A European Summer, Just Not the One I Expected
When you think of a European summer, you imagine long lunches, Capris in hand, Mediterranean beaches and water so warm you barely hesitate before diving in.
I somehow ended up in Scotland.
And instead of turquoise coves and sun-drenched beaches, I found myself standing beside the North Sea under an overcast sky, rain spitting sideways in the wind.
It was perfect.
My first taste of wild swimming in Scotland was at Cellardyke Pool, one of the tidal pools scattered along the East Neuk of Fife, alongside St Andrews, St Monans and Pittenweem. Ancient sea pools carved into the coastline where the ocean flows in and out with the tides, creating swimming spots unlike anywhere else.
The water temperature was 10°C.
The air was 12°C, though with the wind whipping off the North Sea it felt closer to 5°C.
At 8am, I assumed I would have the pool to myself.
Instead, it was peak hour.
I stood back for a moment, nervously watching the regulars arrive. They hung their coats along the stone wall, pulled on neoprene socks, mittens and woolly beanies. They chatted effortlessly, laughed loudly and moved up and down the pool with an ease that comes from doing something you love over and over again.
Most didn't put their heads under.
I didn't hesitate.
I had my Long Jane and Swim jacket — combined 5mm of Yamamoto neoprene between me and the North Sea. I walked carefully down the slippery steps and plunged straight in.
The shock.
The exhilaration.
That impossible feeling of your body screaming cold while your mind feels completely awake.
I started swimming laps, marvelling at the dark water beneath me and the grey sky above. After a while I stopped to chat with the women beside me.
They were warm, welcoming and endlessly amused by my excitement.
"This is summer," one laughed.
"In winter, that's when you really need the neoprene."
And just like that, I realised something.
No matter where you are in the world, the swimming community is remarkably the same.
The same early mornings.
The same stories exchanged between swims.
The same encouragement offered to newcomers.
The same joy in being immersed in cold water while everyone else is still tucked up in bed.
I had travelled halfway around the world expecting one version of summer and found another entirely.
One with moody skies, tidal pools, neoprene gloves and water cold enough to take your breath away.
And honestly?
I wouldn't have changed a thing.
I did take the thought, does The Swim Set need beanies ???? Watch this space
