Six Salty Moments from My Jersey Wild Swim Weekend with The Wild Swimming Co.

April 29,2020

by nicky chisholm aka pinknicky – wild dipper, overpacker, and lover of mel’s millionaire shortbread

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There’s nothing like turning up to a trip with a bag full of swim gear and absolutely no idea what’s about to happen. Jersey didn’t disappoint – it brought the cold, the connection, secret coves, and some very big waves.


If you’ve been thinking about booking a wild swimming trip but you’re a bit “maybe-next-year” about it – here’s how mine went. Six honest moments from my weekend with @thewildswimmingco that might help you say YES. 

1. Meet the Team

There’s always that moment before the first group meeting when you think, “What if everyone else already knows each other?”


They didn’t. We all had lots of new people to chat to. People on these trips are open, up for adventure, and ready to connect. Jersey was packed with swims, glasses of wine, pub lunches and easy conversations. I’ve found that when women are put in the right environment, they connect quickly and very naturally.    


Real-life tip: If it’s your first trip, keep it local. My first swim weekend was in Dorset—close enough that I could drive home if I panicked (I didn’t). I met three brilliant women, and we’ve been swimming together ever since.
 

Jersey fact: Jersey gets more sunshine than anywhere else in the British Isles. I still wore my wetsuit all weekend.

2. From Strangers to Swim Buddies

The retreats actively welcome solo travellers, which is how most of us start. You then connect with people who become your swim buddies for future trips. After one swim, a group walk, and a dinner conversation, it already feels easier, and connections are beginning to be made.


I have done a few solo trips, and they get easier every time because your confidence grows and you meet people you recognise.


Real-life tip:
The magic happens in the “in-between” bits — minibus rides, beach faffing, tea breaks. Be curious. Be chatty.
 

Jersey fact: 

The island is only 9x5 miles – packed with beaches, coastal walks, and about 100,000
people.

3. Wild Swimming Meets Wild Yoga

So… I invented a new sport: Wild Yoga. It’s basically holding a pose while trying not to panic in dark, cold, deep water. I am not a great sea swimmer, but I knew that I wanted to get better. Every time I swam during the trip, I got better at managing the cold on my face and keeping my breathing steady.


There was less flappy panic and more calm (ish) breathing. I was very chuffed with myself on my last swim of the weekend.


Real-life tip:
You don’t have to do every swim. Sit one out. Float. Pootle about in the surf. Or just perch on a rock with a biscuit and enjoy the view. Each swim had a long and a short option. So, you can pick what you want to do.
 

Jersey fact: 

Bottlenose dolphins have been spotted off the coast here. (I saw a jelly fish).

4. Unforgettable Moments

One swim was definitely just on the edge of what I was comfortable with—full swell, chilly water, and the feeling of not making any headway. But I kept going—thanks to my swim pals and the safety crew. It’s a great place to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
 

We made it back in one piece, gave each other a wobbly hug, jumped up and down in the surf and then celebrated with a chunk of Mel’s millionaire’s shortbread.


Real-life tip:
The scary swims are the ones you’ll remember forever. Don’t panic — you’re supported every step (and stroke) of the way. Halfway through the swim, I rested on the back of a paddle board to get my breath back and then carried on.
 

Jersey fact: 

Jersey has the third-largest tidal range in the world — nearly 12 metres. At low tide,
the beaches look like a strange lunar landscape.

5. A Good Night's Sleep

I’m a terrible sleeper. I fidget, snore, and get up for a wee three times a night. I was nervous about sharing a room, and now, after several shared room experiences, I actually enjoy it! You go to bed with the murmur of your roomies and wake up to tea, digestives, and morning chats. It’s like PGL for adults. It also gives you a ready-made group of friends.

 

Pack:

✷ Eye mask & earplugs
✷ A sarong to hang over your bunk for privacy and a sense of calm.
✷ Nytol (just in case)
✷ Pillowcase — makes everything feel a bit more homely (I have one that my mum made me as a child, and it has now travelled all over the world with me)
✷ Digestives – obviously!


