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Abigail Black has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, particularly within the realm of outdoor swimming.
Abigail, a woman of colour, embarked on her swimming journey when she career changed into law, venturing into open waters when lockdown restrictions eased in 2021.
Abigail Black. Outdoor Swimming Against The Tide
What began as a personal pursuit soon transformed into a powerful narrative of resilience, body confidence and connecting with nature.
In observance of Black History Month, it is crucial to spotlight topics that directly impact communities of colour.
Addressing the challenges faced by individuals with beautiful Afro-curly hair while swimming aligns with the broader goal of promoting inclusivity and breaking down racial barriers.
This discussion sheds light on a specific issue faced predominantly by Black and Afro-Caribbean individuals, highlighting the need for awareness and change.
Embracing Body Confidence and Challenging Stereotypes
Abigail's journey prompts crucial conversations about body confidence and self-awareness.
Her dedication to outdoor swimming not only showcases her physical strength, but also challenges societal stereotypes about body image.
Abigail's story compels us to reflect on our own relationships with our bodies and the impact of societal standards on self-esteem.
Evolution of Representation
As we delve into Abigail's experiences, I also wanted to explore the evolution of women's representation, especially women of colour, from her teenage years to the present day.
Abigail's insights provide valuable perspectives on the progress made and the challenges that persist.
Her viewpoint offers a unique lens into the changing landscape of inclusivity and representation in various spaces.
Navigating Challenges and Encouraging Inclusivity
Abigail's journey has not been without obstacles. She shares the challenges faced during her outdoor swimming endeavours, shedding light on the stereotypes and biases that exist.
Her resilience in overcoming these challenges is a testament to her determination and serves as a source of empowerment for others.
Inspiring the Future
Abigail's story is not just personal - it holds the promise of inspiring future generations.
As a trailblazer in the world of outdoor swimming, she sets a precedent for others, particularly women of colour, encouraging them to embrace similar pursuits.
Her experiences offer valuable lessons and advice for young women aspiring to engage in outdoor activities and overcome societal pressures.
A Call for Change
As we listen to Abigail's narrative, we are compelled to consider the broader context of inclusivity and representation in outdoor industries.
Her insights underscore the urgent need for change, emphasising the importance of creating welcoming spaces for everyone.
Abigail's journey is a catalyst, urging communities and organisations to promote inclusivity, diversity and acceptance in outdoor activities.
Abigail's story resonates far beyond her personal experiences; it is a call for a more inclusive and empowering world.
Her courage to challenge norms and embrace her passions serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the freedom to pursue their interests, fostering a society where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
Can you share the moment that inspired you to take up outdoor swimming?
Between 2020-21, I was studying the Legal Practice Course at The University of Law before I started my training contract a central London law firm.
Studying law is intense and I was very aware that law in practice would also be very stressful.
Thinking ahead, I knew I needed some stress management tools under my belt. I bumped into the Wim Hof Method (WHM) which involves a commitment to breathwork and cold exposure.
The WHM Method resonated with me as it took me out of my comfort zone and fully embrace the cold. It wasn’t long before I was taking cold showers and sitting in an ice bath in my garden in the early hours of the morning!
In March 2021, lockdown restrictions eased and outdoor activities resumed. I headed down to my local outdoor swim spot and have been swimming there since.
Your story resonates strongly, especially in the context of Black History Month. How do you feel your experience challenges and contributes to the narratives often associated with people of colour and swimming?
As a result of systematic racism and other factors, I believe there is a long-standing misconception and/or stereotype that black people are unable to swim.
If we went along with this, we would have to accept the view that black people are somehow so different to their white counterparts that they are inherently unable to do things like float or swim efficiently.
Although there are physical and anatomical differences between black and white bodies, I do not believe that there is anything inherent in black people that precludes them from learning or being able to swim. I think that with time, patience and commitment, the majority of us can learn any new skill.
I think that the history behind the reasons why there is low participation in aquatic activities like swimming in black and brown communities is complex.
Swim England, the sport’s governing body, found that 95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not swim. An American study also found that black children are at a higher risk of drowning in comparison to their white counterparts. This should not be happening.
Research titled “#OurSwimStory” led by The Black Swimming Association (BSA) and AKD Solutions, has attempted to understand the complex reasons behind these startling statistics, with the BSA (and other vital community groups) directly tackling these statics through teaching water safety and offering swimming lessons.
I make up some of the 2% of black people who do swim regularly. I do not know the percentage of black and brown people who swim regularly outdoors, but I would anticipate that this figure could be even lower.
I quickly noticed there was lack of people of colour who swim outdoors and even fewer at outdoor long distance swim events - even London swim events. This bothered me and compelled me to raise awareness about the pleasure and benefits of outdoor swimming through my writing.
