The benefits of sea swimming have been known for many years. In the early 19th century it’s virtues were extolled & people flocked to Brighton and Hove to enjoy the healing qualities of a salt water dip. Since then, the city of Brighton and Hove has grown and the fraternity of sea swimmers has reduced but there are still quite a few folks that try and go in as often as they can.
Generally these days, those that take a regular dip in the sea are seen as eccentrics and it may be true.. When my friend Chris and I meet up early in the morning for our swims, we know it is not healing but the positive feeling that it gives you for the day is undisputed. We usually dive in with grand enthusiasm, laugh at each other while gasping for breath as the shock of the cold ebbs to a reasonably comfortable level. We then talk like old ladies and get very pleased with our selves looking back at the town from our aquatic vantage point and saying repeatedly how wonderful swimming in the sea is. Once at a suitably far distance from the beach we turn around and swim properly back to the beach.
The Brighton pebble beach which is much loved by us Brightonians but has a crippling effect on cold bare feet but somehow we still love it? I for one would rather find a pebble in my underpants and expel it quickly than have sand in my crack all day!
While still excited from the thrill of such a simple excursion we go in search of a hot cup of tea and then smiling broadly as we sip the warm liquid. Our first question is always,'When shall we meet for our next swim?'
Maybe those Victorians were on to something..
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