Ten Commandments for winter sea training.

1. Thou shalt not turn up in shorts and t-shirt when the ambient temperature is less than 5 degrees. (GK)

2. Thou shalt not forget a swim cap and goggles. They really help. (GK) 

3. Thou shalt not swim off at right-angles. Regularly. (SMT)

4. Thou really shouldest check which way the tide is going before you swim. 4 minutes one way, 24 minutes to get back doesn't impress anyone. (SMT and GDK)

5. Thou shalt not be overly concerned if a saxophonist turns up to practise pre-dawn on the beach and plays ‘Careless Whisper’ whilst you take off all your clothes. On more than one occasion. Remember, it's Brighton.

6. Thou needest remember that just because you feel reasonably good when you get out doesn’t mean you won’t develop a serious case of shivers 20 minutes later. ‘Afterdrop’ means the cold blood from the extremities floods the body's core after a delay, meaning hypothermia is delayed… (SMT and GK regularly).

7. Thou wouldst be wise to always pack two towels, a Patagonian robe, 6 layers, a spare pair of goggles, gloves and hat and a thermos. Though thou really shouldst remember to leave it beyond the reach of the tide. (SMT)

8. Thou wouldst be a fool not to remember to take your phone out of your swimmers before you swim. (SMT)

9. Thou must remember to never cycle (both) or drive (SMT) straight after a swim. Stability and clutch control can be severely impaired by mild hypothermia.

10. Thou shalt not shave whilst experiencing severe post-swim shivers. No one likes a real-life horror scene. (GK)

Bonus commandment (how very-21st century):

Thou really must try not to cry when experiencing serious chilblains. (SMT and GK)

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