Wild Swim Scotland is a swimming school located in Portobello, Edinburgh, offering swimming lessons and supervised swims in various locations around the Lothians. Whether you are a seasoned wild swimmer or new to this exhilarating outdoor activity, Wild Swim Scotland aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all levels of swimmers.
The school takes advantage of Scotland's beautiful waters, using “wild swimming” as a way to build confidence in open water swimming while promoting good practise and introducing the health benefits of regular cold water immersion. They offer a range of sessions tailored to accommodate different skill levels and provide assistance to those who are new to the activity.
In addition to their regular swimming lessons and supervised swims in the Lothians, Wild Swim Scotland offers bespoke swims at various locations across Scotland. These include trips to East Lothian, The Pentlands, and Central Scotland, as well as locations further afield such as The Trossachs, Isle of Bute on the West Coast, and Aviemore in the Cairngorm National Park.
Managed by Maree, Wild Swim Scotland is an amateur venture focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for its members. While they have a Winter Programme exclusively for current members, they also offer a Membership Support Programme for individuals who want to join and benefit from the club's sessions and social opportunities.
To ensure the safety of all participants, Wild Swim Scotland requires those who are new to cold water swimming or dipping to undergo several 1:1 sessions before joining group sessions. The school recommends three sessions to ensure adequate acclimation to the cold water. For individuals who are already acclimated, a shoreside session and a short dip with Maree are required prior to joining group sessions or the Membership Support Programme. Please note that these sessions are unavailable during the winter months and will resume in April 2024 when water temperatures reach at least 10 degrees.
Wild Swim Scotland takes pride in its team's credentials and commitment to providing high-quality coaching and support. Maree, the founder, is a fully trained PE teacher and a qualified STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach. Moreover, all sessions are conducted in compliance with Covid-19 risk assessments to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
For more information about the membership programme, session timetable, benefits, and risks of wild swimming, interested individuals can visit the Wild Swim Scotland website or subscribe to their newsletter for updates. The school also offers additional resources on its website, including a blog, gallery, contact information, event highlights, reviews, forms and information, membership details, recipes, book lists, and gift vouchers.
Wild Swim Scotland is passionate about providing a unique and invigorating swimming experience in Scotland's stunning waters, helping individuals embrace the joy, adventure, and benefits of wild swimming.