River Calder

[Wildswimmer Pete]

I'm out on a lorry run with my mate on Monday, and we are collecting our return vehicle from Ravensthorpe (Dewsbury). We'll be travelling along the A644 through Mirfield to the M62. The road runs roughly alongside the River Calder - is there any public access where we can park what will very likely be a bin lorry? If I'm feeling brave enough I wouldn't mind adding the Calder to my river "collection".

Any advice very welcome. Water quality not a problem as I take care not to swallow any.

Wildswimmer Pete

[Rdscott]

Pete Just park up if your in a bin lorry were used to it around here, seems to be the common thing at the min. In al seriousness Im not sure but that stretch of water is renound for being pretty horrid.

Your a brave man.

[Wildswimmer Pete]

Thanks for that - looks as though I may have found a spot. There's a layby on the A644 just before J25 on the M62 where we have to join the motorway anyway. Looks like a public open space straight down to the river. How fast is it running at the moment? Would I be advised to take my harness and safety line?

It's upstream from all those sewage works at Mirfield as well ;-)

Wildswimmer Pete

[Rdscott]

There is a little bit of a flow there but nothing serious (at the moment, if the snow melts it will pick up a bit) there is a drop down steam with a barage accross it i wouldnt like to get stuck in though but from the posts i've read im sure your more than capable. Im sure there is a navigation are around there too (calder and hebble?)

Im sure you'll have fun any way.

and the layby on the a466 used to have a man selling flowers in it, very handy if the missis is in a mood

[maxandtheletter7]

Just out of interest Pete, what will you wear when swimming?

MAX

[Wildswimmer Pete]

Just out of interest Pete, what will you wear when swimming?

MAX

Basically as in my avatar: neoprene boots, gloves and helmet, and Speedos. My new avatar pic comes from this one, taken in Leicester's R. Soar on Feb 4th this year. Water temp was 6C.



Wildswimmer Pete

[maxandtheletter7]

:O

I think that's all I'll say.

[edhunter]

Just out of interest Pete, what will you wear when swimming?

MAX

Basically as in my avatar: neoprene boots, gloves and helmet, and Speedos. My new avatar pic comes from this one, taken in Leicester's R. Soar on Feb 4th this year. Water temp was 6C.


Wildswimmer Pete

All I have to say pete is that your a loon you take pleasur ein what most of us consider a pretty bad end to a day ont he river, utmost respect to you.

[mharrall]

Pete,

Doesn't that hurt when the water's that cold? Paddling on the Usk yesterday, whenever my hand hands went into the water for more than a few seconds it was quite painful. The water could have been a bit colder than 6 deg C though. Also, rolling in the Avon last week was hurting my face.

[GumGum]

A friend talked me into doing a (very short) sea swim last February - a much warmer year than this year is. And the sea is always a bit warmer than inland waters in winter. Never having done this before, I was pretty shocked at how much it did actually hurt! Fair play Pete! I know it's a conductivity thing, but it always astonishes me just how much colder (and more painful) 10 degree water is than 10 degree air.

[Wildswimmer Pete]

Pete,

Doesn't that hurt when the water's that cold?

No - bear in mind I'm physiologically adapted to withstand unprotected immersion in very cold water.

Paddling on the Usk yesterday, whenever my hand hands went into the water for more than a few seconds it was quite painful.

That's why I wear gloves (and boots) to protect my fingers and toes.

The water could have been a bit colder than 6 deg C though. Also, rolling in the Avon last week was hurting my face.

The Calder was 1.5C this morning. Bear in mind that winter swimmers avoid their heads going under - head up breast is the only suitable (and in cold water competition - permitted) stroke, and I'm wearing a specialist 2mm neoprene swim helmet. This isn't wild swimming, but winter swimming, a completely separate discipline and recognised extreme sport.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I had a brilliant swim. The water was crystal clear with negligible current and just waist deep so shallow enough for safety but deep enough to have a proper swim. River bed rocky but a bit muddy at the edge. I think this must be a very pleasant spot in summer.

Going in:


Wading out:



Swimming:



This is what you want for preserving your modesty when changing in public, my new Robie Robe. As it's made of towelling it also dries you while concealing your bits. The robe also has a handy hood to keep your head warm. Mine is the large model and I'm 5'10".



While we were driving along the A644 I must admit the river did look very inviting ;-)

Wildswimmer Pete

[mharrall]

Pete,

I was forgetting that you are superhuman :-) I'm feeling a bit chilly just looking at the photos.

That towelling changing robe type of thing is very popular amongst paddlers too. I've at least 3 mates who use something similar although theirs are home made usually by their mums. One chap looks remarkably like Anne the mentally ill lady from Little Britain when he wears his. Always provides us with a great deal of amusement.

