At Swimyourswim (SYS) our passion is to create opportunities for all people, regardless of age, ability or experience to get into open water swimming, so a couple of weeks ago when we were contacted by Lisa and Ian we were thrilled to hear about their daughter Katie’s plan to swim the Great North Swim in 2015.
Katie had an idea that she wanted to give open water swimming a try and she was looking at entering the Great North Swim next year, but wanted to see how she felt swimming outside first, before committing.
We agreed to meet as soon as possible as given that temperatures are dropping fast no-one wanted Katie to be put off by the chilly water.
So, this last Saturday morning we met at Activities Away in Lincoln at 10am, had a chat on what Katie was likely to experience in the water, and got her kitted out with a hire wetsuit and in we went!
With a little fear and trepidation – but only from Mum and Dad watching on the side – Katie stepped into the cold water (13.5°C) and was off! Katie excelled in the cold water, smiling all the way around our small loop. Much to our relief, Katie decided not to swim freestyle all the way, and instead opted for her very strong breastroke which we could just about keep pace with!
Now, we can hear all our experienced Winter Swimmers asking ‘what’s so exceptional about someone getting into cold water in October?’ Well, it’s just that Katie is only 11 years old! Here at SYS, we think that’s pretty special! In fact, we definitely suggest that you keep an eye out for her on an Open Water podium in the years to come!
Every so often we are reminded why we do what we do – and Katie’s swim was one of those occasions. So thank you Katie, for one of the most rewarding Introduction to Open Water Swimming sessions this year Katie, we look forward to seeing you again next season, good luck in the pool over winter.
Katie & Leon at Activities Away