Sunrise, Sea and Sky: Combining Cold Water Swimming with Drone Photography

Absence makes my heart grow fonder. It’s been a few days since I last entered the sea, and I’ve missed it like an old friend with whom I’ve developed a profound connection.

Today was one of those breathtaking mornings at Bannow Beach that make the early alarm worthwhile. The relatively calm sea greeted me with early morning sun rays painting the water in a canvas of orange and gold hues.

My Apple Watch Ultra registered the water at 8°C, while my weather app showed an air temperature of just 3°C. The reality, however, felt significantly colder than the numbers suggested. Isn’t it funny how numbers rarely capture the full sensory experience?

Capturing the Journey: Behind-the-Scenes at Bannow Beach

🎵 “Bannow Dawn” – An original composition inspired by my 77th sea swim at sunrise. Created with AI assistance, this soundtrack captures the emotional journey from shore to sea and back again. The perfect audio companion to the visual story unfolding here. Listen with headphones for the full immersive experience! 🌊

I arrived at 7:24 am, just as the sky was brightening with the promise of a spectacular sunrise. There’s something deeply satisfying about having the entire beach to yourself, with only your footprints marking the sand.

The contrast between the crisp morning air and the sea’s cool embrace created that familiar shock to the system that cold water swimmers chase. It’s a sensation that’s difficult to describe to non-swimmers – simultaneously invigorating and calming.

15 minutes of gentle waves lapping on Bannow Beach | Embracing the cold at sunrise 🌅 | Episode 77 of my cold water swimming journey

After just over a minute in the water, my body had adjusted enough to enjoy the moment fully. The winter sea has a clarity and peacefulness that’s absent during the busier summer months.

Standing there, watching the sunrise while partially submerged in the Irish Sea, I was reminded why I started this journey. These brief moments of connection with nature have become essential to my wellbeing and mental health.

Today, I decided to capture the experience from a different perspective. After my swim and once I’d warmed up a bit, I launched my HoverAir X1 to capture some drone footage of the beach at sunrise.

Sunrise Drone Footage at Bannow Beach

The aerial view provided a whole new appreciation for the beauty of Bannow Beach. From above, you can truly see how the coastline curves and how the early morning light dances across the water’s surface.

For those wondering about the practicalities, my post-swim routine has become a well-rehearsed ritual. A dry robe immediately upon exiting, followed by warm layers and heated seat and steering wheel awaiting in the car.

The afterglow of cold water immersion – that rush of endorphins and sense of achievement – stayed with me throughout the day. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing you’ve done something challenging before most people have even had their first cup of coffee.