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To sign up for this event, please follow this link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/everybodyoutdoors/1258032About the sessions
We are really excited to be running some half-day Intro to Outdoor Swimming sessions just for plus size people this summer, with some amazing plus size swim instructors from within the EBO community.
These sessions are designed for those who are new to outdoor swimming, or people who want to gain more confidence. You don't need to have swum outdoors before, but you do need to be able to swim unassisted and comfortable in a wild environment.
Our events are for plus size people of all genders to create a safe and inclusive space. We do not set a size restriction on this, but if you are smaller than a size 18/2XL we would ask you to consider if there might be other courses that you could attend.
What can you expect from the sessions?
Each of the sessions will vary according to location and instructors, but here's some key things that you can expect the sessions to cover:
- What to expect from outdoor swimming.
- How to plan and prepare for an outdoor swim.
- Understanding different bodies of water.
- What do you need in terms of clothing and kit.
- How to be environmentally responsible when swimming.
- What are the risks in the water and how to mitigate them.
- How to get into and out of the water safely
- Knowing your limits in the water
- How to warm up and after swim care
- Dealing with shock responses and hypothermia
About your instructor
Ella Foote is an author, editor and outdoor swimming expert. She is Editor at Outdoor Swimmer magazine, the world’s only monthly magazine dedicated to outdoor swimming. She is also Director of Dip Advisor, a swim guiding business helping people enjoy wild water. Ella’s first book, How to Wild Swim: What to Know Before Taking the Plunge was published last year. Ella also teaches swimming to children and adults, is an Open Water Coach and RLSS Open Water Lifeguard. An intrepid swim explorer, she is constantly seeking out new rivers, lakes, ponds, seas and pools to plunge into. She enjoys swimming in all seasons and has completed swims like an English Channel relay crossing, 24-hour swim challenge, the Thames Marathon 14k and the Dart 10k, as well as smaller more joyful dips and dunks across the world. You can find and follow her on Instagram.
About where you'll be swimming
A wild swim in the urban fringes of Woking, Surrey, the Wey Wiggle is a gentle, joyful meander downstream. After meeting we will walk upstream for a short distance (less than 1k and on flat ground) and then enjoy a secluded swim hidden behind the bulrushes and wildflowers. This is a perfect entry level swim. Most of the route is shallow enough to stand. There are long grass reeds and lily pads, which may stroke your legs - but if enjoy the wild side of the sensation, this is the swim for you. The swim itself is a short, fun swim with some current assistance. Heads-up breaststroke is encouraged to enjoy all the beauty of the swim.
Ella will provide tow float bags for kit to be kept dry and tow as you swim, and can also provide floating woggles if you would like one for additional support, there is a decent push downstream. At the end of the swim there is a short walk back to the car. You can dry and dress a little, then put on extra layers at the car and enjoy hot drinks.
Things you need to bring
Everything you take, you will have to carry downstream while swimming. So pack light. Ella will provide bags that float, keep everything dry and attach to you.
Arrive wearing your swimwear - make sure you pack anything else you like for a swim and makes you comfortable. Goggles and swim hats are not needed, but can be worn if you prefer.
Feel free to bring a wetsuit if you have one and want to wear it, surf wetsuits are not super for swimming, but can keep you warm if you get cold. The water can be cooler in this river but the sun will hopefully be warming our backs! It is a short swim and in July there is little need for much more than a swimsuit. You will also warm up on the walk up to the start.
Wear light clothes over you swimwear - to wear while walking. A pair of leggings and tshirt/tunic is ideal.
Light shoes/ or better a trainer/ water shoe you can walk in and swim in.
Bring a towel. Not too big or heavy!
Warm clothes and layers for after
Water bottle, personal medication
Limit your valuables - a 30 litre dry bag will keep your phone and keys safe, but you don’t want to carry too much!
Weather & Conditions!
Outdoor swimming is very sensitive to weather and conditions. Your swim guide will be check the forecast and plan accordingly, you will get further instructions 48 hours ahead of the swim so you can plan accordingly. You may be will swimming in rain and clouds! So do plan to attend on a wet day. The only reason a swim will be called off is because it is unsafe. Biggest concerns are active thunderstorms and/or if the water quality is impacted by rainfall on or days leading up to the swim.
Location
Ella will meet you here: Parking: GU23 7EF. There is a gravel public parking area near the perspex bike shelter and letterbox on the bend and she has a white VW Polo and will ensure she is there ahead of you. The nearest train station is Woking, you can get a taxi to the postcode above or bus (no.463) to the top of Tannery Lane and then there is a 10 minute walk to where you meet.
Please note: you will be changing and preparing to swim outdoors. There are no changing or toilet facilities, but a pop up changing tent will be available.
Ticketing
We have set aside half the tickets available for this event as subsidised bursary places thanks to funding from the Red Foundation. There is no strict criteria for these places - they are available for anyone for whom the cost is prohibitive and you can book a bursary place via the booking link below. If there is no option showing for Bursary Tickets, this is because there are no more bursary places available.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Near Woking, Surrey, GU23 7EF, Woking, United Kingdom
Tickets
