Cold Water Swimming Workshop
Next: Saturday, 24 October 2026
Runs until Saturday, 5 December 2026 (See all dates)
- Time
- 09:30 - 11:30
- Venue
- The Lake, Cromhall, GL12 8AA
- Price
- £20
Master cold water dipping safely with British Triathlon coach Paul Breen. 2-hr workshop, theory, hot drinks & optional coached dip.
More Information (Thornbury Radio - Your Choice. Your Voice. is not responsible for external websites)
Swimming through the autumn and winter months is one of the most invigorating experiences you can have outdoors, but stepping into chilly water without the right preparation can feel daunting.
Held in an on-site classroom at The Lake, this comprehensive two-hour workshop strips away the guesswork. You will gain the vital knowledge, safety skills, and practical confidence needed to transition safely from summer dipping to cold-water swimming throughout the season.
This session is led by The Lake's Outdoor Activities Manager, Paul Breen. A qualified British Triathlon coach, Paul brings a wealth of open-water experience, having coached everyone from complete novices taking their first plunge to Team GB age-group triathletes.
Having competed in multiple Ironman events worldwide and tackled challenging endurance swims (including the infamous Alcatraz crossing) Paul understands cold-water dynamics inside out. His approach is relaxed, highly practical, and interactive, ensuring plenty of time to address your personal questions and concerns.
During the 2-hour interactive workshop, you will cover:
- The Science & Benefits: Why cold water immersion transforms physical health and mental clarity.
- Reading the Elements: Assessing weather, wind, and water conditions before you unpack your kit.
- Essential Kit Choices: What to wear (and what to steer clear of), whether swimming in a wetsuit or standard swimwear (“skins”).
- Your Body’s Response: Understanding the physiological reaction to cold temperatures and managing cold water shock safely.
- Acclimatisation & Time Limits: Proven strategies to enter the water calmly, gauge your limits, and know when it’s time to exit.
- Self-Awareness on the Water: How to monitor your body and recognise early warnings while swimming.
- Hypothermia & Safety: Identifying the critical symptoms in yourself and fellow swimmers.
- The “After-Drop” & Post-Swim Care: How to warm up effectively and avoid rapid core temperature drops once out of the water.
Workshop Details
- Format: 2-hour (0930 – 1130) interactive, classroom-based theory session.
- Location: Heated on-site classroom at The Lake (South West Maritime Academy).
- Refreshments: Complimentary hot tea and coffee provided.
- Optional Coach-Led Swim: Ready to put theory into practice? An optional guided dip with Paul is available immediately following the workshop for a small additional fee (payable on the day; no advance booking required). Paul will be on hand to guide your entry, ensure proper breathing, and keep you comfortable every second in the water.
Held in an on-site classroom at The Lake, this comprehensive two-hour workshop strips away the guesswork. You will gain the vital knowledge, safety skills, and practical confidence needed to transition safely from summer dipping to cold-water swimming throughout the season.
This session is led by The Lake's Outdoor Activities Manager, Paul Breen. A qualified British Triathlon coach, Paul brings a wealth of open-water experience, having coached everyone from complete novices taking their first plunge to Team GB age-group triathletes.
Having competed in multiple Ironman events worldwide and tackled challenging endurance swims (including the infamous Alcatraz crossing) Paul understands cold-water dynamics inside out. His approach is relaxed, highly practical, and interactive, ensuring plenty of time to address your personal questions and concerns.
During the 2-hour interactive workshop, you will cover:
- The Science & Benefits: Why cold water immersion transforms physical health and mental clarity.
- Reading the Elements: Assessing weather, wind, and water conditions before you unpack your kit.
- Essential Kit Choices: What to wear (and what to steer clear of), whether swimming in a wetsuit or standard swimwear (“skins”).
- Your Body’s Response: Understanding the physiological reaction to cold temperatures and managing cold water shock safely.
- Acclimatisation & Time Limits: Proven strategies to enter the water calmly, gauge your limits, and know when it’s time to exit.
- Self-Awareness on the Water: How to monitor your body and recognise early warnings while swimming.
- Hypothermia & Safety: Identifying the critical symptoms in yourself and fellow swimmers.
- The “After-Drop” & Post-Swim Care: How to warm up effectively and avoid rapid core temperature drops once out of the water.
Workshop Details
- Format: 2-hour (0930 – 1130) interactive, classroom-based theory session.
- Location: Heated on-site classroom at The Lake (South West Maritime Academy).
- Refreshments: Complimentary hot tea and coffee provided.
- Optional Coach-Led Swim: Ready to put theory into practice? An optional guided dip with Paul is available immediately following the workshop for a small additional fee (payable on the day; no advance booking required). Paul will be on hand to guide your entry, ensure proper breathing, and keep you comfortable every second in the water.
Venue
The Lake
Cromhall Quarry
Cromhall
GL12 8AA
Dates
The event runs from 09:30 to 11:30 on the following dates.
Select a date to add this event to your calendar app.
