Wild & Free: A Morning Swim in the Broad

Broad Horizons

There’s something magical about a bright May morning—the kind that promises adventure before the day has even begun. Today, I find myself standing at the edge of a broad, the water shimmering under the early sun, with four of my swim sisters by my side. Though the early morning air is mild, our spirits are warm and high.

We wade in, the chilly water nipping at our skin, sending a shiver of excitement through us. There’s a moment of hesitation, a shared glance, and then we’re in—chattering, laughing, and feeling utterly alive. The broad stretches out before us, a mirror to the sky, and we swim together, our bobble hats bobbing like bright beacons on the water.

Birds dip and dive in front of us, their wings catching the light as they skim the surface. Ducks and geese paddle nearby, casting us curious, quizzical glances as if to ask, “What brings you ladies here?” We answer with laughter and splashes, feeling a kinship with the wildlife that surrounds us.

The water is cold, but it’s a welcome kind of cold—the kind that wakes you up from the inside out. It sharpens the senses and fills the heart with joy. We swim across the broad, our voices echoing over the water, sharing stories as the world slowly wakes.

Suitably refreshed, we finally head out, wrapping ourselves in the glow of a morning well spent. There’s a sense of accomplishment, of connection—to nature, to each other, and to ourselves. As we start our day, I can’t help but feel grateful for these wild moments, for the freedom of the water, and for the swim sisters who make every dip an adventure.

Here’s to swimming wild and free!