In this festive episode of the Bonkers About Beach Huts podcast, Natalie Young welcomes Nikki Cavell, a Portage Officer and member of the Blue Tits, a global community of cold water swimmers. As Christmas approaches, they discuss the unique experience of wild swimming along the stunning Dorset Coast, particularly on Christmas and New Year's Day, some of the busiest times at the beach. Nikki shares her journey into cold water swimming, the emotional and physical benefits she has experienced, and offers practical advice for those considering a dip in the sea during the holiday season. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Blue Tits is a worldwide community of cold water swimmers that encourages individuals to enjoy the sea at their own pace, promoting the motto "swim your own swim," which emphasises no pressure to participate beyond one's comfort level. Engaging in cold water swimming can lead to improved mental health, providing feelings of relaxation and invigoration. Regular dips can help alleviate feelings of restlessness and enhance overall well-being. For those considering cold water swimming, it's essential to prepare adequately. This includes bringing layers of clothing for warmth, a hot drink, and a buddy for safety. It's also important to listen to your body and not set strict time limits for how long to stay in the water. Recognising signs of when to exit the water, such as a pins-and-needles sensation or shivering, is crucial for safety. Swimmers should prioritise getting warm quickly after exiting the water to prevent hypothermia. Anyone can join the Blue Tits without a membership fee, making it an accessible option for those interested in trying cold water swimming. Local groups can be found through online searches. The Blue Tits fosters a welcoming environment for newcomers. BEST MOMENTS "The motto is swim your own swim, which I think is lovely because there's absolutely no pressure on anybody to even get in the water, let alone swim." "I just really want to go. It's almost like a mental or emotional stretch, if you like. So yeah, I've definitely noticed the benefits." "If I do yoga and I don't do yoga for a long time, I really need to go and have a good yoga session and really stretch." "Christmas Day and New Year's Day are some of the busiest days at the beach." "I think the health benefits of cold water swimming are becoming more understood." LINKS https://thebluetits.co/https://stylist.meamora.co.uk/nikkichttps://www.facebook.com/share/1DYhA6mpJ4/?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.portage.org.uk/about/what-portage Buy the Dry Robe https://amzn.to/4gNjMtf HOST BIO My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce. Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven. Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host. The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following PODCAST DESCRIPTION Welcome to the Bonkers about Beach Huts podcast, the show that's all about beach huts! Whether you are thinking of buying a beach hut and don’t know where to begin or if you have had a beach hut in your family for generations this podcast is for you. As I travel across the UK exploring these coastal retreats and sharing personal stories of how the humble beach hut has shaped lives, I will also be creating the UK's first beach hut map. I will give tips on where and how to buy a beach hut. And share everything you need to know about beach hut maintenance plus advice on hiring a beach hut. We will be chatting with special guests from estate agents to lock specialists, beach hut associations to beach hut builders, and artists to interior designers. If you don’t know what all the fuss is about, join us every week and you too will become a little bit Bonkers about Beach Huts.
