you to find a private spot.
Is it cheating to wear a wetsuit?
Absolutely not! My swimming sessions are all about facilitating people into the water in the way that is most comfortable to them. If wearing a wetsuit gives you more confidence then please wear one, it will also keep you warmer and potentially allow you to be in the water for longer. It’s also fine to wear a swimming costume and maybe neoprene gloves and/or boots. Swimming in just a costume is often referred to as ‘swimming skins’.
How cold will the water be?
We will talk about the current water and air temps at the time of booking and on the day of your session so you can prepare what you’d like to wear, but YES it may be cold! UK river temperatures can vary between 1* and 20* degrees. In the UK any swimming in 15 degree or less water temperatures is officially classed as Cold Water Swimming. Keep in mind that the average swimming pool is heated to 28-30 degrees.You can read more about water temperatures here.
How long will I be in the water?
Winter swimming workshops (held between October and May) are shorter than summer workshops for this reason. I will always plan the workshop around the water & air temperature and weather conditions on the day to keep you safe. You never have to stay in longer than you want. Here are some excellent articles about cold water.
Is it safe?
As your qualified Open Water Swim Coach I have risk assessments and make safety checks before every swim, I also provide you with ‘Safety Considerations’ & ‘Terms & Conditions’ at the time of booking. I monitor the river flow with an app and reserve the right to change the swim locations or cancel or postpone sessions if the river or the weather conditions (high winds, lightning) are unsafe.
The beginning of every swim workshop is a safety briefing and a chance to ask questions.
Is it true there might be pollution in the water?
Water quality varies depending on the current and recent weather conditions and the flow of a river. Sewage discharge and agricultural runoff can occur after heavy rainfall. I use a range of information and experience to consider the water quality, and will adjust a session if the water quality looks poor.
My happy clients
