Boxing Day/New Year swims

[Bede735]

Has anyone gone swimming in the sea at this time of year? Where I live in North East England they are very popular. I've not participated myself though I may do next time. Obviously the weather and sea is very cold, but I would certainly wear a pair of Speedos, despite fancy dress being an option which tends to lead to people wearing too much clothing .

[Torchwatch]

One year I went down to Hastings and eventually had a paddle although it would be an exaggeration to say I actually swam.

[knikon]

I went down to the beach like Ive done quite a bit the month of December only to not swim. It was too chilly! Swam on Christmas Eve & both saturday and sunday before christmas (and last sun too). but New years was 2 things. Cold and Crowded. It was so warm on Christmas eve I was in the water after dark!

[Bede735]

So if you're to have a quick dip in cold water, is it better to be fully clothed or unclothed? I can see clothes will keep you warmer when waiting around to jump in, but once in cold water I'm not sure they'd provide any benefit, and I would think on leaving the water you'd feel worse with cold garments sticking to you.

[Dooley67]

Never having swum in the ocean in winter, I have no experience but I would bet that it's better to not be fully clothed when getting out of the water. And rest assured that I will continue to not take a dip in the ocean in winter. Here in Maine, ocean water is in the high 30's to low 40's in winter, maybe into the low 60's in summer.

D67

[Bede735]

High thirties? Positively warm