What to bring for autumn & winter snorkelling in Cork
Hello everyone,
Summer has officially ended, and while we're slowly moving into winter, you can already feel the bite in the air and the sea starting to cool slightly.
To see the packing list, skip to the part below in the blog.
Although snorkelling (and freediving) can still be very enjoyable throughout autumn and winter, there are a couple of things to consider to make sure you have a good experience (without getting too cold).
In the coldest winter months, the Irish Sea can reach temperatures as low as 7°C. While that might sound challenging, there are actually some lovely benefits. The water is often clearer, the beaches are quieter, and you might notice different underwater landscapes. Plus, the boost of happy hormones after cold water exposure can be a real lift for your mood and mental wellbeing. A sneaky sauna visit after a snorkel is also a nice touch to your snorkel experience.
In this blog post, I’d like to share some tips for staying warm in the water and for warming up afterwards. These ideas can help not just in winter, but also in autumn and spring, when the water is cooler than in summer.
To see the packing list, skip to the part below in the blog.
Before you get in
It is important that you don’t already feel cold before getting into the water. Avoid blasting your car with too much heat whilst driving to the meeting point. When you get out and change, you could feel cold pretty quickly. Cover yourself from wind and stay in the sun (if sunny).
It’s a good idea to eat something light 1-2 hours beforehand; avoid a heavy meal. You might also want to use the bathroom before we start, as cold water tends to bring on that urge quite quickly.
If possible, skip sunscreen, skincare or make-up before the snorkel, as these can sometimes leak into your mask or mark the wetsuit.
After we change into our wetsuit, it is also helpful to move our bodies and do a few easy exercises, for example, jumping around, a few squats or other exercises that get the blood flowing. Cornelia will help with that on the day.
TIP:
Avoid getting cold before you get into the sea.
In the water
Many people believe that being in cold water is all about toughness, but it’s really about how you approach those first moments.
When you first feel the cold water, your body might react with a gasp, faster breathing, or a racing heart. This is completely normal and it will pass. The key is to relax, let your shoulders drop, and focus on a long, slow exhale, then keep your next breath steady. Calm breathing can help you move through those first moments and into the part where the magic happens. Although a warm 7mm wetsuit will keep you protected from that intense cold water experience, you may still feel it when we enter the water.
One important thing to remember: please avoid taking big breaths or hyperventilating before getting in. While it might seem helpful, it isn’t safe in the water.
If cold water makes you nervous, tell me ahead of time. I’m a certified mindset coach (International Coaching Federation) and a trained breathwork facilitator, and helping people stay calm in the water is a big part of what I do. If you’d like to build confidence before a group tour, a 1:1 session might be a good fit.
After the snorkel
Ideally, we will get out of the water before you start shivering. When you feel your hands, feet or other parts becoming cold, it is a good time to get out or let Cornelia know during the snorkel tour.
Once we get out of the water, we will start changing. Please be mindful when taking off your rented wetsuit, as it might feel more challenging. Let your guide know to help you pull it off; it will help you and also the wetsuit.
Then, use some warm water from your flask to rinse yourself, almost like having a quick warm shower. (see packing list below).
Get into your dry clothes first, and have a hot drink. Don’t hang around in a wet swimsuit chatting about how great it was. You can chat once you’re in a jumper. Believe me, I have done it many times and always regretted it after. Change first 😊
Is winter snorkelling for you?
I run fewer snorkelling tours in winter due the weather and there is less freediving depth practice.
If you’re thinking about joining a winter snorkel tour, I recommend it for those who already have some experience with snorkelling or sea swimming throughout the year, or if you’re used to cold water through regular sea dips or ice baths. Your comfort and safety are always my priority.
If you’re new to snorkelling, I’d be delighted to welcome you when the water is a bit warmer, or we can have a chat to see what might feel best for you.
What I’ll supply if you come along
The full cold-water kit comes with the tour:
7mm wetsuit (hooded)
Gloves
Socks
Mask, snorkel and fins
If you have your own warm socks or gloves that you like, feel free to bring them along.
What to bring (mandatory-ish)
Swimwear to wear under the wetsuit.
Towel or changing robe, and a dry robe if you have one
Warm, dry clothes for afterwards. Think big jumper, woolly hat, thick socks. Dont worry about fashion, we create our own😅
A flask of herbal tea, coffee or similar.
A second flask of warm (not boiling) water can be lovely for a quick rinse after you’re out of the wetsuit. It can help you feel a bit warmer before you change into your dry clothes.
A water bottle and a snack for afterwards can help you refuel and rehydrate.
Optional
Waterproof phone case or underwater camera (I’ll take some snaps if you don’t bring one)
Contact lenses, if you need them
And most importantly, bring along a good mood and an open mind. 😊
Feel free to copy and paste the list!
If you think I’ve missed something, let me know below! Would you still go snorkelling during the irish winter months? Let me know!
Sea you in the water,
Cornelia 🌊
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