So as our first Wild Swim Cornwall Weekend of the Summer ended, we waved goodbye to an epic bunch of swim happy Swim Sistas & tried to get a good nights sleep before our early o’clock alarms! After 6 weeks of flat sea and a what seemed like an eternal heatwave the first week of July had somehow turned into the onset of Autumn.

Undeterred we drove on through the mizzle, marvelling at the Devonshire countryside (we don’t get out of Cornwall much in Summer!) and arrived a wee bit after the local swim gang. Hele bay was already awash with colourful Speedo cossies, bobble hats & buzzy chat about cute suits and unseasonable air temperatures. Lovely Anna from Speedo dug into her treasure trove for a matching set of Speedo suits for us all, joy! After wriggling into our bikinis and one pieces under the Hele Bay arches (possibly the most perfect beachside changing ever!), we tracked down and tucked into a queens ransome of M&S cake supplies, before melting into the Hele Bay throng, and eventually into the sea itself. Mission complete!

After a big community dip .. check out the video here .. can you see us? We warmed up with hot drinks and breakfast sandwiches and met loads of lovely locals, before chatting to the Speedo team about Surf Sistas & how Swim Sistas came about during lockdown.

Greg Dennis and William Cooper Mitchell were on hand to capture all the visuals for #outsidersclub and had us back in the water for another swim, and rock hopping for some portrait shots. Fortunately this is our natual habitat, so although if you look too closely we may look a little purple, we were still living our best lives!

Massive thanks to the Hele Bay swim community for such a lovely welcome, we fell in love with your local! In fact the whole coastline in Northern Devon is stunning and we will definitely be back for more exploring!

Check out William and Greg’s work for the Outsiders Club instagram below ..

Many thanks to:

Speedo – https://www.speedo.com/
Gung Ho Creative & Kirsty Hind – https://www.gunghoco.com/
Greg Dennis – https://www.gregdennis.co.uk/
William Cooper Mitchell – https://www.coopermitchell.com/

Our love affair with the Balearic Islands started with our Wild Swimming Retreat in Ibiza. There we immersed ourselves with open water swims in turquoise waters, the Mediterranean sun hugging our skin. While our romance with Ibiza shows no sign of stopping, our adventures on the White Isle had just wet our appetite to explore more of the Balearics, what swim adventures might be waiting for us on the other islands?

Earlier this year we gave way to temptation and hopped on a plane to Mahon in Menorca, the smallest of the Balearics and a little less talked about and travelled to. We spent our days scoping out wild swimming spots, hiking the coast path, getting lost in the fresh pine forests and even took an unexpected turn and ended up at a cheese farm!

We fell in love with with this quiet little isle and we knew we had to curate a Wild Swim retreat here. Here are just 6 of reasons we love Menorca and why we know you will too!

The Coast Path Circles the Entire Island

Walking is made easy here! Menorca has a coastal path that snakes the entire Island, originally a 116 mile coastal bridleway used to connect watch towers looking out for potential invaders. Many of the swim spots we will take you to on our retreat are off this beaten track, winding through the pine trees and along cliff lines to secluded coves and quiet corners.

The miles of path means the adventure doesn’t start at the waters edge, but at the start of the day when we get the map out at the breakfast table, scouring for swim spots and plotting our routes.

At home we’re lucky to have the South West coast path covering the whole of Cornwall, forming a vital part of our wild swim adventures in cornwall, so in this way Menorca really feels like a home away from home.

There’s always somewhere to swim

Being an Island, no matter which way the wind blows on a given day, or how strong, we can always find somewhere to swim. This makes it the perfect getaway for a swimming retreat as we can swim everyday! And with lots of variety, no need to stick to the same spot again and again.

Menorca (and Ibiza) are also great places to hone in your swim forecasting skills. By looking at the wind patterns and tides, and being responsive to the ever changing elements here, you’ll get a sense of where and when to go swimming which is a useful skill you can use to plan your own swim escapades.

Every Swim is different

From Ladders, to slip ways, to sandy beaches there’s so much variety to the swim in Menorca. Some are gentle dips in little coves, others are long distance swims against the backdrop of white cliffs. We may take you on a hike to get there. On other swims we might jump straight out and slide into a bar for a sip of sangria. With over 100 beaches to choose from, no swim will be the same and each one offers up it’s own wow factor.