Back in 2021, I was hungry to read about outdoor swimming, but I couldn’t find any books written by black writers. Although I was happy to read any text about outdoor swimming, it did bother me that I couldn’t find anything written by a black person.
I wanted to read as many perspectives as possible. I ended up blogging about my swim experiences (This Girl Can Swim Henley 2022) in the lead up to my first long distance swim in 2022 after winning a national competition.
I’ve always loved writing, so it felt natural to add my voice to conversations around swimming and hopefully encourage people of colour to take up swimming for leisure, health or happiness.
Can you delve into your personal experiences regarding body confidence? How has outdoor swimming empowered you, and how do you hope your story can inspire others, particularly women of colour?
My body confidence comes from my mother. As a teenager, I noticed that my mum was very confident and completely comfortable in her own skin.
I would never hear her saying negative things about her face or body to herself or around friends. In fact, she was the one dishing out compliments to others.
My mum would never shy away from me seeing her cream her skin after bathing which sent a very clear message to a girl developing into a woman’s body: the body isn’t something to be ashamed of.
I also witnessed a woman radiating a powerful sense of self-worth, beauty and that impacts me to this day.
She would openly praise herself and in doing so, she was teaching me to value my beauty, my smile and the body she co-created with my father. I don’t see this as arrogance, just a normal way of expressing self-love and appreciation.
Naturally, we don’t always feel body confident and in some spaces, the fact that we are different, can increase feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability. My experience of the outdoor swim community is that they are inclusive. I don’t feel that anyone is looking and judging others when getting dressed (usually outdoors). Most people are more interested in quickly getting undressed for their dip, busy chatting to a friend, or hurriedly putting their clothes back on before the shivers take over! No one is obsessing about what another swimmer looks like. Instead, there is a lot chatter about the water temperature, the beauty of our unique surroundings, and how lucky we are to experience this all together. I love this about the outdoor swimming community.
I would encourage anyone thinking of doing outdoor swimming to focus on creating your unique personal experience. Avoid worrying about things that could take you off track and most importantly, go prepared with everything you need so you can have a comfortable and positive outdoor swim experience (e.g. a flask of tea for afterwards, warm and easy to put on clothes). The preparation will be different for each of us, but I always recommend checking out the venue before you go for your swim, so you know what to expect e.g. whether there are changing facilities, the lifeguard support, the swim route and the swim dos and don’ts. I do think it’s wise to either go to outdoor venue with lifeguards or swim with an experienced friend or outdoor swim group. Safety should always be your number one priority.
Reflecting on the evolution of representation, how have you witnessed changes in the portrayal of women of colour, both in the media and within outdoor activities, since your teenage years?
It appears more effort is being made to represent people of colour in the media which is very positive (if not incredibly late).
I don’t think I can say that this has been replicated in the outdoor swim world or general outdoor space.
I think there are some companies that are making a conscious effort to increase representation thoughtfully by engaging and sharing the experiences of people of colour, but I still think this area needs much more thought, drive and consistency.
Navigating challenges is a significant part of your journey. Can you elaborate on the obstacles you faced and how you overcame them? What message do you have for others facing similar challenges?
I’ve only had one awful teacher who undermined me and told me I “couldn’t swim” and that I would “hold back the class”.
I held my ground for as long as I could but left the class when told to. Instead, I walked across to the casual swimmer’s lane and spent the rest of the lesson trying my absolute best to do front crawl (I was still learning at this stage).
Determined to make the point that he would not defeat me with his undermining words, I swam my hardest until the lesson was over.
The next day I wrote a complaint and expressed my views. I received an apology from the centre and a refund, but that wasn’t the point, I felt I had to report his unprofessional conduct so no one else would have to endure his poor behaviour in the future.
I hope that this experience was unique and isn’t happening elsewhere but if something similar did ever happen, I would suggest reporting the instructor to the centre manager.
I would also suggest that you keep looking for another instructor as there are some excellent ones out there. Don’t give up the fight to learn how to swim!
As a trailblazer in outdoor swimming, what advice would you offer to young women, especially women of colour, who are interested in exploring outdoor activities but are hesitant due to societal pressures and stereotypes?
I would say to not allow societal pressures or any prejudice hold you back from doing what you want to do – indoors or outdoors.
If you want something in life, you have to go out there and get it. You need to make it happen, no one else can make it happen for you.
I would also say, imagine all the positives that could happen if you take those initial steps and the lack of progress you will make if you allow anything to get in your way.
You’re in control, go out there, take up space and do your thing!
In your opinion, how can communities and organisations actively support and encourage more individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in outdoor activities? What role do you see education and awareness playing in this process?
It would be fantastic if there were more grants and sponsorships available to current and emerging groups that are making leaps and strides to increase water confidence, teach water safety and provide swimming lessons to groups that are underrepresented.
