9th April 2021 - Naked

Side effect of regularly swimming in the Ladies’ pond: a lack of concern about being naked.

There is a changing room at the Ladies’ pond, but it was only used by a small proportion of women pre-Covid, and now is not used at all. Instead, we change outside, in the meadows or on the pathway.

The pond is surrounded by trees, which screen it from view, especially in Summer when leaves double the size of the trees. And the lifeguards are reliable defenders of privacy: “No photography!”; “Ladies, there’s a man near that perimeter. Excuse me Sir, get away from that fence!”; “Cover up, ladies, there’s a man coming in to test the water.” (etc.)

This sense of safety, combined with the indifference of the elderly and veteran swimmers makes for an environment where it seems absurd to care about being naked. And in winter, especially, modesty is your last concern when you are trying to get dry and clothed as soon as possible, with numb fingers.

I’ve grown to appreciate the freedom of being naked outside as part of the experience of swimming. But it was only about a year ago that I realised this had led to me feeling more comfortable in my body all the time.

I don’t think I’ve ever been overly concerned about nudity, but I definitely went through the adolescent phase of Mr. Bean style changing behind a towel, and have felt self conscious about aspects of my body since.

Being naked outside and not caring what others think of your body, daily, must do something to counteract the ceaseless, corrosive effect of the media and Western beauty culture on body confidence.

I value the Ladies’ pond as a place of liberation.