Shop4Plymouth's resident blogger Lucy Young @_Oceancityliving shops in Plymouth’s businesses before taking the plunge into the winter waters.

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. Trying to transform yourself whilst abstaining from any treats in the coldest, darkest months of the year sounds like a form of torture to me. Far better, I think, to focus on doing more of what you love and making time for what makes you feel good. The last couple of years has surely taught us that self-care is health care after all. And for me, that’s swimming in the sea.

I’ve always loved being in the water and spending most of my summer at the beach, but I’ve tended to hang up my cossie in September, scared that I wouldn’t be brave enough to go in during the chillier months. But this year I’ve decided to take the plunge and keep going through the winter doing something that makes me happy and is good for both mind and body.

Of course, I could just leap in unprepared, but I’m not crazy! Plus, that’s also a sure-fire way to go into cold water shock if you’re not used to it (I’ve done my research). Getting the right gear makes all the difference when taking on a new sport or activity, but there’s no need to splash out on loads of faddy, expensive stuff that could just end up gathering dust. A few well-chosen essentials are all you need. So here are the multi-purpose, hero products that I shopped for locally before I attempted to join the cold-water collective…

Safety first

It goes without saying that any self-respecting Janner should already have a healthy respect for the sea and that means knowing where it’s safe to swim, what to look out for and keeping an eye on the tide. Check out the RNLI’s advice online for more information if you’re just starting out.

I also bought a copy of the little Yellow Book Tide Timetable for Plymouth Sound, available from Waterstones in Drake Circus, so I know when high and low tide is each day. There are a fair few swim spots around the city’s waterfront where local swimming groups meet regularly. It’s always safer to swim with others rather than on your own. Plus, sea swimmers are a friendly bunch so you might just make some new friends while you’re at it.

I’ve had my eye on the gorgeous swimsuits made by Plymouth-based Davy J swimwear for ages. They make the most beautiful collection of ethical and sustainable swimwear made from 100% regenerated nylon yarn, some of which comes from ghost fishing nets. This month they are running a 31 Days of January campaign where you could earn up to 30% off their range, depending on how many times you manage a daily dip. If I make it through January, I think a celebratory treat is in order and a little discount after Christmas wouldn’t go amiss.

When dipping a toe into the deep blue sea, your tootsies are the first thing to hit the water and obviously the last thing to leave when you get out. Your extremities are always the first to feel the cold, so I bought myself some wetsuit socks, from Two Seasons on Old Town Street, to keep out the winter chill. Bearing in mind that wherever you swim you’ll probably have to walk across pebbles or rocks so wetsuit boots will also protect your feet too.

Put safety first with a fluoro tow float from Two Seasons

Winter swells can bring choppy waves which can make spotting a person bobbing about in the water quite tricky. Whilst not essential, a neat safety item to invest in is a fluorescent tow float. You barely notice it trailing behind you, but they make you mega visible, which is no bad thing, particularly in the winter gloom. Again, Two Seasons have a great selection, as well as some other useful safety kit.

And if you want to make yourself even easier to spot (and keep your hair dry at the same time) you could don a proper swimming cap. Plymouth-based artist Megan Hall creates original linocut artwork inspired by her wild swimming adventures with her Flotsam Prints. Her designs have been transferred onto silicone swimming hats, so you can look stylish and keep warm in the water. Flotsam Prints recently relocated to Alma Yard creative studios, on Candlewick Lane in Cattedown, so you can pop in for a visit and browse the rest of Megan’s beautiful collection.

Getting out and warming up

So, you’ve done your swim and now it’s time to get out, get dry and warm up. Rather than wrestle with an ordinary towel (and spare your blushes as you strip off) a hooded robie is a great idea. I bought a beautifully soft, bamboo towelling one from South Devon beach and loungewear company Soakd, who hand make environmentally friendly and sustainable products with a seaside vibe.

Snuggled up in your poncho, it’s a good idea to get a hot drink inside you to warm up gradually from the inside. An insulated travel mug or flask will keep your coffee, tea or chocolate hot whilst you’re off swimming. I got my trusty metal Bodum mug from TK Maxx, which has a great selection, but you could also try Cotswold Outdoor on Old Town Street or Mountain Warehouse in Drake Circus. Or for some other sustainable, plastic-free options try Jar on Batter Street, Earthkind on The Broadway in Plymstock or online at The Mindful Hive.

Don’t forget to keep your head warm too whilst you’re getting dressed. Black Pug Press has a cosy bobble hat that’s perfect if you aspire to belong to the Cold Water Club. Local linocut designer Laura Nunn is inspired by her love of wild swimming, the sea and all things nautical, plus her two rescue dogs Betty and Buddy. Black Pug Press also has some gorgeous artwork, pin badges and enamel mugs featuring Laura’s lovely designs. You can find them in Rockpool Trading on the Barbican’s Southside Street and over the water at new coffee, deli and lifestyle shop The Stores in Kingsand. Well worth a visit to try another stunning, sheltered swim spot and sample fabulous foodie treats too.

Join the Cold Water Club and keep your head warm with a cosy bobble hat from the Black Pug Press

Now you’re dressed and ready to go, you need something to carry all your wet gear home in. Dry bags are great for keeping water out (or in!) so are perfect for transporting all your soggy kit. I bought my Red Paddle bag from The Shack coffee shop, situated next to the stunning Firestone Arch, just inside the Royal William Yard. Red Paddle is a Devon company renowned for its stand-up paddleboards and The Shack stocks a range of its products, including dry robes, that you can browse once they reopen in the spring.

Après sea

Sea swimming certainly builds up an appetite, so it’s time to treat yourself to some post-swim sustenance. The Hutong Café is one of the go-to places for Stonehouse swimmers who, like me, go for a regular dip at Firestone Bay. The Cremyll Street venue’s freshly baked bagels have a serious fan base: one taste and you’ll see why. Peanut butter, banana, cinnamon and honey for me, please. And did I mention that the lovely Hutong crew also provide hot water bottles free of charge to warm up chilly swimmers? Now that’s love. Of course, we’re lucky enough to have plenty of waterfront venues across the city serving coffee and pick-me-up treats, so you’ll find your own favourite après sea spot in no time.

Post-swim sustenance: bagels and hot water bottles provided by The Hutong Café

Now, whatever your favourite hobby, pastime, sport or activity is, make more time for it this January. Take the plunge, you won’t regret it.

If you’re new to open water swimming, want to improve your technique or build confidence, you could sign up for lessons with ACE Swimming, based at Firestone Bay at the Royal William Yard. Swim coach Jason Quiterio has over 25 year’s swimming experience and has sessions available to suit all skill levels.

Funded by the Reopening High Street Safely Fund, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government    

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