On September the 29th 2021 after wanting to do it for years I finally found a group of friends to start going sea swimming with.


I've never been confident in the water, I've always swam like a brick so this was a huge step out of my comfort zone both physically and mentally.



The fabled after swim high is a real thing, as the mix of exercise and cold water exposure triggers a release of dopamine, the body's feel good hormone. When swimming with a friend or in a group the chance to share and compare your experience with like-minded people intensifies the experience, sounds a bit happy go lucky I know but it's a real thing 👌🏼


As much as I may have stolen most of the above line from a random page on the Internet, this whole experience made me realise how good sea swimming is for your mental health as well as your physical health. It's really difficult to describe but since I've been going down the beach for these swims my head feels clearer, I handle stress better and the days just go by so much smoother.


Above are some of the reasons that have led me to want to set myself a challenge to spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day for the 28 days of February in the sea in sub 6 degree water, whatever the weather without a wet suit. 


While setting myself this challenge, I've also decided to raise money for a local charity called BHT Sussex. Over the last 50 years BHT Sussex has developed a diverse menu of services to support people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and people who have complex needs.


Their services include: day centre provision, residential rehabilitation, mental health services, specialist housing and legal advice and work, learning and training initiatives.


I've added a link here for BHT Sussex's website so you can see what they do: https://www.bht.org.uk/services/

Stay tuned into this page for regular photos and to follow our progress 😁

A huge shout out to Dene Sonessa for influencing me to start the sea swims with the blue acorn club 👌🏼