Embodied Experience in a Tidal Pool An Autoethnography of Sense Engagement: ‘a dook in the Neuk’

Abstract

This ethnographic encounter reflects on my own wild swimming experience, which I use as the base for an autoethnographic study of this outdoor activity. I have put myself forward as both researcher and subject. I look at the sensory aspects of the experience which include smell, touch, taste, and sound to present a more self-reflective picture of wild swimming. I report that wild swimming is an embodied experience which invigorates the senses creating a feeling of euphoria and community amongst those that participate. The research adds to what is known about wild swimming by presenting a nuanced emotional and in-depth analysis of the practice. This research shows the worth of autoethnography in reporting on the complex issues of embodied experience which in turn allows both inside members of the wild swimming community to be better understood and entice potential interest of outsiders in experiencing a new sense given by wild swimming.