Wild Swimming
Swim in untamed natural waters and reconnect with the freedom of open swimming
Wild swimming is the practice of swimming in natural, unmaintained water bodies—rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and coastal areas—often removing the structure of formal training. It emphasizes joy, freedom, and connection with nature over performance metrics. Wild swimmers discover hidden local swimming spots, build community through shared location discovery, and challenge themselves with varying conditions. The practice combines elements of adventure, mindfulness, and environmental stewardship. Many communities have active wild swimming groups that map and share safe locations.
How to start
- 1Join a local wild swimming group or find established wild swimming communities online
- 2Research safe, accessible wild swimming locations in your area
- 3Start with supervised group swims before exploring alone
- 4Learn to identify water quality hazards and safe entry/exit points
- 5Invest in appropriate gear for water temperature and conditions
What you'll need
- Wetsuit (temperature-appropriate)Essential~$100
- Swimming CapEssential~$10
- GogglesNice to have~$15
- Water Shoes/BootiesEssential~$30
- Dry Bag for GearEssential~$20
- Towel/RobeEssential~$30
Where to learn more
Plot twists
Ways to spice this up when the basics get boring.
- Waterfall plunge swimming
- Midnight wild swimming adventures
- Wild swimming photography expeditions
- Winter ice water swimming challenges
Wild swimming rewards exploration and novelty-seeking, fighting boredom through ever-changing locations and conditions. The unstructured nature allows ADHD minds to engage freely while nature itself provides calming therapeutic benefits.
The wild swimming movement has exploded in popularity, with communities in the UK, Europe, and North America identifying and sharing hundreds of thousands of unique swimming locations.
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