[GumGum]

bear in mind I'm physiologically adapted to withstand unprotected immersion in very cold water

I'm getting a bit 'physiologically adapted' myself - must cut down on the pies!

[Wildswimmer Pete]

bear in mind I'm physiologically adapted to withstand unprotected immersion in very cold water

I'm getting a bit 'physiologically adapted' myself - must cut down on the pies!

It's not just body fat ;-) Adaptation takes a long time (two winters in my case) and involves changes to circulation and metabolism, the growing of brown fat, and suppression of the cold-shock response. Nothing superhuman involved, anyone can do it - it's just a matter of waking up one of those innate abilities we all have but don't use any more.

In fact the physiological changes that came with cold-training put my heart condition into remission, and I've been strongly advised to continue taking my very cold dips!

Wildswimmer Pete

[justin-g]

Just out of interest Pete, what will you wear when swimming?

MAX

Basically as in my avatar: neoprene boots, gloves and helmet, and Speedos. My new avatar pic comes from this one, taken in Leicester's R. Soar on Feb 4th this year. Water temp was 6C.



Wildswimmer Pete

You're so tough the water is running away from you in this pic. 6 deg?? i would struggle in my dry suit... freaking brilliant - what's your coldest record??

[Barny P]

That towelling changing robe type of thing is very popular amongst paddlers too. I've at least 3 mates who use something similar although theirs are home made usually by their mums. One chap looks remarkably like Anne the mentally ill lady from Little Britain when he wears his. Always provides us with a great deal of amusement.

Must not post photo ...

[mharrall]

That towelling changing robe type of thing is very popular amongst paddlers too. I've at least 3 mates who use something similar although theirs are home made usually by their mums. One chap looks remarkably like Anne the mentally ill lady from Little Britain when he wears his. Always provides us with a great deal of amusement.

Must not post photo ...

Do it, do it :-)

[CptBorg]

Pete you rock. Keep it up!

You have made my day happier just by viewing the pictures.

Also, very interesting about the physiological changes.
What is brown fat?
Is the effect on your heart due to the increased stimulation and activity?

I'm quite tempted to try a dip next time I'm getting off before changing.

[Barny P]

[mharrall]

YES! Caption competition anyone?

[Wildswimmer Pete]

You're so tough the water is running away from you in this pic. 6 deg?? I would struggle in my dry suit... freaking brilliant - what's your coldest record??

No it's not me being tough ;-), rather a bow wave caused by my swimming against a strong current.

My current PBs?

Lowest temp: 1.5C in the Calder, and in my local River Weaver 8th Jan last.
Endurance: 30 mins in Hatchmere @ 5C, 40 mins in the Irwell at Burrs @ 6C

Also, very interesting about the physiological changes.
What is brown fat?

It was at first thought that brown fat was a form of normal "lardy" fat with many more mitochondria which "burn" fat to generate heat. However new research indicates that brown adipose tissue (to give it its correct monicker) is derived from skeletal muscle and a distinct organ in its own right, the sole function of which is thermogenesis. New born babies have extensive brown fat deposits but these are lost as we approach adulthood. However it's now been found that adult humans regularly exposed to extreme cold regenerate their brown fat, concentrated in the thorax around the heart and great blood vessels - quite literally "central heating". It can also be found around the neck and shoulders. Mammals have two mechanisms to generate heat when excessively cold: combustion of "lardy" fat by brown fat, and shivering. Anyone who met me at Burrs can confirm that I don't shiver ;-)

Brown fat directly burns white fat in a process separate from normal metabolism. The liver's fat-glycogen-glucose route isn't involved. Presumably that's why winter swimmers know we have to enter the water slowly - gives the body time to turn on the gas and light the central heating boiler.

Is the effect on your heart due to the increased stimulation and activity?

Dunno - nor do those treating me. It could be down to the "rewiring" of my circulatory system, lower blood lipids (I don't take statins) and higher levels of antioxidants. It can't be just the exercise as the health benefits of winter swimming come from the immersion in extremely cold water rather than the physical activity. In fact you can't swim very energetically as your body prioritises its resources to maintain core temperature - your swim muscles only get what's left over.

I'm quite tempted to try a dip next time I'm getting off before changing

I wouldn't recommend going in water below 10C without some acclimatisation. Between 10C and 15C the water will have quite a bite but you should be OK as long as you keep your head dry. Above 15C - no problem.

Wildswimmer Pete

[Epicurust]

Evening Pete!

I know it’s been a decade since this post but I was wondering if you had any more information on your dip spot? I live in Halifax and know the lay-by on the A644.

Cheers!