It’s Peaceful here

Ibiza is know for it’s electric energy and vibrant nightlife. When we’re in Ibiza we feed of this magic energy and love it. However Menorca offers up a more calming quiet energy in comparison to it’s neighbours. It’s less busy and less populated. On our travels in April we often had the beaches to ourselves.

We’ve chosen to run our Wild Swimming Retreat in October, one of the quietest times here but also when the water is at it’s warmest. We’ll miss the summer buzz and hot temperatures, making October a perfect time to sink into the tranquil Menorcan energy and have a little extension of summer during which we can fully unwind.

Menorca also averages over 300 sunny days a year with temperatures between May and October ranging from 22 to 29 degrees! So if you’re in any doubt about whether to come, you’re pretty much guaranteed a warm sunny experience!

The Authentic Feel

Whilst wild swimming first calls us to Menorca, there’s so much more here that fills our cups and makes us fall in love.

Menorca was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere in 1993, preserving it’s botanical richness with over 60 endemic plant species. Floral meadows quilt the landscape and curb sides. The Island also has over 1600 prehistoric monuments, particularly Tayolout which are 5m tall stone buildings that add texture to the landscape amongst the wildflowers.

Venturing into the capital Mahon, you’ll find Georgian architecture whereas travel to the city of Ciutadella on the other side and the influence is largely Spanish in style. So much beautiful architecture to feast your eyes on. Amidst the towns, if you turn down the winding country roads, you’re likely to stumble across one of the many cheese farms, (just like we did) and be able to purchase some tasty cheese freshly produced. It’s utterly delicious.

It’s all these little extra details and intricacies that have sealed the deal for us.

A Hassle Free Swim Adventure

When planning our recce to Menorca we were grateful for how smoothly we moved from sky to sea. You can fly into Menorca on a short 2hr flight from many UK airports including, Gatwick, Exeter, Stansted, Bournemouth and Manchester (you can find a full guide or European flight paths to Menorca here)

Straight from the airport we were picked up by the hire car company and transferred to pick up our car rental. From there we were on the road and in the sea within a couple of hours of landing! There was very little traffic, parking was easy and there were an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bakeries to delve into for some nourishment.

Having a hassle free trip, gave us the space to enjoy all Menorca offered to us without the logistical matters weighing on our minds.

We’ve aimed to create this for you on our Wild Swim Retreat in October.

If you haven’t already been wooed by the blue and white colour palettes of Menorca we hope that the reasons we love this place will spark your curiosity to see for yourself.

If you want to come and swim with us in Menorca, we have a couple of spots left on our Wild Swimming Retreat this October.

Dates: 8th-13th October 2023

Highlights

• Discover the diversity of breath taking swim spots offered by the quietest of the Balearic Islands
• Hike through forest tracks to hidden turquoise coves with white sand beaches
• Experience the delight of bridges, ladders and platforms built for swimmers to navigate the rockiest of inlets
• Fine tune your open water swimming technique in our technical pool sessions.
• Ease swim tired limbs with gentle meditative Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra
• Take in Menorca’s stunning sunrises and sunsets from the warm embrace of the Mediterranean sea.
• Delve into healthy and delicious home cooked meals lovingly prepared with island produce
• Take home a special Swim Sistas gift bag & the best kind of memories

However, on day two of our recce, a large swell in the med was brewing, and some strong northerly winds sent those large ripples across the sea to the North Coast of Menorca. This meant only one thing…… WAVES!

On day two of our recce, a large swell in the med was brewing, and some strong northerly winds sent those ripples across the sea to the North Coast of Menorca. This meant only one thing…… WAVES!

Being reasonably sheltered from the long fetch of the Atlantic we weren’t expecting to see any surf, particularly as we were on the hunt for swim spots. But as both lovers of the surf and swim, this greatly excited us!

However, we’re not in any rush to set up a surf trip to the Balearics, the inconsistency of waves here wouldn’t make for a very exciting trip. But we scoped out some incredible swim spots. Think crystal clear waters, mixed with shades of blue and turquoise giving way to gleaming white cliffs and pine tree forests that smell fresher than daisies (and there were a lot of those too).

