Our love of wild swimming

Swimming, wild swimming, open-water swimming... are they all the same? Growing up in Australia, I practically lived in the water. It was just part of life. But when I moved to Scotland in 2007, I quickly realised that 'wild swimming' was a different vibe. Wild swimming isn't just about jumping in for a dip; it’s intentional. It’s a mindful practice designed to get your heart racing and your soul recharged.

My first wild swimming retreat was in Scotland. New Year's Day, fresh and liberating. When we arrived, we all shared why we were there, and I was blown away by how open and honest everyone was. From burnout to grief, redundancy to just needing a break, everyone had their own story. But what brought us all together was the hope for a fresh start and a deep desire for connection. The water, for me, was the perfect symbol of that – a chance to dive in, cleanse, and leave the old behind. 

In this digital age where genuine connections can feel like a rare gem, wild-swimming retreats are a total game-changer. They not only offer health benefits but also provide the perfect environment to meet like-minded people. Plus, they’re usually led by women, and many are women-only, which makes for some seriously meaningful, supportive connections.

Here are some of the key benefits of wild swimming: 

- Enhancing cardiovascular health
- Increasing endurance
- Building overall muscle strength
- Reaching or maintaining a healthy body weight
- Alleviating muscle soreness and promoting recovery
- Enhancing flexibility, balance, and posture
- Engaging with nature and calming the mind
- Improving mood while reducing stress, negativity, and feelings of depression
- Boosting overall life satisfaction, happiness, and self-worth
- Reducing anxiety levels

We recommend The Salt Sisterhood wild-swimming retreats. The Salt Sisterhood is all about guided swims, yoga, and discovering hidden swim spots in the United Kingdom and Portugal. With delicious  meals, hot drinks, and yin yoga to round off the day, it’s the ultimate retreat for anyone looking for connection, healing, and a fresh start. Plus, it's pretty much guaranteed to leave you feeling like a new person. 

Yoga & Wild Swimming Retreats For Women | The Salt Sisterhood | Cornwall

~ Sara