Introduction to open water dipping. swimming

with Juliet Wallace-Mason

(Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach. GBR Triathlete. Cold Water Immersion Specialist.

Start your journey here. Step into this secluded and beautiful lake, dip / swim amongst the lily pads and watch the wildlife go by on the banks. Our lake is spring fed making the water quality fantastically clean and rated ‘Excellent’. We put your safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

Wild dipping / swimming is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, with profound benefits for both your mental and physical health. Carve out time to support your health amongst the background of this tranquil and lush green and sparkling blue space. Refresh and invigorate your soul.

Our aim is to foster a gentle, quiet, serene and peaceful time when you visit our lake, where you can reconnect with yourself, others and the natural surroundings, an oasis away from the noise and chaos of our hectic lives.

The water temperature is now over 20 degrees and the weather is warming up for the summer season, so if you are a complete novice or have already tried cold water swimming in the sea, lakes or rivers, this course will give you both the knowledge and greater confidence to swim safely and within your own limits. This is the perfect time to take your first step to a happier and healthier you.

This 2½hr course covers what you need to know about the theoretical and practical sides of dipping and swimming confidently and safely.

This course will be delivered by Jules [Juliet] Wallace-Mason who has been delivering both Cold Water Immersion, Introduction to Wild swimming, & Open-Water Front Crawl courses across Worcestershire, London and Sussex for over 3 years, and has taken over 2000+ new and experienced wonderful folk through what has often been described as a life-changing event.

COURSE CONTENT

COLD WATER IMMERSION: Put into context                                                                                                       

THE BODY’S PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE: Acclimatisation, Cold-Water Shock, peripheral cooling, Hypothermia and The After-Drop                                                                                                         

GOOD PRACTICE / ASSESSING RISKS: What you can do to help yourself enjoy safe and effective cold-water swims / dips                                                                                                                           

EQUIPMENT IN AND OUT OF THE WATER: What to look out for, and what to avoid                

RE-WARMING: protocols                                                                                                                                

HEALTH BENEFITS

During the informative, fun & interactive theory side, there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have, so that when you come to dip / swim, you will feel personally confident, ready, and excited to enter the water. The dip / swim will be fully guided.


Event: Saturday 6th September 2025. 10am to 12.30pm Cost: £35

Includes: Theory, guided dip / swim, tow-float use & refreshments of hot drinks & cakes

What to wear / bring

1.    Come dressed in your swimming costume - what you want to wear in the water. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing like tracksuits / hoodies and lots of ‘easy-to-put-on’ warm layers. Wetsuits can be worn – but only if you’re used to wearing one and it’s comfortable

2.    2 x bobble hats. One to wear in the water / one to wear when getting changed

3.    A changing robe / large towel to dry and change under, as we don’t have changing rooms

4.    Flip-flops / crocs to walk down to the lakeside in  and something to cover your feet in the water if you don’t like the feeling of the lake surface (socks, aqua shoes)

5.    A large waterproof bag (Ikea / shopping bag) to put all your wet clothes in

6.    A reusable thermal drinks cups for your refreshments after (We are an eco-friendly business, and limit our use of ‘single use’ items where we can)

7.    Optional: Neoprene booties and gloves for the water. Thick socks and gloves to rewarm your feet and hands post dip. A tow float if you have your own

📍 How to Book

Ready to take the plunge? Book Your Spot Now →

Or contact us at hello@wild-wood.co.uk for more info.

📝 FAQs

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No – this course is suitable for non-swimmers or cautious dippers. You’ll never be out of your depth unless you're ready.

Do I need a wetsuit?
We’ll discuss options before the session. You can wear a wetsuit or swim in skins (bathing suit) depending on your comfort.

Is it safe?
Yes. Sessions are held with full safety support, in accessible locations, with a strong emphasis on personal limits.