We fell in love with this little Island. Exploring cove after cove filled with clear water and white sand never stopped enchanting us. To give you a taste of what we found and what might be to come from Swim Sistas, here’s a little snippet of Menorca.

To find out more about the next venture with Swim Sistas follow us on Instagram. You can also sign up to our Newsletter for exclusive first news on new courses dropping.

Luckily, there’s a solution to avoid saltwater withdrawal – swimming!

Swimming is a great way to spend time in the sea, whilst keeping you fit for surfing! It’s also a saviour if you live far away from surfing beaches. This is why we’re offering a brand new Surf & Swim Retreat in 2023, so you can build experience and skills in both.

There’s a lot of crossover between swimming and surfing, which is why they compliment each other. Let’s dive into why exactly swimming is so good for surfing.

How does swimming benefit surfing?

Swimming can build your stamina and paddle fitness.

Although we’d like to spend most of our surf standing and riding waves, 50% of our time in the water is spent paddling. Therefore you need good paddle strength and technique to get through the waves and not burn out after 10 minutes of paddling. Swimming regularly builds and maintains paddle stamina, so you can stay surf fit, ready for when the surf turns on again. Strokes such as front crawl will build endurance in your shoulders, back and triceps – key muscles used in surfing.

This is great, especially if you’re at the “white to green” stage in surfing, where you’re paddling out back to catch green waves for the first time. Being paddle fit means you’ve got energy left in the tank for those pop-ups once you’ve made it out.

Build your ocean confidence

Ever wiped out but can’t feel you board dragging you? That’s the moment you realise your leash snapped and your buoyancy aid gone. This could make you panic but if you understand how to navigate the ocean through swimming you’ll be in a much calmer state.

In the seven years I’ve been surfing, I’ve had about five incidents of leashes snapping. Even if I take good care of my equipment, we can’t contend with the force of the ocean. Whilst it can be unnerving at first, I usually am pretty calm, as I know I’m a competent ocean swimmer and can get back in.

You may feel nervous being out in the ocean, especially swimming as you don’t have a board to hold onto! Flat water, where most of us usually swim is often a lot more inviting and less scary then the surf beaches. By experiencing sea swimming, you’ll build ocean confidence ready for surfing.

If you’re knew to swimming in open water, we strongly suggest taking a course first, such as our Surf + Swim Weekend, or a Wild Swim Retreat, so you’re fully prepped on swim safety.

You’ll understand the ocean better

When you get in the ocean with a surfboard, all attention is focussed on getting that epic wave, perfecting your pop-up or practicing your cutback.

When you’re so immersed in learning something new, it can be easy to forget some important safety factors like checking in where the ocean currents are taking you, rocks, other people and paddling out safely. Reading and understanding the ocean so you can surf safely is a crucial part of surfing, and something we teach in all our Surf Sistas and Swim Sistas Retreats.

The reason why swimming can help with understanding the ocean is because you SLOW DOWN. You have less to focus on as you’re not trying to control a surfboard, weave through the crowds and make sense of what your instructor is telling you to do. In swimming, you can focus on feeling the movement of water as you’re not lying on top of a surfboard. When planning a swimming route as well, careful consideration is taken as to which tide and route to take, and whether the spot is safe. This teaches you to be pause, observe the ocean and plan ahead. Key skills that can be applied to surfing.

You’ve got a hobby for the flat days (or when you’re landlocked)

Unfortunately the surf isn’t pumping everyday of the year. (Almost a good thing as otherwise we wouldn’t get anything done!). But when a flat spell persists for more than a few days, an ocean swim could be the tonic you need. It’ll also maintain your fitness when you have time out the water.

Open water swimming has a host of health benefits!

From boosting your immune system to reducing inflammation, swimming in the sea can have significant benefits for your health. In particular cold water swimming – you can read all about this here.

How could a Surf & Swim Retreat benefit me?

This year we’ve combined our two favourite ocean past times – surfing and swimming to offer a weekend retreat in Cornwall.

