Wye 4km Swim and Pilates

Join Ray and Jade for a truly spectacular day! Explore the fundamentals of Pilates movements and a 4km wild swim in the wonderous River Wye.

Please park at the Fownhope Recreation Ground carpark, which is next to the Pavillion hall, where we will be meeting; HR1 4PE. This postcode doesn't always take everyone directly to the Pavillion hall, so please use the what3words below. Please arrive for 9.30am

Please use what3words to find the location: mermaids.toenail.reap

The morning will begin with a warm welcome and refreshments, followed by a 1 hour session of Pilates with Jade. We will break for a chat over a cuppa and a slice of cake, before getting changed for our wild swim.

We will then head to Lucksall campsite, near Holme Lacy bridge, where we shall start our swim adventure. Finally exiting the water back in Fownhope. We then have to walk for a few minutes to get back to the hall where we met in the morning. It is there that we can get dry and dressed.

With guidance from Ray, an experienced cold water, ice swimmer and qualified open water swim coach, I can help you to enjoy the exhilarating experience. You must be able to swim for at least 40 minutes continuously.

I will give a safety talk before we enter the water, and cover such things as cold water shock, breathing techniques and after effects.

You must wear either a wetsuit or neoprene leggings + rash top. Wetsuits will help you float but will also offer a little bit of protection against bashes against rocks or stones. If you are an experienced open water swimmer with plenty of acclimatisation, please get in touch if you prefer to swim skins. It is essential to wear something on your feet like water shoes (trainers are not suitable). You can wear a regular swimming hat if you like.

This is ideal for those with little experience and those wanting to gain more confidence and experience of open water swimming and river swimming. but as previously stated, you must be able to swim for at least 40 minutes continuously.

The swim takes approx 1 hour 40mins. We will be swimming as a group, so staying together with the slower swimmers. This a leisure swim to enjoy the experience and company, not to race as fast as you can. We will be swimming a heads up breast stroke. There will be opportunities to stop along the river bank if needed.

The swim will also involve sections of the river that can be very shallow, and will require us to walk in the water. If you do not have water shoes, you will not be allowed to swim. There is always a risk of bumps, scrapes and bruises on a river swim, wetsuits can help prevent this.

There will be kayak support for this swim.

Kit List:

Swim wear

Wetsuit. This can be a surfers wetsuit, it doesn't have to be a swimmers wetsuit. The wetsuit will offer you some warmth and a little protection against any bashes against rocks in the river. There is always a chance that the wetsuit could get tears/holes during the swim. Swim with Ray is not responsible for damage to your swimwear/wetsuits.

Watershoes

Tow float. I do have several towfloats that can be borrowed, but please contact me if you would like to borrow one.

Warm drink & waterSmall snack (eg; fruit, oat bar)

Towel

Swim gloves these are not essential, but if you suffer from cold hands, they can make your swim more comfortable.

Clothing suitable for Pilates

Yoga/Pilates mat

Change robe/towelling robe/sarong (not essential)

Lunch

Pilates is low impact and suitable for everyone and all levels of fitness. Jade will work to build your strength, improve posture, mobility and coordination and increase flexibility, bringing balance to the mind, body and soul.

Cold water swimming can have incredible benefits to your mind and mental health, enhance core strength and enhance your sense of wellbeing. Being out in our beautiful countryside is an incredible tonic too.

Although rare, session can be cancelled, even at the very last minute, due to various factors (weather, safety, health etc) but would be rearranged for another date.

Cancellation Policy: if you need to cancel, I do not offer refunds with less than 48hr notice. I can offer a different date if you give me between 48hrs-5 days notice.

Covid notice: please do not attend if you are suffering from any covid symptoms or are isolating.

Once booked, we will send you a form to fill out your health and emergency contact details.

I hope to swim and enjoy some Pilates with you soon.

Ray and Jade.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Fownhope Pavilion, Fownhope Recreation Field, Hereford, United Kingdom