Night Swimming - by Al Mennie (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For wild swimmers and those wishing to deepen their nature connection, this is the first book on the wellbeing benefits of night swimming, from international big wave surfer Al Mennie.

Discover the unmatched beauty of wild swimming by night. Combining motivational writing with evocative storytelling, international big wave surfer and night swimmer Al Mennie gives readers the tools to discover their own methods of navigating through darkness to find clarity and focus.

Weaving together swim stories with the practicalities of how and when he swims at night, along with the benefits that connecting with nature has on the mind, this book is perfect for wild swimmers who want to experience their favourite waterhole after sundown.

Discover what drew Al into the waters of the North Atlantic, how he found community after initially seeking isolation, his pre-swim rituals, and everything he has learnt along the way, including how he "found his moon" - something that shines brightly in his life.

The book will feature:

• Tides, currents, weather and seasons
• How the senses adapt
• Navigating by landscape, moon and stars
• Preparation, what to wear, pre-swim rituals
• Route planning, back-up plans and support teams
• The importance of community

With illustrations of landscapes, moon phases, constellations and tidal patterns, and templates for planning routes and logging swims, this book will help readers find a new perspective on life, opening their mind to a deeper connection with themselves and with their local environment.

About the Author

Al Mennie is an international big wave surfer, performer and black belt in Krav Maga. In December 2023, he set up the successful campaign 'Swim Through Darkness' to raise awareness of depression, suicide and inter-generational trauma, in which he swims parallel to the shore off the north coast of Ireland at night. Al has helped rescue many people from the sea and he has 20 years' experience as a motivational speaker. He has appeared on The One Show and in The Times, The Guardian, the Daily Mirror, Outsider magazine and more.

For more information, see almennie.me