Funding will help these groups to keep going and expand their capacity, positively impacting current and future generations.
I notice that during female only swim sessions, there are more women of colour who attend to swim, bob and use the sauna facilities.
It would be a good idea to offer more women only sessions (I’m not adverse to men only sessions either) to increase participation in aquatic activities.
It would also be excellent to see a more diverse range of swimming instructors and lifeguards who are paid appropriately for their work on poolside and outdoors.
We know that representation matters and if we want black and brown children to learn how to swim (and keep swimming), it is important that there is a balance in the teachers out there – particularly in diverse areas of the country.
Once we get children swimming safely and happily, I think we should expose them to the wonderful world of outdoor swimming, increasing future swim opportunities and creating awareness about the benefits of outdoor leisure activities.
As an adult, I went from swimming outdoors all year round, to swimming in long distance events. I rekindled my love of cycling, climbed Snowdonia for the charity Rethink Mental Illness, took part in my first triathlon and ended the event season with an aquathon at my local pool (400m swim and 5k run).
Imagine the possibilities for young people with a little positive outdoor exposure?
Looking to the future, what are your hopes and aspirations regarding inclusivity and representation in outdoor swimming and other activities? How can your story continue to contribute to this positive change beyond Black History Month?
I look forward to seeing more people of colour take up outdoor swimming as a leisure activity or competitively.
I really look forward to seeing more black and brown people enjoying themselves in the water and connecting with nature in a way that feels right for them.
I hope that more people take the plunge and achieve water confidence through effective swimming lessons led by committed and creative teachers.
I cannot wait for the Soul Cap (a stylish swim hat that also comes in larger sizes) becoming a standard feature at all outdoor swim events so the event is accessible to us and anyone who has hair that doesn’t fit underneath a standard sized swim hat.
I say this as usually at swim events, participants have to a wear a standard size coloured swim hat to indicate their swim distance or wave.
However, if there isn’t an option to receive anything beyond the standard sized swim hat, this could preclude some people from entering the event in the first place.
Recently in an event guide for a popular London swim event, I noted the point that if a swimmer needed a larger hat, they would have to buy their own one in the same colour as their wave’s colour.
This isn’t fair because if the event swim hat is included in the price of the ticket, why should someone with voluminous hair have to fork out more because their hair or head size isn’t ‘standard’ or ‘regular’?
It is also not inclusive as by buying their own hat, the swimmer will not have all the event labelling on their hat like everyone else, meaning they will stand out.
For me, the whole point is that we all have the same hat so there is a degree of solidarity and uniformity amongst the swimmers.
I love all my event swimming hats and if I was denied one because my hair is different, it wouldn’t sit right.
By committing to the swim, we earned our dues so everyone should receive a suitable (and reusable) event hat as memorabilia.
Finally, can you elaborate on the specific hair care concerns that people of colour, especially those with afro curly hair, face when exposed to chlorinated water?
We know that chlorine is very drying for the skin and hair. Unsurprisingly, repeated exposure can result in damage to all hair types.
As there is usually a lot of care and maintenance that goes into keeping afro/curly hair healthy and happy, getting chlorine in it (even with a swim hat on) can mean that the person has to then wash, style or protect their hair – sometimes outside of the convenience of their home.
Depending on the hair type, hairstyle, length of afro/curly hair or personal preference, this can be a time-consuming process and therefore a potential barrier to regular swimming.
I have a friend who is unable to swim for a few days after she gets her hair done. I also have another friend who chooses to only swim in the few days leading up to getting her hair done.
Wearing a Soul Cap can be a comfortable way of avoiding hair saturation.
A potential solution to the chlorine issue is to swim outdoors where the water is not treated with harsh chemicals, however, I know this isn’t an option for all.
I swim a lot, but I can’t wash my hair every time it comes into contact with chlorine. To manage this, I try to rinse the chlorine out after a swim and as a preventative measure, I oil my hair and skin before a swim so the chlorine cannot penetrate as much.
Abigail's journey not only exemplifies resilience and empowerment, but also acts as a catalyst for meaningful discussions about inclusivity, representation and breaking down barriers in outdoor activities.
Her narrative already adds a significant contribution to Black History Month and the ongoing fight for equality and understanding.
A huge thank you to Abigail for taking time our to speak with us. I'm sure you'll agree that she truly is an inspiration to us all. We'd also love to know about your experiences of being a person of colour when it comes to swimming. Have you come across discrimination or bias when learning to swim yourself, or your children? What challenges have you faced when finding clothing or equipment? Alternatively, have you found places that are fully inclusive and want to share them with our community. Let us know in the comments below.
If outdoor swimming is something you're interested in trying, you can find your local swimming spot here.
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