“I’ve always been a water girl, but my relationship with the ocean has completely
transformed in the last couple of years – I think I’ve become a water woman.”
This is Sophie Hellyer – writer, podcaster and founder of Rise Fierce, a community celebrating kinship through cold-water swimming.
"People choose to plunge themselves into icy waters?", some may ask. And the simple answer is yes. It's a (rather chilly) activity known to boost mood, fitness, the immune system – among other health benefits. There’s even statistics to show the activity could even slow down the first signs of dementia. But as well as being good for the body, cold-water swimming also creates a sense of togetherness. That's how Rise Fierce first blossomed and why it continues to hold such a profound place in Sophie's heart.
“It began a couple of winters ago," Sophie says. The talk of cold showers and their health benefits transpired into a surprising turnout of shivering bikini-clad women the next day at 7:30am at our local slipway.
Dive In: Wild Swimming
with Sophie Hellyer
The Rise Fierce founder on body image, sisterhood and her favourite sea spots.
We started to meet most mornings to greet the dawn together. An open invitation for anyone to join us, no matter where on the gender spectrum you fall. The only rules are no wetsuits, and try to stay submerged for a minimum of two minutes."
Swapping the hustle and bustle of London for a little village in Cornwall, Sophie now swims outdoors all year round, insisting that Rise Fierce is no longer just about “getting up in the morning with an attitude that allows you to hurl yourself into the icy Atlantic," but about rising in life and meeting the intensity of certain situations head on.
"It’s hard to convey to a non swimmer why we swim, why we wake up at unreasonable hours to meet at the edges of an icy morning. It's hard to try and articulate the feelings, the way it has connected us to each other and the ocean. But I've found some of my deepest friendships through the water."
While Sophie’s love of outdoor swimming shows no signs of stopping, she admits there are many barriers that might prevent some women from getting into the water. Body image is one of the biggest concerns; swimming involves getting into a costume, and some struggle with the very thought of it. But this movement encourages women of all sizes to go wild swimming – and in Sophie’s own words – “to stick it to the man” when it comes to how they look whilst doing so.
Swapping the hustle and bustle of London for a little village in Cornwall, Sophie now swims outdoors all year round, insisting that Rise Fierce is no longer just about “getting up in the morning with an attitude that allows you to hurl yourself into the icy Atlantic," but about rising in life and meeting the intensity of certain situations head on.
"It’s hard to convey to a non swimmer why we swim, why we wake up at unreasonable hours to meet at the edges of an icy morning. It's hard to try and articulate the feelings, the way it has connected us to each other and the ocean. But I've found some of my deepest friendships through the water."
While Sophie’s love of outdoor swimming shows no signs of stopping, she admits there are many barriers that might prevent some women from getting into the water. Body image is one of the biggest concerns; swimming involves getting into a costume, and some struggle with the very thought of it. But this movement encourages women of all sizes to go wild swimming – and in Sophie’s own words – “to stick it to the man” when it comes to how they look whilst doing so.
“Wild swimming is as much about the mind as it is the body. It's a weightless escape, a way of staying grounded and connecting with the outside world. For me, it’s a ritual that helps me process all of the emotions going on in my life so I’m better able to deal with them.
I rarely swim alone now, not only is there safety in numbers but also the sense of sisterhood. What would be a daunting challenge alone becomes an addictive morning ritual, stress-free and soul filling. It’s amazing the sense of community it’s given all of us, we're there for each other, and we know that once we enter the water all there is the present moment and it may hurt momentarily but it feels good to be alive too."
But, before you dip your toes in, there are a few things to remember. For safety? "The thing about wild swimming is it’s, err, wild – this means there’s an abundance of precautions you have to take before you land yourself in cold water," Sophie says. For starters...
"It’s worth having a check-up with your GP if you’re new to cold water immersion as it can be a very stressful environment for the body”. Next, rather than swim alone, Sophie recommends you meet up with a friend or a swimming club, because not only is it more fun, but you might feel at ease with experienced swimmers around you, especially if it’s your first hurrah.
"Every wild swimming spot is different. Check the weather and tides before going. Ask local lifeguards, your swim group or other water users to make sure you understand the tides, currents, waves and local marine life and never veer too far from your exit points."
