A Swim in The Estuary!!

September 15, 2014 by Ray Morgan

Hands up how many of you have swum in the Thames Estuary? Anyone? Bueller?

Every time I go down to the beach at high tide, I'm always amazed at how few people are taking the plunge. There are always the stalwarts, of course, the older generation who jump in whatever the weather. Even I feel bad as I tentatively go up to my knees thinking "can I do this?" gingerly splashing water up my arms to make it less breath-taking. The older folks just get stuck in. It's inspiring alright.

The feeling of swimming in the sea anywhere between Leigh and Thorpe Bay is always liberating. THIS IS FREE! I think to myself, trying not to swallow any water. I'M DOING AN OUTDOOR PURSUIT AND IT'S NOT COSTING ME A PENNY! Kent must see my smug little face beaming all the way from across the estuary.

My favourite high tide is when it's late afternoon - 5pm perhaps - in September or October, when the sun makes the sea full of bouncing diamonds. Seagulls bob with you, and boats sail past. You get out, a good kind of tired, and sit on the sand, warmed by the sun, and think: I cannot believe I can do this in my hometown.

Give it a try..... I promise it'll make you feel amazing.

Top tips for estuary swimming:
1. Don't take your phone or wallet with you to the beach, you'll only worry about it while you're out at sea.
2. Buy some neoprene swim shoes (any of the seafront shops sell them) - to avoid any cockleshell cuts.
3. Get yourself a Tide Table from www.leigh-on-sea.com online or visit Leigh Heritage Centre. Watch for the tides to suit you.
4. Ladies, buy a Tangle Teezer brush. It makes light work of salty, knotted hair.
5. And finally, don't be afraid! Be bold! Put AWAY the wetsuit. Think of all the Gladyses and Kens in their flimsy swimwear.

You can do it!

For more of Ray's personal blogs visit http://www.raypoetry.blogspot.co.uk