Swimming in the Baltic
First swim of the season in Saaremaa
Most people who haven’t spent time in the Baltics seem to think that you’d need to be bonkers to swim in the sea here. The fact is that the Baltic sea, especially in the area around my Summer base of Saaremaa, is very pleasant. Compared to swimming in the hot bath that is the Gulf around Dubai at this time of year, I would take the Baltic on any hot Summer’s day.
The current temperature of the sea [early July] is between 22c and 25c. Once y0u’re in that’s really quite pleasant. Beaches are clean, vast, and mainly empty. You’re never far from the coast in Saaremaa. Another little known fact about the Baltic in this region is that it’s almost like swimming in fresh water. The very low salt content is due to the fresh water run-off from the land. On a calm day it’s like swimming in a lake. With very long hours of daylight from June to September, an evening swim in the Baltic is a perfect way to enjoy the sunset and views of neighbouring islands. Come and try it…
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July 2nd, 2009
Is this a reenactment of *that* scene from Casino Royal with Daniel Craig?
July 2nd, 2009
For those people who haven’t spent time in Glasgow, swimming in the River Clyde at this time of year is a very pleasant afternoon activity. The waters are a lovely murky broon colour with a interesting array of unidentified floaters to playfully dodge as you meander your way up river to one of the delightful cool pools overlooked by high rise buildings, many decorated by local street artists.
Especially during these long light nights you may be lucky enough to spot one of the many groups of friendly locals who, tradition dicates, like to throw stones and empty bottles at you as a way of welcoming you to the river side. Listen out for the familiar cry of ‘yadobba’ or ‘yafuckingprick’ and you know you have truly arrived at one of natures finest outdoor swimming spots. Come and try it.
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