This course is perfect if you’re slightly more nervous about surfing but still eager to try. You’ll get two surf sessions and three swim sessions. During the swim sessions, you’ll have the chance to swim up to 1km under the guidance of our experienced swim coach Hannah.

Hannah will also be guiding you through swim safety in open water and what equipment to use, so you can continue open water swimming, wherever you’re based!

Our Surf Sessions are low ratio number (max four women to one Surf Sistas coach) and we tailor the coaching to your level. It’s a great option to get a taste for surfing or if you want to top up your pre-existing surf knowledge and skills with coaching pitched at your level. If you’re already a competent sea swimmer you might want to try one of our Beginner or Improver Surf courses, which is surf surf surf.

What we love about this Surf + Swimming Retreat, is that you’ll build all round ocean experience and learn skills in two saltwater sports. That means you can make the most out of your time at the coast wherever and whenever you go!

Here’s a snippet of what you can expect

Dates

14th-16th July 2023

Rates

From £525

What’s Included?

• 3 swim sessions with our Swim Sistas Coaches (include guided coastal walks to our swim spots)
• 2 surf sessions with Qualified female ISA Surf Sistas coaches
• 2 nights Hotel accommodation overlooking the ocean with breakfast included
• Wifi
• Private Spa session on Saturday night (Spa comprises of Sauna, Hot tubs and Ice baths!)
• Surf Sistas tote bag filled with delicious treats and goodies from our favourite brands
• Wetsuit and surfboard hire for surf lessons
• On the beach warm up routines to prepare you for your surf session. 

Head to our webpage for full info and to book your spot or drop us a message at surfsistas@gmail.com for a chat!

It’s that time of year again when things start to get icy. The majority of us hit the outdoors insulated from head to toe in warm cosy numbers. However some amongst the crowd, will be stripping off into nothing but swimmers and heading for a cold water swim. Whilst many could think of nothing worse, there’s a myriad of benefits associated with a cold dip in the sea. 

I’m a regular surfer and am happy heading for a slide in the icy months of winter, clad in my thick wetsuit. But when it’s been a few weeks devoid of good waves. I’m craving time in the sea, a sea swim will have to suffice. Whilst I enjoy a swim, I’m not acclimatized like many of cold water wonder women in town. So when I take a sporadic dip I’m filled with trepidation and resistance. 

My standard swim experience goes like this:

I stand tentatively on the slipway, a favoured swim spot for us salty souls of Newquay. As I edge closer to the water and dip my toes in the sea a swarm of thoughts cloud my head. “It’s freezing. I can’t do this. Why am I doing this? It’s ridiculously cold! How do people do this everyday? I want my sofa and warm coffee” etc.

Lo and behold I slide into the water, engage with my breath (attempting not to alarm surrounding dog walkers with any squeals escaping my mouth) and immerse myself in a blanket of cold. I breathe intensely, my body feeling like it’s being attacked by pins and my little toe starts to cramp (it always seems to happen). But as the minutes pass, although they feel like hours, I sink into a gentle rhythm of stroke, gliding through the water. It is neither cold or warm, I feel in perfect equilibrium with the ocean.

After about ten minutes, I crawl back out. A rush of heat charges through my body. I feel energetic, spritely and all round pretty good! The rest of my day is spent buzzing on the high of this swim. Wow, I’m going to do this everyday! 

Reaping the benefits of cold water swimming is not a new phenomena, In 400BC Hippocrates claimed cold water swimming relieved his fatigue [1]. In the UK it peaked in popularity in the 18th century with the introduction of the bathing suit [1]. However, recent studies and science has uncovered why exactly cold water swimming is so good for us and arguably caused a resurgence in popularity for this pastime. 

So before you shudder away from cold water swimming, take a moment to consider why it could offer better health, improved mood and wellbeing. We explain these below.

The benefits of Cold Water swimming explained

Improves your Cardiovascular Health

Cold water swimming has been found to lower blood pressure, when its incorporated regularly into a routine. In lowering blood pressure, we lower our risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes [2]. You can also improve your cardiovascular health by swimming, its a great full body workout!

