The Dao Does… Shark Island Swim
The Shark Island Swim is one of my favourite hobbies to do in my spare time. Beginning at 6:45 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends the swim begins at South Cronulla Beach and you swim around Shark Island in a clockwise direction, around the Point, and back into the beach.
The swim varies from 1.4 – 1.8km depending on the swell at Shark Island. I find this swim as relaxing as meditation from the silence of the ocean and focusing on my stroke.
The ocean in Winter ranges from below 16C (eek!) to above 17C. Swimming in Winter is not only a great way to start the day but also comes with a number of health benefits by being in the cold, but rejuvenating water.
Cold water therapy benefits include:
+ Strengthening the immune system ( 2014 Study )
+ Mood support & easing symptoms of depression (2018 Case Report )
+ Reducing inflammation
+ Decrease in muscle soreness (2016 Study )
+ Increase circulation
+ Increase energy
Book Resource:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/books/review/why-we-swim-bonnie-tsui.html
Amongst these benefits, I think swimming in an outdoor aquarium is pretty special and on a lucky day, we spot Port Jackson sharks, Blue Gropers, Rays, and Cuttlefish.
I would recommend building up your distance with Ocean Swimming, beginning with becoming familiar with open water swimming and finding a local swim group to join!
https://oceanfit.com.au/how-to-start-ocean-swimming/
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By Elizabeth Cullen
