Cold Water Introduction, West Coast
A first proper cold-water session on the Atlantic side, with someone watching the water rather than your willpower.
Why it’s included
Included because the safety framing is the actual product. The session is capped at six, the exits are called by the host, and the marketing does not promise anything the cold cannot deliver.
Inclusion is an editorial judgment. How we select.
Is this for you?
Is this for you?
A good fit if you…
- Have never done this and want it done carefully
- Are happy to be told when to get out
- Can walk 400 m over soft sand
Probably not if you…
- Have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have Raynaud's — ask a doctor first
- Want a breath-hold record; that is a different sport
- Need a warm changing room afterwards; there is a van and a flask
What actually happens
What actually happens
- 1
Talk first, water later
Twenty minutes on what cold does, what the safety limits are, and how to breathe through the first shock.
- 2
Two short immersions
Ninety seconds, then a rest and a rewarm, then a slightly longer second one. Mariana calls time, not you.
- 3
Rewarm properly
Movement, dry layers and a hot drink. Nobody drives away cold.
Dates
- Sat 15 Aug 2026 · 15:00
- Sat 22 Aug 2026 · 15:00
The practical facts
The practical facts
- Duration
- 2.5 h
- Price
- €40 per person
- Wetsuit not required and not provided
- Languages
- English · Portuguese
- Group size
- Up to 6 people
- Meeting point
- Praia da Bordeira car park, Aljezur
- Unpaved track for the final 2 km
- Access
- Not step-free
- Soft sand approach, no boardwalk
- Preparation
- Swimwear, two towels, warm layers, flask
- Eat something an hour before, not just before
- Cancellation
- Free up to 48 h before
- Host cancels free when the surf is unsafe
Host & place
Host and place
Mariana R.Independent host
Cliff-walk and cold-water guide, Lagos.
Born in Lagos and guiding the Ponta da Piedade route since 2017, with small west-coast cold-water introductions since 2021. Certified breathwork facilitator. Speaks English and Portuguese.
Takes place at Praia da Bordeira, Aljezur
Mariana runs her own bookings through SlowCompass Studio. SlowCompass passes no messages and takes no payment.
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