Naturists strip off for bare swimming expertise and ‘nobody’s embarrassed’
The adults-only event debuted this month at Bluewater in Kent and the organisers have plans to keep expanding the naked open water swimming experience
The naked swimming experience has opened in the UK(Image: Cover Images)
A new nude open-water swimming experience is giving people the chance to strip off and embrace nature. Hangloose Adventure has launched its new “Nothing but Water” sessions at Bluewater’s chalk quarry lake in Greenhithe, Kent.
The adults-only event debuted this month with almost 20 swimmers taking part, while organisers say more participants have already signed up for the next one in June.
It taps into Britain’s growing obsession with wild swimming, with participation in the activity doubling nationwide over recent years.
Held in the evening at the Bluewater Lake and Leisure site, the swim invites participants to embrace cold water, mindfulness and body confidence in a relaxed, judgement-free setting.
Brian Phelps, managing director of Hangloose Adventure, said: “Our monthly evening nude swims are set in Bluewater’s striking chalky quarry lake – a stone’s throw from the Bluewater Shopping Centre.
“It’s a chance for swimmers to strip away the distractions of modern life and reconnect with nature.”
He added: “There’s a growing demand for experiences that prioritise both mental and physical wellbeing, and we’re proud to be offering something that addresses both needs.
“From our naked swim through to our guided floating sound bath and sauna sessions, we’re giving people the chance to unwind and experience deep relaxation and mental clarity in a safe and secure setting.”
Aimed at both experienced open-water enthusiasts and confident newcomers looking to try something different, guests can choose between 150m and 250m routes.
Swanscombe swimmer Philip Wilde attended the launch event and said he was surprised, as it “felt laidback and completely natural”.
“What struck me was that no one seemed embarrassed, we were all just swimming and enjoying ourselves,” he explained.
“It was a lovely evening – I’m already planning to book the rest of the sessions and bring some friends along too.”
The event forms part of a broader wellbeing programme at Hangloose Adventure, which also includes floating sound bath experiences and sauna sessions.
The next Nothing but Water session takes place on Wednesday, June 17.
Tickets cost £15 and participants must be aged 18 or over and able to swim at least 200m unaided.
