Why I Started Cold Water Dipping & How It Inspired A Bracelet Collection...
- carrieelspeth
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Like so many busy women, I juggle a lot - running my own business, raising three teenagers, and caring for for my Mum. Like many others, the one thing I usually put last is… me. That’s why I wanted to share something deeply personal: my journey into cold water dipping (or wild swimming) - and how it became so special to me that I created a range of beaded bracelets to gift to my dipping friends.
Why I Started Cold Water Dipping (Even Though I Really Didn’t Want To)
For years, friends encouraged me to try cold water swimming. Honestly? I thought they were mad. Why on earth would I want to throw myself into freezing water for fun?
But then Christmas 2023, under pressure (and love!) from one of my best friends, I promised I’d give it a go. I spent the night before full of dread - grumpy, anxious, and wondering what I’d signed up for. I told myself: “Just do it once and you’ll never have to do it again.” Well… how wrong I was.
The First Dip That Changed Everything!
That first dip was life-changing. Yes, it was cold - bone-chillingly cold - but also utterly exhilarating. Something shifted in me. The moment I stepped into the sea, I felt present, alive, and free.
Now, I’m completely hooked.
Each weekend I join my group of incredible women for an early morning sea swim. We’ve become more than just friends - we’re a little cold-water crew bound by shared experiences, laughter, and sometimes even tears. Post-dip tea, coffee & cake on the beach have become a ritual. It’s not just about the swim - it’s about the connection, the conversations, and the community. There’s proven science behind cold water therapy - boosting mood, reducing stress, and strengthening resilience - but for me, it’s more than that. It’s soul medicine.
What to Wear & Tips for Your First Cold Water Swim
If you're thinking of trying wild swimming or cold water dipping, here are a few things we’ve learned that might help:
Swimwear & Gear: Most of us wear regular swimsuits, but when the sea temperature drops below 5°C in winter, we add bobble hats, and some wear neoprene gloves and boots. Flip flops are great to wear down to the waters edge.
Dry Robes: These are a game-changer. We walk to the sea in our robes and swimsuits, leaving a tub at the water’s edge to hold our things.
Changing Tips: After swimming, the goal is speed! Robe on fast, costume off, and get into dry layers. A vest is the secret weapon - it’s the easiest thing to put on when your fingers are numb.
Top Tip: Take your costume off as soon as you can! We do this on the beach as soon as our dry robes are on as it stops them getting too wet and really helps with getting dry quicker.
Post-Dip Essentials:
A carton of warm water to rinse sandy feet.
Picnic blankets for car park changing.
Plenty of towels.
Hot drinks in metal mugs - perfect for warming cold hands.
Spare hats in case yours gets wet during the swim.
And of course… cake!
From the Sea to the Studio – Why I Created Cold Water Dipping Bracelets
This ritual became such a special part of my life that I wanted to commemorate it with something meaningful - not just for me, but for my friends too.
So I designed a range of cold water dipping bracelets. Each one is a little reminder of our shared strength, our weekend adventures, and the calm that comes after the cold. They’re thoughtful gifts for wild swimmers, sea dippers, or anyone who understands the joy of stepping into the unknown and coming out stronger. You can take a look at the bracelets here
Thinking of Trying Wild Swimming?
If you’re cold water curious, I highly recommend finding a local group. It’s much safer (and far more fun) with others. There are wonderful communities of wild swimmers all across the UK, from beginner-friendly dips to regular group swims.
Whether you do it once or every week, trust me - that first dip might just change your life too.
With love,
Carrie x
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