A tale of two solicitors ‘gone wild’

My whole being came online, completely energised. I felt reborn and incredibly empowered. The words I kept repeating over and over was –

‘This has revolutionised my life!’

This was my first experience of wild swimming last month.

I’d been invited on a whim by my colleague and good friend Lisa Lodge, Private Client Solicitor and Director of Vincents Solicitors.

My immediate reaction to the invitation was one of bemusement but moments later I gleefully agreed and set about ordering a wetsuit, some wet shoes and a backpack to arrive in time for our adventure just days away.

We are lucky enough to live on the doorstep of the beautiful Lake District and Rydal Water is the perfect spot for wild swimming. On our walk from the carpark to the lake, Lisa told me the tale of how William Wordsworth had written a poem about this lake when it was frozen over.

‘Rydale is covered with ice, clear as polished steel, I have procured myself a pair of skates and tomorrow mean to give my body to the wind’

William Wordsworth, December 1799

The experience was utterly exhilarating.

After the initial discomfort on entering the water, once moving the sensation is not one of cold but rather a feeling difficult to describe. It’s like your whole being comes online and your body knows it’s time to focus!

Lisa suggested that we swim over to an island nearby to explore. Again, my first reaction was one of bemusement and mild amusement, closely followed by the realisation that she was serious. Of course I agreed.

Half way across I wondered if I had made a huge error of judgement, concerned that I was not actually getting anywhere. With no fixed marker to measure progress it’s difficult to gauge. This feeling was fleeting and I quickly gave myself a pep talk to take it one motion at a time and just keep focused.

I can tell you that at that point I was not thinking about my inbox, my voicemails, my deadlines or my laundry pile!

I’m not the fastest swimmer and I’ve always been a little self conscious about my technique in a public swimming pool, so I kept going at a slow but steady pace with the old faithful breaststroke crossed with a doggy paddle, Lisa leaving me for dust.

We eventually made it to the Island and excitedly padded around in our wet shoes. We found the stone ruins of a little hut on there. Lisa said she could imagine me making herbal potions in there and I nonchalantly agreed that was likely what I was up to in a previous life.

Whilst on the island I was distracted and preoccupied with niggling concerns about the journey back. After a little more padding about I suggested to Lisa that we get moving again.

On the return leg something had shifted in me. I don’t know whether it was survival that had kicked in or perhaps a loss of inhibition but a new energy took over me. The demure breaststroke was replaced by a powerful front crawl crossed with some kind of butterfly stroke! I don’t know where it came from but to my amazement I was overtaking Lisa.

I swam and kicked like my life depended on it, singing and shouting, joyfully switching to periods of backstroke. As I drew closer to the shore I felt a huge sense of achievement and incredibly empowered.

Once safely back on dry land, I wrapped myself in a towel so wouldn’t lose too much heat and took a photo of Lisa, still making her way across.

When Lisa rejoined me on the banks I couldn’t stop thanking her for introducing me to this incredibly powerful experience. I couldn’t help repeating:

‘Thank you. This has completely revolutionised my life’

Lisa adopted the role of mother and treated us to a nip of Baileys, a flask of coffee, some oat cakes and honey while we joyfully waxed lyrical about our experience.

On our way back to the car park our excitement was fever pitch and we kept having to stop due to fits of the giggles, tears in our eyes. This reminded me of similar and rare magical moments shared with childhood friends.

This is an experience that I will not forget. I am a 38 year old mother of three young children with a demanding career and the usual pressures of modern day life. The obligations, the deadlines the constant demands from so many directions are ever present. It’s easy to get caught in your head and lose perspective about what life is all about. Experiences.

This experience gave me complete and instant relief from any stresses and strains in body mind and soul and the energising effect lasted for days afterwards.

It will be of no surprise to you that I can whole heartedly recommend wild swimming to you to reawaken your wild side and give you some reprieve from your head, if only for a little while.