Episode 6 – Fearless – JB006 - a podcast by Karen Parry outdoor swimming

As I was talking to this week’s podcast interviewee, the main word that came to mind to describe Joanne was fearless.

This is a woman who had no formal swimming lessons. Who learnt to swim by watching others, and getting in and playing rough with the other kids. Despite this, she says she has never had any fear. And not just no fear of getting in the water and splashing about - she completed the half mile distance at the Great North Swim without any drama.

It was amazing talking to her. Her utter confidence in the water felt like natural buoyancy. And the physical response she describes having when she moved to Birmingham – maybe as far away from the sea as you can get when living in the UK - suggested someone who was just born to be in the water.

I reflected on my own relationship with fear.

People who don’t know me very well often call me brave.

Brave to swim in cold water.

Brave to go travelling alone.

But I don’t feel brave. The things I do scare me, but succeeding at them is something that makes me really happy. So I sign up to do things. I push myself out of my comfort zone. I try to live at full speed. I try not to overthink the decisions I make or the challenges I set myself, as this will be enough to make me back out, convinced that I’m wrong or not capable.

I try to listen to my gut and my heart before my head, because my head prioritises my safety, not my well being.

Joanne talked about her swimming family – the group of people she has found to swim with that give her a total sense of belonging. A sense of home. Of being accepted warts and all. A community.

This, it seems, is a real platform from which to be fearless.

A group of diverse but like-minded souls, who amplify the things that make your weird little heart sing.

When you find your tribe you don’t need to be brave. You just need to let go and be.



Things we talk about

Great North Swim, Washington baths, swimming badges, Druridge Bay, Great North Run, Big Welsh Swim, Aquatic Centre, Gateshead Leisure Centre, Blue Hue, Zone 3 swimming gloves

Further episodes of Swim Wild Podcast

Further podcasts by Karen Parry outdoor swimming

Website of Karen Parry outdoor swimming