Wildbathing origins - Jo's Story

Jo's journey into the world of Wild Bathing is rooted in a diverse background that encompasses forestry, marine environments, outdoor activities, and a deep love for the Scottish Highlands. With 20 years of experience as a Forest School practitioner, an STA Level 2 Open Water Safety Leader, Emergency First Aid certified, and armed with a Cold Water Therapy Diploma, Jo is well-equipped to guide others on a journey of nature immersion and self-discovery

But her journey into the wild didn't start with Wild Bathing. Jo's life has been a thrilling adventure, from working as a surf instructor in Australia to becoming a snowboard instructor in the Scottish Highlands. She's been an outdoor instructor in the Central belt and conducted Forest School sessions across Scotland. Her extensive experience even includes five years of service on a Loch Lomond rescue boat, earning her a Powerboat Level 2 certification.

"I was working in an office wearing a suit and it didn't feel natural sitting in traffic jams pounding the concrete sidewalks at lunchtime shopping for nothing in particular, so I gave it all up and went traveling around the world. It opened my eyes to the fun I could have but also a career in the outdoors, as I did a summer working for a surf school in Byron Bay, Australia.

I came home, worked in TV for a few years, then chucked it all in to go volunteer in outdoor jobs such as Loch Lomond water-based ranger service and just threw myself into courses like my kayak 2-star and did some snowboarding instructor training.
This led into a job with forestry, and now all these outdoor experiences and moving to the sea have made me realise I have the skills, knowledge, and experience of my local area to inspire people to use their local beaches and forest to find peace and good health, especially as we have all changed since lockdown. Wild bathing is so varied that all my experiences will be an opportunity to try for the wild bathers." - Jo

Wild Bathing, officially launched in August 2023 in collaboration with professional photographer, Lauren Fair. Together, we offer wild dip experiences and opportunities for people to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of their local playground.

Cold water benefits;

Reduce inflammation in the muscles, boost your immune system through the rush of hormones to the brain, and work with the body's natural circadian rhythms.

Stepping into cold water is a challenge and must be respected. Always go with a guide who knows the location it's your first time, stay within your limits, come out well before you get really cold.

Check with the doctor first if you have any medical conditions which may put you at risk. Take it slow and easy.

Cold water grounds you, humbles you, takes your mind, body, and soul to the edge. 

Cold water therapy stimulates the mammalian dive response. The science behind it is incredible, we have nostril receptors that are stimulated upon exposure to cold water and then send signals to the brain and nervous system to take action.

Get out of your comfort zone, it makes you feel alive.