Open water all year round — river, lake and sea.
Meet Kirsty
Hi, I'm Kirsty. I am an STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach, keen Bluetit and all round enthusiast of the great outdoors and open water in all it's wonderful forms.
I swim all year round in rivers, lakes and the sea. I love swimming distance as much as dipping and bobbing and have spent years building the experience and knowledge to help others get into the water safely and confidently. I plan each session with care, monitoring the tide, weather and water conditions to ensure an enjoyable swim.
The mental and physical health benefits of immersing in the cold water have been well documented and I love introducing others to the joys of the open water safely and confidently. I absolutely love it and I hope you will too.
Above all the open water swimming community is particularly warm and welcoming to everyone. Come and join us!
Qualifications
Kirsty is an STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach and Outdoor First Aider. She started open water swimming in 2011 after watching a documentary presented by Professor Alice Roberts and found a local group, the Devon and Cornwall Wild Swimmers, swimming in both the North and South coastal waters of Devon and Cornwall and on Dartmoor. She moved to the New Forest in 2013 and set about exploring the extensive swimming spots in Hampshire. Since qualifying in 2022 she has established Swim Eat Sleep Repeat coaching year round and as a The Bluetits Approved Coach she travels in the UK and abroad guiding and coaching on the Bluetit Swim Holidays organised by The Different Travel Company.
Her approach is relaxed, encouraging and grounded in a genuine love of open water swimming and everything that comes with it — the cold, the calm, the community and, of course, the occasional cake.
Why wild swim?
Mental Clarity
Cold water resets the mind. Swimmers consistently describe a deep calm and focus that lingers long after they've dried off and warmed up.
Physical Wellbeing
Regular immersion builds resilience — improving circulation, boosting immunity and leaving your body feeling genuinely alive, whatever the season.
Community
Open water swimming is as much about the people as the water. The before-and-after chatter, the shared cake, the quiet encouragement — it's a welcome for everyone.
Swim Sessions
From guided river swims and technique sessions to winter dips, there's something for every level of swimmer and every time of year.
“Kirsty helped me improve my breathing technique ready for Bournemouth Pier to Pier. She watched and filmed me swimming so she could point out the good and where to improve. I can now comfortably breathe on either side.”
— Leanda