Real-life tip:
Downtime: The trips are full-on (in a good way), but you can always find a quiet spot or chill on your bed if you need a breather.
 

Jersey fact: 

Jersey fact 1: La Corbière is the most southerly lighthouse in the British Isles. You can walk to it, but only when the tide’s out.


Jersey fact 2: It’s closer to France than the UK. (Croissants hit different after a cold dip.)

6. Everyone is very different, but also the same!

✷Social bits: Be open to chatting with everyone.


✷ Don’t judge a book by its cover.


✷ We all have swimming in common — finding out what else you share is up to you.
 

✷ It's actually really lovely learning about other people's lives, you get a glimpse into what is going on at home – you hear about trials and tribulations, and you hear about future plans and projects. See what you can learn and see if you can make someone smile – an act of kindness, a hug, a sharedmoment - That’s the fun bit!

 

Real-life tip:
Come as you are. Take it slow. You’ll leave happier than you arrived — promise. Not everyone will be your cup of tea - but you should always share your biscuits!
 

Jersey fact: 

Jersey was occupied by German forces for five years during WWII and liberated on 9
May, 1945. It is a place full of history and stories.

Final Thoughts 

If you’re considering booking a trip, just do it. You’ll never feel 100% “ready, " but you will be glad you went. Come with open arms (and maybe a hot water bottle). You’ll leave with some Jersey Royal Potatoes, a happy soul and at least one new friend.   


Packing
Mark your swim kit! We all dropped and forgot bits on various beaches and drying rooms— labels help them find their way home. 

 

If you get cold quickly, a neoprene hat is a game-changer. 

 

And bring a flask — you cannot beat a hot drink after a swim.

To My Jersey Swim Buddies...

@thewildswimmingco @ari_underwater @pipleaver_2901 @penfoldsykes @vixchan2020 @suetrow @counsellingherts @bullsarahk @sioux62 @laaadyt, Zoe, Sue C, Kerry, Kate, Sarah G, Sue B, Rebecca, Fiona and Lesley


Thank you to the Wild Swimming Co. team — the heroes behind post-swim cakes, wood-fired pizza, pancake mornings, homemade curry, and gooey firepit s’mores. You always went the extra mile, we noticed and we appreciated it.


This wasn’t just a swim weekend it was a weekend to make memories – who knew you could wheelspin in the Waitrose car park, drink wine in your PJs and learn how to make glass beads in one weekend!


Over and Out
Just Keep Swimming
Nicky aka PinkNicky

 

Ps I learnt a Jersey phrase which will be of no use for your next trip, M’n aerodrisseux est remplyi d’andgulles (My hovercraft is full of eels!!!).

Title

Bio

Nicky Chisholm aka PinkNicky
I'm a seasoned Project Manager with a passion for the adventure and outdoor industry. I specialise in:


✷ Fundraising strategies
✷ Brand Ambassador programs
✷ Bold marketing campaigns for expeditions and charity events
✷ Eye-catching PR stunts


I bring energy, creativity, and grit to every project. I run a blog dedicated to empowering women,
empty nesters, and adventurous souls to embrace life’s next chapter with enthusiasm and spirit. I am a brand ambassador for Adventure Mind and Surfers against Sewage and have recently
completed a cross-country ski expedition in Finland.


With years of hands-on adventure experience from wingwalking, searching for parrots in the
Amazon, running in Greenland or living off gird in Northern Sweden.

 

Every year I run The Big Swim, a swimming event that celebrates International Women’s Day – this year we had 1000 swimmers! I am now planning for 2026. – email me if you want to get involved.


nicky chisholm aka #pinknicky
mob: 07920482380
email:nickyc@pinknicky.com
the big swim 2025https://pinknicky.com/the-big-swim-impact-report/
latest blog posthttps://pinknicky.com/10-activities-to-complete-this-autumn/
facebook: nicky chisholmhttps://www.facebook.com/pinknickysblog/
insta: nicky chisholm

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