If you braved the cold and took part in a Boxing Day or New Year’s swim and are keen to do more, you may like to consider joining a new flock of Bluetits that has arrived on the Island.
The now-global social enterprise, The Bluetits, which began in Wales in 2014, aims to inspire people to try cold water swimming. Renowned for its inclusivity and fun atmosphere, it is run by volunteers and boasts a worldwide community of over 100 social groups, where anyone can join for free and find swim partners.
Until now, the Isle of Wight has been uncharted territory on this map, despite having a vibrant swimming community and stunning beaches.
Globally, there are approximately 100,000 Bluetits, united by their passion for swimming, adventure, and the community spirit it fosters. They do not operate as an official club or charge membership fees and welcome everyone to the informal swims organised within the groups.
A group of local swimmers have come together to establish the Isle of Wight Bluetits, aiming to invite both visitors and locals to swim and dip together.
Officially launching on Friday 10th January (coincidentally Peculiar People Day), the group aims to meet at least once a week, starting with a Friday evening swim in Sandown, meeting at 17:30 by the Memorial.
Katie Jubb emphasizes the international aspect of the group, inspiring others to travel and connect with local swimming communities.
Katie said:
“I have followed the Bluetits Chill Swimmers for sometime and hoped one day to have a flock on the IOW. I have bumped into many Bluetits on various cold water lido trips on the mainland and even followed a flock with my hubby, to Estonia in March this year.
“The Bluetit ethos is that all are welcome, (including those who want to stay dry but enjoy the blue space nature provides) to benefit from the general merriment and camaraderie that cold water swimming induces.
“People are so busy and stressed these days, which can leak into their leisure time. We have lost the art of switching off and winding down. Cold water swimming forces you to think about nothing else, you have no other option but to be present and in the moment.”
Claire Gale shares her journey:
“Having lived on the island since late 1997, I rarely swam in the sea. With around 15 years as a swimming teacher, I believed pools were for swimming. s years ago, I began to question why, living in such a beautiful place with amazing beaches, I wasn’t taking advantage of it.
“I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. Now, I can’t imagine my life without it.”
Sandy Ciccognani adds:
“For the past 6 years, I’ve encouraged people to embrace the sea. I started a Facebook group, launched a social enterprise, trained as an outdoor swimming coach, organised swimming information events, introduced the concept of a Sea Café, brought Sea Hiking (also known as Longe Côte) to the Island, and even hosted a podcast called For The Love of Swimming.”
Pam Johnson shares her experience:
“I joined the Swim the Wight social enterprise 3 years ago because I wanted to swim in the sea, and my partner was concerned about me swimming alone. It worked out wonderfully, and I soon connected with others, and now we swim as a group.
“While finding swimming buddies was my primary motivation, I must say there are health benefits as well; even in winter, when swimming long distances can be challenging, I still meet up with my swim buddies.”
If you wish to join in, simply ask to join the Isle of Wight Bluetits Group on Facebook or come along to the Memorial on Sandown Seafront at 17:30 on a Friday evening.
Blue tits sums it up..
Some people can’t keep their clothes on.
The Heights is a better option, much warmer.