Mastering the Water: A Journey of Strength, Fear and Joy in Open Swimming

What do you get from open-water swimming? Freedom; the freedom to play again in the water, no time-clocks, no performance apps, just being. I have always loved the water, swimming and diving. The way my body can move; fluid and strong. I feel the elegance of a dancer, completely in control of my body. 

As I weave underwater, I dance, twisting and turning to glide deeper. I am sensitive to every minute change; a breath of wind lifting a ripple on the surface sends a tiny thrill across my skin. The seabed, carved into intricate shapes by swirling currents, changes with the light. Passing over a deep area the temperature drops, to rise again as I soar across a forest of kelp.

Underwater worlds- the subtle art of swimming

Swimming with my partner, we mirror each-other as we power through the waves. I try to keep my stroke in time with his and match the distance he travels, forcing me to work hard. I can only keep this up for a short time before he begins to pull away, only to slow and wait for me. 

We look around at how far we have come. Sometimes we explore rocky inlets and catch the silver flashes of small fish beneath. The dangerous beauty of a compass jellyfish drifting, seemingly aimless, with gossamer fine tendrils that pack a whiplike sting we try to avoid. Diving down for closer inspection a velvet crab stands to attention, claw raised to ward us off, we hover above and soon he drops his guard and moves back to his search for food.

This is my world away from work, the subtle art of swimming where I find balance between effort, power and relaxation.

“Each swimmer brings with them their own fears, challenges and skills”

The ripple effect: teaching the joys of open water swimming 

What a pleasure it is to help others achieve something of the feeling I get from the water. For some it’s the race that’s important – improving speed or distance. I get a real kick out of seeing it come right for them. When a swimmer comes back and says “I was so much faster!... and it felt easier!”: job done.

The light bulb moments are even better. The change in a swimmers’ face when it just clicks; “That’s what I should feel like!” The moment they understand how it can be easy – if you put the hard work in. And there I am back to the dance. The skill of honing techniques, strength, understanding and sensitivity turns that hard work into the joy of movement in water.

Weatherproof: embracing open-water swimming in every season

My goal is to empower safer swimmers and introducing newbies to open-water swimming is a unique experience, especially when you factor in the variables of the outdoors. The steely cold of a February morning, your breath misting across the glassy water. The muscles across your back feel as if they might shatter if you move too suddenly. 

You gather yourself as tight as you can, afraid to move suddenly, you gently swirl your hands, fingertips searing with cold. It hurts, yet you love it. A windy day and the melee of crashing waves, there is no easing your way in today. Your body is blasted, spray soaks your eyes and hair until you make your way out past the breakers to the swell lifting and rolling. 

A strong stroke brings you onto the wave, foam writhing around your shoulders as you ride backshore. Body-surfing; the ultimate in exhilaration. Finally, the softness of a warm peat-bedded lough in the height of summer. Whiskey-coloured water melding your skin into silken gold, the blue sky reflecting on the surface; every swim a different little adventure.

Swimming in the wild: empowering safer swimmers, one stroke at a time

Each swimmer brings with them their own fears, challenges and skills and it is my privilege to tease those out. To find the root of their fear, stand with them as they acknowledge it and find a way through. 

Developing a bond helps swimmers to keep up their new-found passion. Gaining confidence, knowledge and skills builds a safer, stronger swimmer and for me that means respect. 

Respect for the water; it is beautiful in all its forms but it is powerful and truly wild. It can be changeable and with no forgiveness – if we make a mistake, it is our mistake and we will suffer the consequences. We must respect our own abilities and play wisely in this beautiful, wild element. 

Maureen’s latest book, The Complete Book of Wild Swimming (Gill book, €19.99) is out now