Triscape comes to Tresco

This is what a Triscape adventure break looks like if you join their Tresco retreat. Take a moment to appreciate the wonder of immersing oneself in nature as you travel at eye level with the sea, glimpsing fish as they dart behind craggy rocks and crabs scuttle to take cover as you pass overhead. This truly majestic sky was lost on me, and the others too I expect, as we swam towards our goal of Bryher shores. There are four of us in this shot; how easily we merge into the flotsam that are buoys bobbing in the water - all the more reason to be swimming in a group with a safety boat to keep us together as we made our way to Anneka's Quay and then on to Church Quay.

We were ferried in two groups in to the small sandy cove just below Cromwell's Castle which was to be the starting point for our first open water adventure. On Friday we had to seize the day as the weather was perfect for the crossing between Tresco and Bryher and fresh winds had been forecasted for the weekend ahead. Prior to this, we had sessions in the heated pool where our coaches - swimming legend Kerri-anne Payne and Jonathan Cowie (ice swimmer and contributing editor to Outdoor Swimmer magazine ) - had observed each of our strokes, explaining and showing us on video what needed to be fixed to improve efficiency. Now was the time to put these adjustments into action.

Seven intrepid, or maybe slightly nervous, swimmers gathered on the tiny beach below Cromwell's Castle ready for their first inter-island crossing. Personally, I'd had butterflies and adrenalin rushing about my body for the best part of the day by the time we gathered for our watery adventure at 4pm. As you know, I'm no stranger to sea swimming, but group swimming seems to increase the tension of the event.

And we're off! 

Mid channel is flat calm, but truly dark water beneath which can be unnerving for some swimmers who aren't used to sea swimming. We held together as a group and that really helped.

We swam behind Hangman's Island on Bryher, hugging the coastline, but the long thongs of seaweed were so thick we could barely traverse them. I couldn't help laughing out loud at the slippery progress I made - neither swimming nor paddling!

And this is the triumphant beam of Sacha (not my daughter Sasha) after her channel crossing - what a joy!

For some of the group, their challenge was to cross to Anneka's Quay and as you can see they were all thrilled with their success. 

My own challenge was to complete the swim at Church Quay. Two swimmers and our two coaches welcome me in with applause as I stagger onto the steps. The real battle had been the final stretch of water between both of the quays which was being hit by the tidal wash. At points it was shallow enough to wade which was what we did at for a moment or two to ease the strain. Somehow if your coach is wading it seems okay for you to do the same.

And what better way to celebrate than with jumbo portions of fish and chips? We gathered on the lawn above Raven's Porth and congratulated each other on our success. 

The course ran from Wednesday to Monday, so you can bet I've got more photos to show you but I'll keep those for another day. Suffice to say that I've been in my element, not just learning from the double world champion and silver medal Olympian that is Kerri-anne Payne, but also for spending time with other water babies, all keen to improve their swimming style and efficiency. I'm pleased to say that I've cracked some of my issues, but still need to refine my stroke. I'll be signing up for another course with Triscape next year that's for sure!

                                                                                        Anna x

Grounded, by the sea

Hello again. How are you? Is this a good time of year for you? Like many, I struggle with the shorter days and lack of sunlight over the winter months, resulting in S.A.D. I know I've talked about this before, but for anyone out there who's new to the blog then this is my method of coping. Sea swimming truly keeps me grounded, helping me cope with the challenges of the season ahead.

It's over 8 years now since I started sea swimming and to be perfectly honest, it's been a lifesaver for me in more ways than one. The idea of taking a dip in the sea in the middle of winter may seem quite mad, but increasing numbers of the population here in the UK are turning to the ocean to help them with their mental well-being. I swear you never regret a sea swim. 

I was recently lucky enough to meet Olympic champion Keri-anne Payne while she was here on Tresco running a Triscape retreat. I had session in the pool along with a group of keen improvers like myself and came away with a few good pointers. Much as I'm a competent swimmer, my freestyle isn't my best stroke and I know needs attention. I've now got a few tips to help me become a more relaxed and smoother swimmer.

Hopefully next year I'll be able to attend the entire course and come away better armed for my swimming future. I have every intention to continue sea swimming into my dotage in an effort to keep a healthy body and mind regardless of the passage of time. I like the idea of being that eccentric old lady on Tresco who sea swims every day regardless of the weather.

Ear plugs, goggles and swimcap and it's time to go.

Swimming tall, holding that leading arm up until the following arm comes in line with the head. 

Concentration one moment and a lovely sense of flow the next; I'm slowly making progress. Swimming lends itself to a wonderful watery meditation which might account for the sense of well-being that follows.

And there it is, the joy of the afterglow. I love the sense of achievement after a swim, no matter how long or short. My Swim Secure tow float gives me confidence as I know I'm always visible even in low light like today.

I've bought two new swimsuits for this winter. The white one above is by Roxy and the green is by Animal. 

Thanks for dropping by and I hope you have a great week!

Anna x