Has an antidepressant effect / Mood booster

Cold water swimming has antidepressant effects and evidence of improved general wellbeing, increased energy levels and better memory and cognition. [5,6]. This is because being in cold water releases endorphins in response to experiencing stress. Endorphins are the chemicals responsible for improving pleasure, relieving stress and pain. It also boosts the feel good chemical dopamine which is why many of us report feeling really great after a swim!

Supports your immune system

Cold water swimming is a great immune system booster. Some studies have shown that water swimmers suffer fewer and milder respiratory infections and illnesses including the common cold [3,4]. Cold water exposure also releases leukocytes into our bloodstream, a blood cell that helps fight disease and infection [7].  

Boosts your Metabolism

Being in the cold boosts your metabolism as your body needs to burn more energy to keep you warm. The basal metabolic increase also means you’ll continue to burn more calories after your swim! Not only does metabolism get boosted but cold water swimming increases insulin sensitivity as well as a reduction in insulin secretion and resistance [8]. Insulin is the hormone that controls our blood sugar levels. Increasing sensitivity improves insulin resistance and the risk of many diseases such as diabetes. 

It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and socialise

Many times, I’ve pootled down to the harbour for a solo swim and been greeted by other cold water fanatics out for their daily dip. Normally, I strike up conversations with my fellow swimmers and they welcome me to join their group for a swim. In Newquay, we’re lucky to have a number of cold water swimming groups that meet daily. If you’re looking to get involved in your local community and meet new people then swimming is a powerful medium to do so! You can even join us on a swimming weekend in 2023, where you’ll meet and swim with like minded individuals and improve your ocean confidence.

Tips for Cold Water Swimming

If you want to experience the feel good factor for Cold Water swimming yourself, here are a few tips for you to best prepare and be safe when swimming. 

Get in slowly

You may lean towards the “get it over and done with” mentality which can lead to a quick hop skip and a jump straight into the sea. However, this can be dangerous and may induce cold water shock. Cold water shock is caused by a sudden immersion in cold water below 15 degrees C and causes restricting of the blood vessels, increasing blood flow resistance. It can cause heart attacks, even in relatively young and healthy individuals [9]. 

We recommend walking into the water slowly and connecting with your breathing. Not only is this very meditative, it helps you adjust and observe your breathing pattern which can increase and become unrhythmic in response to cold immersion. 

Take a friend

There’s nothing better than heading to the seas with a friend. Not only are they your accountability buddy and fellow cheerleader but also someone who will look out for you and vice versa.

Make it a short dip

As a general rule when you start to feel comfortable with the sea temperature and feel warm it’s time to get out. Whilst we have explored the benefits of cold water swimming, overexposure to the cold can come with health risks like hypothermia. I normally stick to about 5-10 minutes maximum in the winter. 

Always listen to your own body and don’t stay in for extra time because someone else is.

Dress appropriately

Get your favourite pair of swimmers out and ready to go! Consider a pair of neoprene boots and/or gloves if you find you struggle with circulation. I have a tendency to get cramp in my toes when I swim in cold water so I have to opt to wear boots in the colder months. If you want to keep your head above water, wear your beanie in. If you’re in need of a new swimsuit, check out our guide to 5 Sustainable Cornish Swimwear Brands.

Having said that, if you still want to get in the sea for a swim but are not quite ready for a swimsuit, get your wetsuit out! Whilst you might not experience the full range of benefits mentioned above, a swim in the sea whatever you wear will still have mood boosting effects. Wear a wetsuit if staying in for longer than 10 minutes. 

Getting in the cold water is hard so any small comfortable adjustments you can make might make it a tad more enjoyable. 

Have warm clothes and a flask at the ready

Dryrobes, fluffy socks, beanies, tracksuit, thermals…. Once you’re out of the water you may feel a surge of heat with your circulatory systems in full action keeping you warm. However, in winter the air temperature is low and you may find yourself cooling down rapidly. Wrap up in warm clothes for the journey home and a bring a flask of something warming too!

Check in with a GP first

If you have medical issues or are unsure if cold water swimming is safe for you, consult your GP or trusted healthcare professional. Whilst we can sing about the benefits of cold water swimming, we recognise everyone is different and it might not be the best option for you.

