After years of running the fells, osteoarthritis took its toll on Mark's hip. Looking for a new direction, he embarked on a set of open water swimming lessons - and never looked back. Not only did this new found passion give Mark a new lease of life into his sixties, it also sparked an academic interest into the benefits and risks associated with the sport. Drawing on interviews with swimmers and coaches, ethnographic observations, and a growing body of inter-disciplinary research, the book examines how immersion in natural water environments influences mental health, physical resilience, nature connectedness, and social belonging. In doing so, it shares the joys, challenges, community, and unexpected lessons Mark and others have learned through swimming in blue spaces, including key safety tips and useful equipment. So whether dipping your toes for the first time or a seasoned swimmer, the book aims to inspire you to explore your own connection with the water, and through it, with yourself and the world around you.

"Finally, the science and language we've been waiting for. Dr Christie marries cutting-edge research with reverent storytelling, capturing what every cold open water swimmer knows: that buoyant centeredness, healing addiction, and spiritual connection to an otherworldly frequency. This book is a landmark in nature therapy - and a celebration of being gloriously alive." - Dr Hélène Caron, PhD (ABD), cold water athlete, author, coach and motivational speaker