What do people often misunderstand about wild swimming?

Many people first encounter wild swimming through stories about resilience, cold exposure or health benefits, but Nat believes its deeper value lies elsewhere.

“Many people discover wild swimming through stories about cold water or resilience, but I think its greatest gift is much quieter than that. Open water has a remarkable way of slowing us down. The sense of freedom, space and connection is unlike anything else I know. Whether you come to dip, swimble or swim, the water meets you exactly where you are.”

— Nat, Wild Wellness

How do people build confidence in open water?

Confidence rarely arrives all at once.

“Confidence doesn't arrive before you get into the water; it grows because you keep coming back. Every swim teaches you something, whether that's learning to trust your breath, noticing how your body responds to the cold, or simply realising you can do more than you thought. Confidence is built one experience at a time.”

Wild Wellness creates supportive environments where people can build that confidence safely and at their own pace.

What role does community play?

Whilst wild water can offer moments of solitude, community is often what keeps people returning.

“People aren't just looking for another activity. They're looking for a place where they feel they belong. Community plays such an important role in our wellbeing because we're not designed to navigate life alone. Bringing people together beside the water creates space for friendships to form, confidence to grow and people to realise they've found others who simply get it.”

Through swims, contrast experiences and gatherings, Wild Wellness creates meaningful opportunities for connection.

How can people stay safe in open water?

Safety sits at the heart of every Wild Wellness experience.

“Open water can feel overwhelming if you're new to it, and that's completely normal. I encourage everyone to enter the water slowly, allowing their body time to acclimatise before deciding how far they want to go. Cold water asks for respect, not bravado. Every session is guided at the individual's pace, building confidence safely, one experience at a time.”

For Nat, safety is not about fear or restriction. It is what allows people to feel calm, informed and able to enjoy the experience fully.

What's your nesting ritual?

At SwimNest, we ask everyone we interview the same question:

What’s your nesting ritual?

“My daily ritual is beautifully simple. I give myself permission to pause before the day gathers pace, notice how I'm feeling and acknowledge whatever has shown up without trying to change it. From there, I decide what I need rather than what I think I should do. Some days that's a swim, some days it's a walk with my dog, some days it's simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea. That small act of listening helps me respond to life instead of reacting to it, and keeps me grounded in what really matters.”

— Nat