Winter Swimming Socks

23rd November 2021

I really felt that I started winter swimming today. The air was much colder, and despite me hoping for a calm sea there was quite a chilly wind blowing when I arrived at Portland Harbour for a dip.

I decided to put on my swim socks, which I have had for sometime, but have been reluctant to put them on as they are quite tight, and tricky for me to get on and off. However, today I was prepared with a pot of talcum powder ( it is not actually talcum powder this was a body powder without talc). When I was a child, talcum powder was the go to body product after a bath, and the smell of Johnson’s baby powder instantly reminds me of my childhood, but I don’t think people use it so much since concerns over it’s safety.

I sprinkled my lavender and tea tree powder into my swim socks, and I think they went on a bit easier, it certainly made them smell nice! The socks did help my feet stay warm during my 15 minute swim and my feet did not feel cold at all. Getting them off was slightly better than on previous occasions, and a little powder on my dry salty hands did make getting dressed easier afterwards, as the salty water on my skin sometimes makes dressing quickly tricky.

So today I have learned, winter swimming is going to be a challenge, (water temp 11.5C) but swim socks help. Body powder is useful in a swim kit, and it made my feet smell lovely. I was using a particularly pricey brand of body powder, and I think Johnson’s baby powder would have done the same job!