Wild swimming is a metaphor for a life well lived. The first moments in the water are tingly cold, especially in the North Sea near to where I live. For thirty seconds you are temporarily out of your comfort zone. But then a wonderful transformation occurs, you adapt and even cold water begins to feel warm. I call it the dolphin effect. You relax, to be beautifully held by the salty water in the great mother ocean. Your senses are now alive, you are on fire, open and empowered to be the real you. This feeling will always be with you.
At the bay at Atsitsa on Skyros in Greece you can add an enjoyment factor of another 100 percent as the water is far warmer, clearer and significantly more buoyant than the North Sea. The interface for the wild swimmer between rocky shoreline and turquoise sand bottom is riveting. When we go wild swimming at Atsitsa, we may swim around the point on a lazy late afternoon, gazing down through sun-beamed depths and rest a while on a calm abandoned shore. Or walk to Horseshoe bay to swim out to Lion Rock and be amazed by clear emerald waters beneath. Every week I organise a swim assisted by support vessels around the island in the bay. It is easy and each of us swims at our own pace. There is no pressure, no agenda, just the deep sensuality of being literally immersed in nature. On early morning swims from the water we see the sun rise over the land, accompanied by soothing goat bells. The camaraderie of our groups is palpable, new deep friendships are formed. You will feel fitter and more in touch with yourself and nature.
Join me this summer between 9th and 29th August 2021 at Atsitsa on the island of Skyros in Greece for aquatic adventures of wild swimming and kayaking and much more.
https://www.skyros.com/about/facilitators/susie-self/