So, if you want to embrace magical moments of cold-water swimming – like coming face-to-face with a wild dolphin called Dusty (Sophie’s swimming companion when she lived in Ireland) – or you just want to make a splash in your daily routine, then it’s time to check out Rise Fierce.
“Moments like these just can’t be explained in words, they are the real magic of life.”
I rarely swim alone now, not only is there safety in numbers but also the sense of sisterhood. What would be a daunting challenge alone becomes an addictive morning ritual, stress-free and soul filling. It’s amazing the sense of community it’s given all of us, we're there for each other, and we know that once we enter the water all there is the present moment and it may hurt momentarily but it feels good to be alive too."
But, before you dip your toes in, there are a few things to remember. For safety? "The thing about wild swimming is it’s, err, wild – this means there’s an abundance of precautions you have to take before you land yourself in cold water," Sophie says. For starters...
"It’s worth having a check-up with your GP if you’re new to cold water immersion as it can be a very stressful environment for the body”. Next, rather than swim alone, Sophie recommends you meet up with a friend or a swimming club, because not only is it more fun, but you might feel at ease with experienced swimmers around you, especially if it’s your first hurrah.
"Every wild swimming spot is different. Check the weather and tides before going. Ask local lifeguards, your swim group or other water users to make sure you understand the tides, currents, waves and local marine life and never veer too far from your exit points."
So, if you want to embrace magical moments of cold-water swimming – like coming face-to-face with a wild dolphin called Dusty (Sophie’s swimming companion when she lived in Ireland) – or you just want to make a splash in your daily routine, then it’s time to check out Rise Fierce.
“Moments like these just can’t be explained in words, they are the real magic of life.”
Where to Go
1. Kenwood Ladies Pond at Hampstead Heath, London. It’s a natural bathing pond and has a female lifeguard year round. It’s an oasis in the middle of London. It costs about £4 to swim at, and you need to book in advance.
2. West Reservoir, Stoke Newington. The reservoir is hidden in the heart of Hackney and is great for people who want to swim further distances. You need to book in advance and if the water is cold you either need to use a wetsuit or a tow-float.
3. Salford Quays in Manchester is another of my favourite places. It’s relatively unknown compared to other open water swims and is in Manchester’s ship canal which is a very cool spot.
4. Chapel Rock in Perranporth, Cornwall. Nestled in a rock on a three-mile long stretch of golden sand, there is a natural open air pool which is filled with sea water at high tide and warmed by the sun during the day. Only accessible during low tides. Free to use.
5. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall. This part man-made, part natural sea pool nestles under the cliffs at Summerleaze beach. Built with the aim to provide a safe swimming haven, it is topped up twice a day by the waves of the Atlantic. It’s ran by Friends of Bude Sea Pool; fervent supporters committed to raising enough money for its ongoing costs.
Feeling inspired? Follow Sophie's journey @SophieHellyer and @RiseFierce
Diving in head first? You'll need these stylish swim suits.
Photography by Marnie Pillinger
1. Kenwood Ladies Pond at Hampstead Heath, London. It’s a natural bathing pond and has a female lifeguard year round. It’s an oasis in the middle of London. It costs about £4 to swim at, and you need to book in advance.
2. West Reservoir, Stoke Newington. The reservoir is hidden in the heart of Hackney and is great for people who want to swim further distances. You need to book in advance and if the water is cold you either need to use a wetsuit or a tow-float.
3. Salford Quays in Manchester is another of my favourite places. It’s relatively unknown compared to other open water swims and is in Manchester’s ship canal which is a very cool spot.
4. Chapel Rock in Perranporth, Cornwall. Nestled in a rock on a three-mile long stretch of golden sand, there is a natural open air pool which is filled with sea water at high tide and warmed by the sun during the day. Only accessible during low tides. Free to use.
5. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall. This part man-made, part natural sea pool nestles under the cliffs at Summerleaze beach. Built with the aim to provide a safe swimming haven, it is topped up twice a day by the waves of the Atlantic. It’s ran by Friends of Bude Sea Pool; fervent supporters committed to raising enough money for its ongoing costs.
Feeling inspired? Follow Sophie's journey @SophieHellyer and @RiseFierce
Diving in head first? You'll need these stylish swim suits.
Photography by Marnie Pillinger