The big splash: Where to tame your wild swim

Where the (un)wild things swim | Soho House

Want the benefits of wild swimming without pond algae in your hair? Embrace that endorphin high from the open air, seaweed-free sanctuary of a Soho House pool, says al fresco bather Sarah Tomczak

Wednesday 6 July 2022       By Sarah Tomczak

The tingle of fresh air against bare skin. The rush of endorphins as you plunge into the water. The pond algae in your hair. The seaweed between your toes. That duck eyeing you aggressively. The jellyfish awaiting your approach. Wild swimming is wonderful – but not all of it.

As a signed-up member of the al fresco swim club, I’ve come to appreciate the many benefits of doing my breaststroke outdoors. When I left London (and my chi-chi gym membership) behind for the coast a couple of years ago, I never imagined I’d be wading into the English Channel instead. But now I do, at least once a week in the depths of winter and virtually every day when the sun shines. But many of the mental health benefits of wild swimming don’t actually require you to immerse yourself in a pond or the ocean to take effect – in fact, you can embrace the feel-good factor from the seaweed-free sanctuary of a Soho House pool, too.

Where the (un)wild things swim | Soho House
Where the (un)wild things swim | Soho House

Ecotherapy – how nature can help you escape the stresses of everyday life – is in full effect at Soho Farmhouse and Babington House, where it’s impossible not to feel connected to the verdant surroundings. Notice how the light shifts on the water depending on what time of the day you swim, the sounds of the birds overhead, or the sway of the trees. Observing nature around you helps you feel more grounded and present, and has even been cited as a way to alleviate symptoms of depression and prevent panic attacks.

Similarly, a recent study by the University of Exeter suggests that just being by the sea reduces anxiety and boosts your mood, calling it ‘blue health’. This means you can enhance your enjoyment of Brighton Beach House’s banana pool, simply by looking out towards the ocean while you gently bob around.

Where the (un)wild things swim | Soho House

For an all-round, full-body workout, it’s hard to beat a good swim, which is applauded for improving cardiovascular and strength, as well as flexibility. Soho House Amsterdam’s rooftop pool is the ideal length for laps (with views across the city too), while the open-air oases at White City House, Shoreditch House and 180 House are open early (8am) until late (10pm).

For me, though, it’s the ritual of a swim that I find most intoxicating. Stepping out into the brisk morning air in just a swimsuit is surprisingly liberating (and makes you feel healthy just for doing it). When I dive in, the water literally washes my cares away. Sometimes I perfect my stroke, others I just float and stare up at the sky. It feels like a moment just for me. Afterwards, I enjoy a strong coffee, and if the sun is shining I just sit for a minute and let it warm my body. I can guarantee, there’s no better way to start your day – however wild you’re feeling.

Where the (un)wild things swim | Soho House
Where the (un)wild things swim | Soho House
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