GlommaDyppen – Outdoor Swim Sessions
Whether you are an experienced open water swimmer or curious to give it a try – come and join us for a swim
"Spontaneous" swims
One of the best things about open water swimming is the freedom it offers. You do not need a lot of equipment, you do not have to be one of the fastest swimmers, and you do not need years of open water experience. The most important thing is a desire to get into the water and experience nature from a different perspective.
Throughout the season, we regularly organise open swim sessions at various locations in the local area. These are published as events on our Facebook-page and are open to everyone. Some sessions are short and relaxed, while others may be longer swims or visits to new and exciting open water locations.
Our goal is simple: to help more people discover the joy of open water swimming. For some, it is about training and fitness. For others, it is about enjoying nature, challenging themselves, or sharing great experiences with fellow swimmers. Whatever your background or level of experience, we hope you will find a session that suits you.
Follow our upcoming events, invite friends and family, and join us whenever you can. Together, we are building a welcoming and inclusive open water swimming community where both newcomers and experienced swimmers can feel at home.
Some advice on the way to safe wild swims
- Bring a friend to watch from shore—and to drive you home after the swim.
- Always swim with at least one other swimmer—never swim alone.
- Bring a flotation device to tow behind you—a swim buoy is the best option. If you don’t have one—or aren’t able to get one—you can borrow one from us for your first few swims.
- Bring warm clothes to change into afterwards. Ideally, wear wool as your base layer and dress in layers on top. A windproof jacket and pants are also recommended—they’ll help you stay warm after getting out of the water. Don’t forget a hat and mittens, and make sure to wear warm, sturdy shoes.
- Keep your first swim short—especially in the spring. Make sure to get out of the water well before you start feeling cold or chilled.
- Take your time to get used to the water. Splash water on your face, “wash” your face several times, and blow bubbles into the water. Relax and accept that the water is cold. Make sure you have full control of your breathing before you start swimming.
- If you struggle to keep your head in the water because it hurts, stop, take a break, and try again. Try 3–4 times if you like, but if the discomfort doesn’t ease, it’s simply too cold for you to swim with your face in the water for now. If possible, you can continue swimming with your face out of the water—but now you know that you’re close to your body’s limit for the day, so be prepared to get out of the water soon.
- Remember, you’re doing this because it’s meant to be fun and a positive experience. Cold water isn’t something to “tough out” or show off about.
- Every body responds differently to cold water—there’s no exact answer for how long you can swim at a given temperature. When the first person in the group feels it’s enough, the whole group gets out of the water.
- It’s also perfectly fine to split into smaller groups that enter and exit the water at different times. But try to share some time together on land—both before and after the swim. You should always keep track of how many plan to go in, how many actually enter the water, and make sure everyone is safely back on land before packing up and heading home.
- Feel free to bring both food and something to drink for after the swim.
- If you’ve “lost track of time” and realize you’re seriously cold once you’re out of the water? Don’t drive yourself—have someone else take you home. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring a friend who stays on shore, helps with changing clothes, and can drive you home if needed. If you experience other physical symptoms after getting home and can’t seem to warm up, don’t wait too long to contact urgent care for advice. This last point is something very few people ever experience—but we include it so you’re mentally prepared, just in case you find yourself in that situation.
It may sound like a lot, but it’s something we’ve been practicing in the GlommaDyppen community over the past few years—with great results.
Most importantly: Enjoy your swim and the freedom of being out in open water!
