When the Weather Wins: The Reality of Running an Outdoor Business

If you run an outdoor business, you’ll know the weather can make or break your plans. And sometimes, Mother Nature throws a right spanner in the works!

I love sharing wild swimming adventures, exploring beautiful places and helping people discover the joy of outdoor swimming. But the reality is that not every swimventure goes to plan.

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to cancel an event you’ve been looking forward to, especially when you know how excited everyone is to come along. Then there’s the disappointment, the emails, the messages, the vouchers or refunds to organise, and all the extra admin that comes with making that decision.

And if I’m honest I absolutely hate letting people down.

I know people make plans, arrange travel and look forward to their swimventures. I never take the decision to cancel lightly. I check the weather forecasts, assess the conditions and weigh up the options before making that call.

But deep down, I know one thing for certain: safety always comes first.

Wild Swimming Safety Comes First

As much as I want to get out there, share the water and make memories with my lovely swimmers, sometimes the weather simply doesn't play ball.

Strong winds, heavy rain, choppy water and challenging entry and exit points can make outdoor swimming unsafe. No adventure is worth putting anyone at risk, and as a qualified and insured open water swimming coach, I have a responsibility to make the right call.

Running a small outdoor adventure business isn't always sunshine, fresh air and fabulous swims. There's plenty of behind-the-scenes work, difficult decisions and the occasional temptation to bang your head against a wall when the forecast changes!

But I'd always rather disappoint someone by cancelling a swim than risk their safety by going ahead when conditions aren't right.

The Water Will Be There for Another Time

If you've ever had an event cancelled, please know it's never a decision I make lightly. I'm just as disappointed as you are, and I'll always do my best to keep you informed and explain the reasons behind it.

The water will be there for another time, and I'd much rather we all get to enjoy it safely when the conditions are right.

So, here's hoping for kinder weather, calmer waters and plenty more wild swimming adventures ahead.

Because while I can't control the weather, I can make sure that safety comes first. Always.

And remember, the water will still be there when the weather plays ball!