In this issue’s My Down Time feature, we chat to Michael Monkman, from Orca Cleaning Group, about his side venture, Wild Swimming, which was launched three years ago…
EDB: Tell us more about Wild Swimming. MM: Wild Swimming has been a passion of mine since I was a young boy, jumping off my first waterfall when I was 10 years old in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Nowadays, wild swimming is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more people are gradually getting into the activity and swimming through the seasons.
EDB: What made you launch it as a business venture? MM: We launched the business three years ago to help people who may not have the confidence to try wild swimming on their own or people who want to be guided as they don’t have the knowledge of where to swim safely. Our courses provided a safe environment for them to wild swim with all our events run and attended by RLSS Open Water Life Guards that have a great knowledge of the areas and waterfalls we cover.
EDB: Who is it aimed at? MM: Our target audience is people who want to try something different and totally out of their comfort zones.
EDB: Where do you go – are their locations in the North East? MM: All our events are based in the North East of England covering areas from North Yorkshire and Teesdale right up to Northumberland.
EDB: What are the benefits of wild swimming? MM: There are many reasons why it’s becoming a more popular activity but its mental health benefits have been a strong pull for many starting out. Not only does the practice of connecting with nature have proven mental health benefits, but immersing yourself in cold waters actually boosts dopamine levels and increases the release of endorphins. Other benefits include reducing muscle soreness, increasing recovery, improving circulation, boosting your immune system, and simply clearing your head.
EDB: If people and businesses are interested, what should they do? MM: We have done several corporate team building days for companies including Baltic Apprenticeships and Tapas Bar in Darlington. We offer something completely different from the norm. If this is something that interests you for your business please email me direct to arrange a meeting, info@wildswimmingclub.co.uk.