Swim Safety

If you’re heading somewhere new or off the beaten track, know the hazards of the swim spot. If by the coast, you can check in at a local surf shop who will tell you about the hazards of local beaches. Factor in tides, currents, wind, swell, rocks, marine life and depth of sea bed.

If in doubt, stick to a well known accessible beach that is lifeguarded. If you’re going out of lifeguard season, know the safety procedures you need to follow if you get into trouble.

Always know your entry and exit points into the water before you get in and keep yourself visible to others in the water should you need to attract the attention of someone.  We recommend to dip/swim with a tow float for visibility, check out our friends at Uludrybags for some great options.

If you’re keen to try out swimming in the sea but don’t know where to start, you can join us on a Swim Sistas Swim Weekend in 2023. Designed for all abilities to get you confident with open water sea swimming. 

References

1. Tipton M.J., Collier N., Massey H., Corbett J., Harper M. Cold water immersion: Kill or cure? Exp. Physiol. 2017;102:1335–1355. doi: 10.1113/EP086283. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

2. Huttunen P., Lando N.G., Meshtsheryakov V.A., Lyutov V.A. Effects of long-distance swimming in cold water on temperature, blood pressure and stress hormones in winter swimmers. J. Therm. Biol. 2000;25:171–174. doi: 10.1016/S0306-4565(99)00059-5. [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

3. Brenke R. Winter swimming—An extreme form of body hardening. Therapeutikon. 1990;4:466–472. [Google Scholar]

4. Siems W.G., Brenke R., Sommerburg O., Grune T. Improved antioxidative protection in winter swimmers. QJM Mon. J. Assoc. Physicians. 1999;92:193–198. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/92.4.193. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

5. Van Tulleken C., Tipton M., Massey H., Harper C.M. Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder. BMJ Case Rep. 2018;2018 doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225007. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

6. Lindeman S., Hirvonen J., Joukamaa M. Neurotic psychopathology and alexithymia among winter swimmers and controls—A prospective study. Int. J. Circumpolar Health. 2002;61:123–130. doi: 10.3402/ijch.v61i2.17444. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

7. Lombardi G., Ricci C., Banf G. Effect of winter swimming on haematological parameters. Biochem. Med. 2011;21:71–78. doi: 10.11613/BM.2011.014. 

8. Gibas-Dorna, M.; Checinska, Z.; Korek, E.; Kupsz, J.; Sowinska, A.; Krauss, H. Cold Water Swimming Beneficially Modulates Insulin Sensitivity in Middle-Aged Individuals. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2016, 24, 547–554. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]

9. https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/cold-water-shock

Expect a long weekend of coastal walks, distance swims and tidepool discovery and dips. Combined with Jess’s breathwork session and Yin Yoga, Sarah’s limb soothing Olla Hiki wood fired sauna, and delicious home cooked meals. Nights are spent under canvas above the breath taking views of Bedruthan Steps in tipis. This is glamping on the wild side, off grid but with all your comforts thought of .. fluffy blankets, duvets and hot water bottles, we’ve got you!

We’ve just opened our Early Bird booking for the 30 June – 3 July weekend, and half of the spots have already been snapped up, so don’t delay, reserve your early bird place with us today.

What is clear from exploring the different sustainable swimwear companies is that sustainability stretches beyond merely what your clothes are made from and must also include how they are made, and even how they get to you. Are swimwear brands thinking about human rights and working conditions? Are other materials and energies used in the process of bringing the swimsuit to the consumer also considered?

To narrow our search, we’ve created this guide to celebrate swimwear brands based in Cornwall, who take multiple steps to be as sustainable as possible whilst creating beautifully designed and high quality swimwear products. We feel that supporting local swimwear businesses is a net positive as it promotes resilience and collaboration within our Cornish community.

Tide + Seek

Born out of her love of surfing, Sammy, the owner of  Newquay based brand Tide + Seek,  had a vision of creating a swimwear brand that tackled coean plastic pollution. Her suits are made out of 100% plastic bottles, her products are packed in degradable shipping bags that can be reused and offcuts of swimwear are used to make scrunchies. 

The swimwear is manufactured in a factory in Bali (it took Sammy 3 months of rigorous research to find the one that aligned with her values). The factory pays employees above minimum wage, offers health insurance allowances and provides working conditions in line with UK standards. Sammy provides a great depth of transparency on her site about how the swimwear is made and how it is sourced – read more here.

