If you are a reader of Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, you may have already seen by Islander, Sandy Ciccognani about sea hiking.
Sandy, an experienced sea swimmer, has a natural affinity for dipping in the sea and chatting with others. However, she wanted to find a way to enhance her sea-related activities and engage more people.
Establishing sea cafes
Sandy decided to establish sea cafes as a means of bringing people together to enjoy the sea while also encouraging socialising.
This initiative tended to attract more women, creating a space where they could connect and bond over their shared love for the sea.
Longe Cote, aka sea hiking
However, while on holiday in France, Sandy became fascinated with the sight of long lines of people walking through the sea – aka Longe Cote – and loved the active nature of the French people of all ages.
This activity involves going out as a group and staying together in a line, taking turns to lead. Sandy recognised that sea hiking could be a social experience, even without constant conversation.
Sea hiking appealed more to men
Additionally, Sandy observed that sea hiking, a challenging activity that doesn’t require swimming skills, but still provides aerobic benefits and helps build muscle, appealed more to men.
IW an ideal location for sea hiking
As you might expect, the Isle of Wight offers an ideal location for sea hiking due to its specific attributes and limits.
Sandy believes that promoting sea hiking on the Island can encourage more people, particularly those who view outdoor swimming as a holiday activity rather than a sport, to become comfortable and confident in the sea.
Inspiring others
By witnessing individuals emerge from the sea after a sea hike, red-faced and exhausted, but with big smiles on their faces, others may be inspired to give it a try.
A gateway activity
Sandy envisions sea hiking as a gateway activity that allows people to experience the benefits of the sea before fully venturing into open water swimming.
By creating an inviting and enjoyable environment, promoting the positive aspects of sea hiking, Sandy hopes to inspire others to embrace these activities and develop a passion for the sea.
Find out more
If you are interested in finding out more about sea hiking, you can find out more by joining the Facebook Group Island Sea Hiking.
Image: © Bruce Webb
