Wild swimming in Cornwall is a bit like skydiving. Or karaoke. Or haggis.

It might seem disconcerting at first. Even a little scary. But once you try it, there's a good chance you'll fall in love.

Wild swimming is fun. Really fun. And it has bags of health benefits, so you can smile yourself, fitter. What's not to like?

In this article, we take a look at the benefits of wild swimming in Cornwall. Read on to learn how it can boost your mental and physical well-being like nothing else.

Safety precautions

There's a reason it's called wild swimming. You're not taking a dip in your local swimming pool – you're facing the ocean head-on, with only a wetsuit and your wits at your disposal.

We won't beat around the buoy. Wild swimming in Cornwall can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, so it pays to take some safety precautions.

It's up to you to learn the ropes, but here are some pointers to get you started:

• DO your research: careful planning is key. Research several beaches until you find one you're comfortable with. Ask: does it have lifeguards? What are the currents like? Is there an easy exit point so you can get out quickly if something goes wrong?
• DO check tide times: the last thing you want is to get caught out by rising tides. Make sure you plan your swim at low tide so you don't end up out of your depth.
• DO start slow: wild swimming in Cornwall isn't meant to be a competition. Know your limits, have fun and don't push yourself too hard.
• DON'T swim alone: at least when you're just starting out. Share your swim with a buddy so you can help keep each other safe.
• DON'T come underequipped: we recommend a wetsuit to keep warm and a tow float to store valuables. Bring a towel and some snug clothes so you can warm up quickly after your swim, too.

The benefits of wild swimming in Cornwall

Wilde swimming makes you happy

Wild swimmers rave about cold water therapy – and for good reason. 'Sure, plunging yourself into cold water is a little painful', they say 'but that shock to the system does wonders for your well-being'.

Enthusiasts describe it as a powerful rush of excitement and glee, followed by a feeling of profound confidence. Once you've swum in stinging-cold water, you feel like you can face anything the day throws at you.

Science agrees. One study found that immersing yourself in cold water can boost dopamine levels by a massive 530%. Dopamine, in case you were wondering, is also known as the 'happy hormone'.

And the more you swim, the more you smile. Many believe that wild swimming is good for long-term mental well-being and could even help treat certain types of depression. No wonder people say it's addictive.

It keeps you fit

Swimming is good for you. Wild swimming, even more so.

When we swim, we use lots of muscles that don't usually see much action. It's a gentle way to exercise every part of your body, without the sweat or stress of a high-impact gym session.

Add cold water into the mix and the benefits rack up. Your body has to work harder to stay warm, which means you'll burn more calories with every stroke.

Combine wild swimming sessions with a healthy diet, and you can expect to lose weight, tone muscles and improve your respiratory and cardiovascular health. Not bad for a quick dip.

Bonus benefit: working out is one of the best ways to improve sleep quality. (Did we mention we've got some very comfy beds here at Pentire Hotel…?)

It's a natural form of pain relief

If you've ever reached for a bag of frozen peas after bumping your head, you'll know how effective cold temperatures can be for pain relief.

Wild swimming works in much the same way. The cold water helps to soothe pain and reduce swelling, so it can work wonders if you're suffering from short-term aches or mild injuries.

Can wild swimming help with chronic pain? The jury's out on that one. However, you don't have to look hard to find anecdotal evidence. Some wild swimmers have reported near-miraculous recoveries from long-term conditions thanks to regular outdoor swimming sessions.

Will it work for you? It can't hurt to try – as long as your doctor says it's OK, of course.

 It's a great way to get outdoors

Why are we focusing on the benefits of wild swimming in Cornwall? Why not Stirling? Or Southampton? Or Slough?

There's a good reason for that: it's not just about how you swim, it's about where you swim too.

Spending time in beautiful surroundings is part and parcel of the wild swimming experience. Otherwise, we'd suggest you run a cold bath and plonk yourself in it for five chilly minutes.

Cornwall boasts more than 400 miles of coastline, which plays host to some of the most gorgeous beaches on the planet. In Cornwall, you're never too far from a beautiful wild swimming spot.

In fact, our hotel is just a short drive from Newquay Harbour. This tiny-yet-beautiful beach is popular with wild swimmers because it's relatively safe and sheltered from big waves. (Just be careful of boats.)

Drive south for 20 minutes and you'll come to Perranporth Beach, another popular location for wild swimming in Cornwall.

Perranporth is home to Chapel Rock. This impressive 50-foot-tall outcrop conceals a secret swimming pool that's filled by the rising tide. Neat!

This is just the start. Do a little research and you're sure to find dozens more opportunities for a dip. That's Cornwall for you.

You've got to get cold to get cosy

One thing's for sure. Once you've dunked in and dried off, you'll want somewhere to put your feet up and get cosy.

Our advice: book a room at Pentire Hotel and brew yourself a warm mug of tea. Many of our rooms overlook the golden dunes of Fistral Beach, so you sip your chai, gaze at the lapping waves and reflect on your wild swimming experience.

Honestly, you won't find a better spot to enjoy the benefits of wild swimming in Cornwall. There are nine beaches to explore in Newquay alone – and you can reach even the furthest-flung Cornish beaches in a little over an hour by car.

Why not stay for a few days and enjoy a bona fide wild swimming holiday? We'll always have a warm dinner and a comfy bed waiting for you. Go on – your endorphins will thank you for it.