Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming for Mind, Body and Soul Hardcover – 7 Nov. 2019

This book is a joy. Anna has captured such emotion and honesty in the photos, and the swimmers’ stories are beautiful and powerful. If you already swim outdoors there’s much to inspire and remind you why you jump into chilly water. If you’re thinking about giving it a whirl, I suspect this book will make it irresistible- but importantly the clear and well-informed advice will help your plunges be safe, and as joyful as you hoped.This really is the book I wish had been available two years ago when I was toying with idea but didn’t know where to start. It would have emboldened me, and equipped me to be safe and find my mer-tribe more quickly.Even if you think wild swimming is madness, I commend the book to you. It’s lusciously printed and the photos are so evocative - a pleasure to dip into and a window into our special splashy form of madness. And you never know what it might inspire in you. I dare you!

I bought it after I'd started Wild Swimming in the winter.And if I hadn't started already I would have done so after getting this lovely book.It's a joy to have in my collection and amazing photos and experiences.

This book explains the lure of rushing into freezing cold water using many inspirational examples. Anna and Vicky share their experiences of joining the Wild Swimming community using beautiful photographs and delightful text. It is a lovely book for those already involved and has lots of useful tips for anyone who may be tempted.They cover the very important safety points as well as the incredible sense of joy and camaraderie that is such a big part of ‘Taking the Plunge’!

What a fantastic book of honest, inspiring accounts of Swimming in our open waters.Well written and beautifully photographed accounts of real people along with very informative safety information. A must have for those who already know the health & wellbeing benefits already or for those who have always thought I might just be as much fun as everyone is saying. So glad I have a copy and sure nobody would be disappointed with having one of their own.

This is an incredible book. The content is beautifully written and so informative, and the photos are absolutely stunning. I would buy this just to look at the pictures! So many inspirational stories in here. Can’t imagine many people who wouldn’t be happy to see this in their stocking. I have bought copies for people ranging in age from 30s to 80s!

This book is wonderful: inspiring and instructive with beautiful photography and fascinating stories. If you or anyone you know is planning to dip their toes into outdoor swimming year round, this book is an excellent explainer on how to go about it and why you should brave the waters. It would make a brilliant swimming Christmas present for outdoor swimmers everywhere.

It really is all about taking the plunge.Have you ever seen those crazy people jumping in the freezing cold water of the sea or even the icy water of a lake in the middle of winter? Did you ever wonder why they do it? How do they survive? How come they're still smiling in what seems to be an excruciating experience?This book brings you the stories and experiences behind the people who took the plunge (full disclosure, I'm one of those people). Between the beautiful photographs and the touching stories, you'll start to get it. And then there is the real risk that you too might catch this bug and end up taking the plunge yourself.

Beautiful book with fabulous photographs and a fascinating collection of stories about outdoor swimming.Not only is this a great introduction to the attraction of this sport for the new-comer with loads of handy tips about getting started and staying safe, but also an inspiring read for the confident swimmer.