Introduction to Sea Swimming: Portland

Ever fancied venturing further than the shallows of the beach, but lack the confidence?

Come and join this host for a relaxed introduction to sea swimming.

During this experience:

  • Learn about the basics of sea safety, including tides, sea conditions, weather and wildlife
  • Build up your confidence in a supportive environment
  • Get taken out of the shallows and into open water in a group
  • Get accompanied at all times by open-water coaches who will be swimming alongside you
  • On the majority of swims get a safety kayak expert accompanying you (John!)
  • Expect swimmer-led sessions for all abilities provided you can swim at least 500m in any stroke

A 50lt tow float is required for all swims. The hire of one is not included in the default price. To hire one please choose the ticket option ‘with 50 litre tow float hire’.

This is a fun and exciting way to build your confidence in the sea surrounded by seasoned swimmers! Get ready to make a splash.

Please email back your completed disclaimer forms within a week of booking to gowiththeflowswimming@gmail.com for booking confirmation.

Minimum fitness level required.

Age restrictions: 16+

Adult without tow float hire (All swimmers must bring a 50 litre tow float ) £40
Adult + 50 litre tow float hire (50 litre tow float hire included) £45

Available dates

Sorry, there are currently no dates available

The good news is that we’re expecting more to be added really soon!

Want to be the first to find out when new dates are released? Register below to notify the host of your interest

How to get there

Facilities

  • Experience takes place outdoors
  • Parking

COVID-19 guidelines

Please email back the completed disclaimer/ medical form within a week of booking so we have all your information before the swim to : gowiththeflowswimming@gmail .com

On the day

  • Make your own way to the pay and display car park near Church Ope Cove. We will meet at the car park entrance at meet start time
  • What3words location- runner.commutes.playback
  • Postcode - DT5 1HT
  • Wear suitable shoes for uneven walk, bring a snack and hot drink and warm thin layers
  • A kit list and more info will be emailed with your booking.
  • A 50 litre tow float is compulsory, to hire one choose the ticket with 50 litre tow float hire added

Changes happen, don't worry

How to change dates
Change of plans? You can easily rebook the next available slot up to 14 days before your experience.
How to get a refund
Can't make it? We understand things happen! You can cancel and get a full refund up to 14 days before your experience.
Please note that this refund policy does not apply to gift bookings. You may reschedule your gift if outside the time period stated above. However, all gifts are non-refundable and expire exactly 1 year after the date of purchase.

You'll be hosted by

Go With The Flow, Swimming Adventures

Come and join this host for one of their swimming adventures, they want to share with you their passion for wild swimming - the incredible buzz you get when you’re in the water surrounded by beautiful scenery that can only be really appreciated from the waves.

Join Go With The Flow on tranquil river swims, magical moonlit swims and exciting sea swimming adventures. They cater for all abilities and offer introductory sessions that will provide you with useful tips and safety advice on staying safe when swimming outdoors to more advanced swimming experiences.

You will be accompanied in the water throughout your swim by Sally Hooper, Andrea Crowe and Julie Chilvers. All have many years of open water swimming experience behind them and are fully insured, qualified Open Water Swimming Coaches, life guards and qualified first aides. Andrea and Julie are also Level 2 swimming teachers. The team will often be joined by John Vinicombe who with his many years of safety and rescue training experience will accompany the team in the water either swimming along side or in his kayak adding extra support so you can enjoy your swimming adventure in the knowledge that you’re surrounded by an experienced safety team.

The benefits of open water swimming are well documented, and include mental well-being, reducing anxiety and depression and offers a wonderful opportunity to meet some new, like-minded people.

Julie Chilvers

Julie has had a passion for swimming since a young age. She's been open water swimming for 10 years now. Julie is a level 2 swim teacher who loves sharing her knowledge and swimming experience with children and adults and seeing them progress with their swimming abilities. Julie's an open water swim coach and open water lifeguard. In 2021 Sally, Andrea and Julie set up Go With The Flow, Swimming Adventures to share their love for the open water, guiding swimmers in local rivers and the Dorset coast. They're good friends who have been wild swimming together for many years and are fully insured.

Andrea Crowe

Being in the water and swimming is Andrea's 'Happy Place', she can’t remember a time in her life when she hasn’t swum at least a couple of times a week.

Andrea is an experienced wild swimmer with over 12 years of river swimming, the last six years being all year round. In 2017 as Andrea turned 50, she swam at 50 different outdoor swimming spots, the sea, rivers, lakes and lidos in this country and abroad. Having a love and passion for swimming she became a qualified level two swim teacher, an open water swimming coach, and open water lifeguard qualified in emergency first aid and fully insured.

Andrea is an experienced wild swimming guide, having assisted guided swims on The River Wye for the last couple of years, as well as river and sea swims with Go With The Flow. In 2021, together with friends and fellow wild swimmers Sally and Julie, Andrea set up Go With The Flow Swimming Adventures to share their love, passion and knowledge of wild swimming with others.

Sally Hooper

Sally has loved the water ever since she can remember. As a child and teenager she enjoyed competing up to county level. As Sally got older she swam every day for enjoyment and wellbeing. In 2013 she joined a relay team and swam the English Channel. For the last few years, Sally and her husband have been swimming the length of the Dorset coast and have covered over 65 miles.

Sally is a very experienced open water and sea swimmer, with many years of adventures behind her. She's a fully insured Open Water Swimming coach and Open Water Lifeguard, with Open Water Emergency First Aid training. Together with Andrea and Julie, Sally set up Go With The Flow Swimming Adventures. Sally's passionate about swimming outside, in local rivers and around the wonderful Dorset coastline. She wants to share these amazing experiences with other people.

John Vinicombe (He/Him)

John's at his happiest on or in the water. He's taken part in many water-related activities over the last 30 years plus, including windsurfing, free diving, scuba diving, sailing, open water swimming and kayaking. John is an experienced safety kayak swim guide in the sea, rivers and lakes. He's a qualified Open Water Lifeguard with emergency first aid at work, British Canoeing Go Paddling Start Award, with additional safety and rescue training. Being friends and swim buddies with Julie, Andrea and Sally he often joins the team which enables him to share his passion and love for the water, whilst providing extra safety cover either in a kayak or swimming on many of the experiences.

Any questions?

Ask your question directly to Go With The Flow, Swimming Adventures.

Available dates

Sorry, there are currently no dates available

The good news is that we’re expecting more to be added really soon!

Want to be the first to find out when new dates are released? Register below to notify the host of your interest