There are worse ways to spend a Wednesday evening than by a lake, surrounded by good people and getting ready to take a dip.
Last week, we headed down to the Lenches Lakes in Worcestershire for our first community swim event connected to our Broadway store, teaming up with Finisterre for an evening of swimming, good food, new kit and plenty of time to catch up with like-minded people.
We weren’t quite sure what the weather had in store for us. After weeks of dry weather, rain was threatening as we arrived to set up in the late afternoon. Luckily, it stayed away and conditions turned out to be pretty much ideal, particularly for anyone taking the plunge for the first time.
Getting to know Finisterre’s Yulex swimwear
Before getting in, Luke from Finisterre was on hand to introduce everyone to the kit and give people the chance to try out Finisterre’s Yulex swimwear, alongside the Atlas Board Shorts for the men.
If you haven’t come across Yulex before, it’s one of the things that makes Finisterre’s swimwear a little different. Their Yulex rubber is made from natural rubber, rather than traditional neoprene, offering an alternative material for wetsuits and swimwear while keeping the performance needed for getting in the water.
It was a great chance to try the kit properly rather than simply seeing it on a rail - and, of course, there’s no better way to test swimwear than by actually swimming in it.
Into the water
As everyone arrived and got ready, Amanda, our swim leader for the evening, welcomed the group and talked everyone through the swim. It was a great mix of regular wild swimmers and those giving open-water swimming a go for the first time, with everyone made to feel welcome whatever their experience.
With everyone ready, we headed into the water. At around 25°C, the lake was looking pretty inviting, particularly for those taking their first dip. Some headed off for a few laps, while others took a more relaxed approach, getting used to the water and enjoying the surroundings.
There was no race, no pressure and no expectation to swim a certain distance - just the chance to get in, have a go and enjoy being outside.
For us, that was exactly what the evening was about. As our first community swim connected to the Broadway store, it was a chance to bring together people from the local area, from experienced swimmers to complete beginners, and introduce a different side of The Epicentre community down in the Cotswolds.
Post Swim Treat
Once everyone had had their fill of swimming, it was time for the important part - refuelling. Finisterre had food and drinks waiting by the water, giving everyone a chance to dry off grab something to eat and settle into a few post-swim chats.
To round things off, we had a Finisterre giveaway, with one lucky attendee taking home a Tego Long Sleeve Robe - a pretty fitting prize after an evening spent in and around the water. Everyone who came along also went home with a goodie bag, so there was plenty to take away from the evening beyond the swim itself.
A big thank you to everyone who came along and made our first community swim such a great evening, and to Amanda and the Finisterre team for helping bring it all together. We’re hoping this is just the start of more events from our Broadway store, bringing the Epicentre community together to get outside, explore and spend time with good people. See you at the next one!
Check out our must-have wild swimming kit from the Community Dip HERE.