We love the vibrancy and energy of the collection so much so we’ve teamed up with T+S to offer you all 10% off their swimwear range until 28th November (2022). Simply head to their website and use the code 10SURFSISTA at the checkout.

Finisterre

Cornish surf brand finisterre creates recycled ECONYL® swimwear and wetsuits made from Yulex (natural rubber sourced from FSC certified forest. They’re also a registered B-Corporation, meaning they’re a company meeting high social and environmental standards in the way they do business. We love their practical suits that can be used for surfing and sea swimming both in coldwater and warmer climes. Used by one of our surf coaches, we can recommend their pieces. 

Made of Water

Made of Water was started by a collection of women who wanted to connect other women to the sea in a way that’s inclusive, embodying and empowering. Alongside their own clothing brand they offer three different swimwear brands, handpicked for their sustainability principles and flattering swimwear pieces. We love that they are sourcing some beautiful international brands that we might otherwise not get to see here in Cornwall!

Winki produces small batch neoprene suits to minimise waste created from mass production practices. Winki works with the Blessed Sewing Project, whose aim is to rehabilitate female victims of human trafficking through sewing training as a form of therapy plus building workplace skills. 

OHOY has a mission to create a flattering and long lasting swimsuit with minimal impact. Their suits are made of either ECONYL® or OEKO-TEX® (certified fabrics free from hazardous chemicals) that are chlorine and sunscreen resistant. 

September the Line: Another collection of beautiful swimsuits, these 100% Econyl pieces are made in a female owned factory in Bali that works to the Ethical Trading Initiative base code to ensure fair working conditions for all  employees. 

Warning: If you head to the Made of Water shop (find it in Sunset Surf on Fore Street) in search of one swimsuit, you may end up with 3 or 4, their collection is rather lovely and these girls know their swimwear and what will work for you!  

Sand + Palm

Surfer and Swimwear designer Vicki, created Sand and Palm to create durable artistic swimwear that doesn’t fall off in the surf. Having worked for major surf brands in the past, she noticed that the swimwear market lacked small brands providing well fitting swimwear built on sustainable principles.

Vicki uses the most appropriate materials for the garments so that quality isn’t compromised. Her swimwear is made of ECONYL® (regenerated fishing nets) and she uses Hemp for her clothing lines, for it’s low water footprint, ability to improve soils health and high absorption of C02 making it carbon negative is it’s growing process. (Hemp is amazing, you can find out more here!)

Her swimwear is made in small batches from her studio in Newquay to minimize waste and uses methods of hand dying, natural dying and laser printing to create artistic swimwear without the pollutant chemicals. We’ve tried and tested these swim pieces and can highly recommend!

Figure

Surfer Ellen Caldwell started Figure in 2019 with the aim of creating bespoke surf suits pieces 100% free from single use plastic. She makes small batch lines of swimwear made out of Recycled Nylon Swimsuits manufactured in the UK. 

Based on circular economy principles, Figures neoprene wetsuits and swimsuits are made using Yamamoto Limestone Neoprene manufactured in Japan. Sitting on a hotbed means that the melting down of the limestone happens from renewable energy sources. 

All panels of suits are ergonomically designed to be replaced instead of the whole suit and offcuts are used to create other products and returned suits sent to a wetsuit recycler to be repurposed into other products. 

The end result is flattering one of a kind products built to last and keep you enjoying the sea. 

Finding the most sustainable brand will always be challenging with technology changing and multiple angles to approach the concept of sustainability. However, we hope you find this guide useful and it helps you to indulge in the purchase of beautiful swimwear with the planet in mind. 

Do you know any other great Cornwall based swimwear brands? Please share with us and we can add to our list!

Think coast path hikes with iconic ocean views, golden sand beaches, sunrise dips and distance swims. Lying on sun warmed rocks next to turquoise tide pools by day and sleeping peacefully under the stars in cliff top Tipis by night.

A breath workshop builds confidence swimming in open water, Yoga centres mind and body, and a wood fired sauna will set you up for a blissful nights sleep under canvas.