Sea You There!

IRELAND'S SEA SWIMMING ENTHUSIASTS

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Top 5 Swim Robes

Dryrobe

It calls itself the “warmest, most versatile changing robe in the world” and it is by far the most popular but also most expensive changing robe on the market. In many ways it has become a trend to wear a Dryrobe as a sign of outdoor activeness. It is quite bulky which is intended to facilitate changing while having the jacket on. It is weather resistant and has a synthetic lambswool lining on the inside. 

Fit-Flip

This is a very inexpensive but very effective option. It is made from microfibres which ensures that the robe itself dries very fast and absorbs water well. It is very light and very small in volume once folded. There is enough space to change discreetly and comfortably. Additionally, it can also be used as a towel.

Vivida Lifestyle

Is a similar model to the Fit-Flip but more expensive. It comes in many colours and designs and also has zip-lined pockets. The arm length is longer than Fit-Flip models at a 3/4 length. This changing robe also comes in baby, children and adult sizes. The Vivida changing robe is made from microfibre.

Moonwrap

Moonwrap is a similar model to the Dryrobe but the cheaper version. However, compared to Dryrobes, Moonwrap changing robes only comes in one colour, being black. It is 100% water proof on the outside and lined with fleece inside. It only comes in one size and cut.

Aomednx

This brand’s changing robe is a cross between a Dryrobe and a Fit Flip. It has a waterproof shell but the inside is lined with a microfibre material. It is a lot less bulky than a Dryrobe or Moonwrap. It is lined with pockets and has full length sleeves. Price wise it is reasonable enough as it has both the towel and the waterproof features. 

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Changing Tips and Tricks

Is there anything worse than struggling to change beneath a towel or having to ruffle through your bag to find one of your clothing items? With these helpful tips & tricks those off-putting factors of going to the sea will be a feeling of the past!

Firstly, make sure you pack everything you need. There is nothing worse than realising too late that you forgot something. Therefore, it is recommended to have a swim check list with all the essential items on it. Do not forget a plastic/ swim bag to put your wet stuff into. Because the last thing you want is all your other items including your bag being soggy and wet when you get home. 

Secondly, leave the traditional towel at home and change it up for a swim towel which you can wear nearly like a poncho. It is very thin, dries fast and does not take up as much space as a regular towel would in your bad. Although, the most beneficial perk is it makes the actual changing process so much easier. No more fear of the towel slipping down!

Thirdly, when you get changed or undress at the beach make sure to arrange your items of clothing in a chronological order of how you will be putting them back on again. This not only saves time but also avoids your wet hands riffling through your bag after exiting the water. 

Fourthly, try to wear clothes that you can easily get in and out of. Especially after your swim, when you most probably will  be cold and wet and want to get changed as soon as possible without struggling to get into skinny leggings or tight tops. Go for loose pants, shoes that you can easily slip into and a top that you can easily change underneath your swim towel. Preferable nothing with long sleeves or anything that can easily get twisted.

Finishing off, it must be said that these are just tips and tricks of people with long standing sea swimming experience but note that everyone has their own way of doing things. Figure out your own tips and tricks and please share them with us in the comments below, so we can make a follow up post with some of your most creative and inspiring changing tips and tricks.

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Looking for a new location to swim? Here are the top 7 swim spots around Ireland.

Number 1 - Carlingford

Without doubt this peninsula is one of the most mesmerising spots in Ireland. Accompanied by its quaint town along side the shore line it is a perfect location for a morning swim or trying out some kayaking.

Number 2 - Dun Laoghaire’s 40 foot

This is probably the most popular spot in all of Dublin. If you are more interested in the social aspect of swimming then that’s the place where you should be. You can swim there all year round and will always feel like there is someone looking out for you.

Number 3 - Killiney

If you are all about the view and privacy, then Killiney beach is the one for you. You can swim quite a distance and the view reaches from Dalkey Island to Bray Head. It also attracts a reasonably sized swim community without feeling crowded.

