For some brave souls, cold water swimming is a way of life that leaves others shivering at the thought. That is of course, until you throw in a bit of fancy dress, community spirit and the joie de vie of a Boxing Day swim! Whether it’s a time-honoured tradition you wouldn’t miss, or an adventure you’ll be embarking on for the first time, we round up some of the best Boxing Day swims in Cornwall and Devon for a post-festive plunge.

 

Boxing Day Sea Swims in Cornwall

Porthminster Beach, St Ives

Friends, family, and even your canines are invited to join in the fun on Porthminster Beach in St Ives. Starting midday, this charity swim invites participants to plunge into chilly waters while enjoying the camaraderie of an entire community.

Perranporth Beach, Newquay

This event is on one of Cornwall’s biggest beaches, with plenty of space for swimmers and spectators. With the Perranporth Surf Life Saving Club on patrol between 9:00am and midday to ensure safety so you can frolic in the freezing temps before grabbing refreshments in the clubhouse.

Photo Credit: Visit St Ives

Boxing Day Sea Walks in Devon

Lions Club Walk into the Sea, Paignton

Can’t face a full-on swim? Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea is a speedy dip that’s tons of fun. Don your best fancy dress and join the crowds in a bracing wade into the water on Paignton Seafront’s main beach, all while raising funds for local good causes. It’s a light-hearted and popular event that starts at midday.

Where: Paignton Seafront Main Beach

Time: Midday

Cost: £10 for adults, £5 for under-16s

Festive Walk into the Sea, Teignmouth

After last year’s cancellation, The RNLI Teignmouth’s Festive Walk into the Sea is back. Expect plenty of laughter and creative fancy dress as participants are judged by the Mayor of Teignmouth. Prizes are awarded for the best-dressed child, adult, and team.

Where: Teignmouth Pier

Time: Registration at 10am; warm-up at 10:50am; swim at 11am

Cost: £5 donation to the RNLI

Photo Credit: Paignton Lions Club

Top Tips for a Safe Boxing Day Swim

Swim in Groups: Never swim alone, stay close to shore, and keep your swim short to avoid overexposure to the cold.
Keep Extremities Warm: Even if you skip the wetsuit, consider wearing a woolly hat, gloves, and booties to retain heat in key areas.
Warm Up Quickly: Bring a beach robe and get into warm clothes immediately after your swim. Remember that your body continues to cool for about ten minutes after leaving the water.
Bring a Thermos: A hot drink, like tea or cocoa, can help you warm up from the inside out. A quick run along the sand can also help restore your body heat.

You have to sea this

@luxurycoastal
ocean 1, newquay

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