Suzanna’s book starts on a personal note, recounting an experience that most wild swimmers can identify with. We’ve all had the inevitable conversation with a loved one who worries about the safety of our hobby, which quite often leads on to the debate about why anyone would want to plunge themselves into cold water in […]
Ice swimming in Lake Kuusijärvi, Finland
It’s been a long held ambition of mine to take a dip in an ice hole in Finland. This February I travelled to Helsinki with this express purpose in mind. Despite being late on in the winter, the sea had not yet frozen and we had to head out of the city centre to find […]
Readers’ best swims of 2019
If you thought that swimming was a solitary pastime, then think again. The swimming community is a very positive and supportive place. Whenever I share my swims on social media I get a lovely response and it’s always great to see what everyone else has been up to. Here are the swims we’ve got the […]
Autumn wild swimming in Snowdonia
One of my best adventure pals and I booked a weekend of wild mountain swimming in Snowdonia with Vivienne Rickman back in the spring. Way before lido season even began, we knew we’d need something to look forward to in the autumn, when swimming in nature takes on a different vibe. It’s moodier and definitely […]
Happy Birthday Barefoot Em! 1-year-old today
Today marks the first anniversary of Barefoot-em.com and a lot has changed in just 12 short months. When I look back at all the incredible places I’ve swum and things I’ve seen – a lido wedding, a dip in the Atlantic and photo session in an Edwardian bath house, just to name a few – […]
Taking a dip in an iconic view: Sao Miguel’s Lagoa Verde
When it comes to wild swimming in The Azores, it’s safe to say you’re spoilt for choice. The island group’s main landmass Sao Miguel alone offers everything from river dips and natural waterfall pools to sea swimming and splashing about in its world-famous lakes. Looking down on the twin lakes of Sete Cidades from one […]
