I meet people who have the same questions, the same concerns, and probably many of the same thoughts I had before I started sea swimming.

“I’d love to sea swimming but…”

I’m not fit enough.

I’m nervous.

I don’t know what kit I need.

Where do you get changed and what do you do with your things.

How do you know if conditions are ok.

Is the water polluted.

I don’t know where to go.

I don’t know if I can do it.

Blimey – where to begin with all of those? So I’d say, you don’t need to know everything before you begin. You just need a little curiosity and have a little bit on longing to give it a go.

One of my favourite things about sea swimming is that there isn’t really a finish line (unless you’re in an event or are working towards a PB, but even then the line keeps moving). Nobody ever completes it. There is always something new to learn, notice or experience.

Every swim is different. Tide. Conditions. Season. You.

So if you’re thinking about sea swimming, I’d recommend you take action, thinking about it, longing to try it… great, but that doesn’t actually get you in.

You don’t need to be an expert pool swimmer.

One thing that surprises people is that being a strong pool swimmer doesn’t automatically make sea swimming easy.

The sea moves.

There are waves, tides, wind, changing temperatures and a thousand little things that don’t exist in a swimming pool.

Likewise, many people who absolutely love being in the sea don’t think of themselves as swimmers at all.

Sea swimming is a skill. Confidence is a skill. Both can be learned. You need to understand what your capabilities are and act accordingly to keep yourself safe and swim within your own limits.

The sea is actually pretty welcoming right now

At the time of writing, the sea temperature along our coast is above 15°C. (29 May 2026)

In the world of wild swimming, water temperatures of 15°C and below are generally considered cold water. So, that means it’s not officially cold! Hurrah.

The water is warming up, conditions are often kinder, and if you begin now you’ll have the whole summer season ahead of you to build confidence and enjoy being in the water.

You probably need less kit than you think

People often imagine they need lots of specialist equipment before they can start. You don’t, when the sea is warming up, you just need:

A swimming costume or trunks.

A towel.

Something to wear on your feet.

And a brightly coloured swim hat and a tow float (which you can borrow from me).

That’s enough to begin.

You don’t need a fancy changing robe, or a wetsuit to get started, and if you’d like to try different bits of kit before buying anything, I usually have equipment available to borrow.

Start small

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to swim a long way, you absolutely don’t. Some of the best sea swims are the shortest.

Walk in.

Have a float.

Look around.

Notice how you feel.

Stay curious.

Build gradually.

The sea isn’t going anywhere. Actually it is, it’s going everywhere and it’s always different, but you know what I mean.

Find people who can help

Sea swimming is one of those things that’s much easier when someone shows you the ropes.

Learning about conditions, tides, safety, kit and confidence can take years of trial and error if you’re doing it on your own. Practice safety first. A bit of guidance can make all the difference.

Above all, find the joy in sea swimming

I know we’re often encouraged to think about exercise in terms of targets, performance and achievement.

But for me, the magic of sea swimming has always been something simpler.

Joy and connection. That’s it, in a nutshell.

A bit of new perspective that comes from being outside, moving your body and doing something that makes you feel alive. Coming away from screens and demands and all the ‘things to do’.

If you’ve been wondering whether sea swimming might be for you, I’d encourage you to follow that curiosity.

Thinking about getting started sea swimming?

My three-session Sea Swim Club – Getting Started course begins Tuesday 2nd June and covers confidence, safety, conditions, kit and supported swims in a friendly small group. Tuesdays 11 – 12noon at Coryton, Dawlish

You can see all available courses, sessions and 1:1 coaching here:

👉 https://outdoorswimcoach.co.uk/open-water-swim-programme/

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About Outdoor Swim Coach and Open Water Swim Sessions in Devon.

If you’re looking for open water swimming courses in Devon, sea swimming coaching near Teignmouth, Dawlish or Torbay, or want to build confidence in cold water safely, these sessions are designed to support you at every stage.

Karen Marshall is an open water swim coach who spends as much time as possible in and by the sea. She works with swimmers of all abilities, helping them build confidence, feel safe, and find their own rhythm in the water. Her approach is calm, supportive and grounded in real conditions, not just theory. Swimming mostly in Dawlish Warren, Coryton Cove and Teignmouth, Devon.

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