Number 4 - Brittas Bay

This is Ireland’s most classic summer destination. But when the waves are behaving themselves there is no better place to be. The sand beach is definitely a big plus.

Number 5 - Silver Strand, Donegal

If you want to feel like the only person in this world and find utter tranquillity then the Silver Strand in Donegal is the place for you to check out. It is surrounded by beautiful nature allowing you to free your thoughts of all worries.

Number 6 - Vico Beach, Dublin

Closely located to Killiney but yet quite isolated it only attracts  a very small but selected audience. Swimmers really enjoy this small beach as it is directly beneath the cliff and is not bypassed by cars or pedestrians.

Number 7- Salthill, Galway

Last but not least, Salthill in Galway. A wide shore line which you can utilise. There is also a jumping tower which is very popular especially in summer. So again if you are looking for more of a social aspect to your swim, that’s the place to be!

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Top 5 Weather apps

Ever have those moments where you are super excited to hit the water and then you arrive at the beach and the waves are crashing up against the shore making it impossible and too dangerous to swim? Then I have the tools to help you avoid those disappointing starts to your morning.

Here are a mixture of weather, tide, wave and water temperature applications and websites you can utilise to predict the sea’s mood.

1. Met Éireann

Met Éireann (the app or website) will give you an accurate weather forecast including temperature, rainfall and wind speed. These are the main criteria swimmers have to look out for. It also informs you about weather warnings which are very important to take into consider. On the Met Éireann website you can also find a wave height section which illustrated graphically the direction and wave height in meters.

2. Magic Seaweed

This app/website is very useful when you want to know when the tide is in and out. It also indicates the wind speed, sea temperature and air temperature. In addition, it provides a 7 day swell and wind forecast which is graphically depicted with an interactive map.

3. Seatemperature.org

This website informs you on the water temperature in your chosen location, providing an overview of the average water temperature for each month. Additional information is provided, indicating the maximum and minimum temperatures per month. Air temperature, wind and tide forecasts are also depicted.

4. Seatemperature.net

This website does not only indicate the average, maximum and minimum water temperatures per month for a location but also an average for every day of the month. What is great about this website is that it offers a week’s sea surface temperature forecast for a location. It also indicated the previous week’s water surface temperature. Finally, it also offers a weather forecast for the location.

5. Wisuki

Wisuki is a wind and wave website/app that will inform you on predictions regarding the wind speed per hour, the direction of wind, the direction of the waves and the height of the waves. It is once again location based. Additionally, this website/app colour codes the wind and wave information so you can gauge if it is suitable for swimming or not.

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'If this was a drug they wouldn't believe you'

Swimming in the sea is showing benefits for mental as well as physical health.

Still need convincing? 

Watch this video on sea swimming benefits!

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Three reasons why YOU should become a Sea Swimming Enthusiast!

You are probably thinking “Are you crazy? - Why should I jump into the cold sea serval mornings a week?”

Well, let me tell you, that the answer to this question is even more mind-blowing than the thought of swimming in cold water.

Research has shown that swimming in outdoor waters has tremendous effects on mental and physical health.

Firstly, there are the obvious benefits such as breathing in fresh air and getting physical exercise. On top of that, cold water swimming is said to reduce inflammation in the body.

Secondly, is has been proven to be an effective treatment for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and stress. When you repeatedly immerse yourself in cold water your stress response reduces. This is due to the fact that by plunging into cold water your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate increase and stress hormones are released. Nonetheless, if you swim on a regular basis the effect is that your overall stress response will reduce. The benefits of this may be perceived in your daily life when confronted with a stressful situation.

Thirdly, research is saying cold water may be a cure or preventative measure for dementia.

Have you read enough to be convinced of the sea’s magical powers? Or have you experienced any other benefits or positive effects due to swimming in the sea? Let us know!

Your SYT-Team