Is paddling a woman thing?

We have a "water feature" in the centre of the town where I live. It's basically just water cascading down a series of steps that are aligned with a long row of steps that people walk up and down. As soon as it is switched on in the summer it is full of paddling children – some of whom have not bothered to remove shoes and socks.

I was sorely tempted on a hot day in Russell Square last year when my feet were tired from mooching round the British Museum. Children were splashing in the fountain and I wondered if I could just pretend to be someone's granny. I didn't though.

My GC love to paddle but up north it is usually in a stream with wellies on.

I paddle at every opportunity - luckily we rarely holiday in cold places. I agree with Butternut that nude swimming def beats paddling but one has to be a bit choosier where and when one bares one's all.

When at home, I walk on the beach most days but have absolutely no desire to paddle- far too sandy and too cold! I've lived in the same place for 31 years and have swum in the sea twice - when it was very very hot (for Scotland) about 25 degrees and boy was it cold in the water, I thought I might die!
On the other hand, I do like to paddle in hot countries; I had a good old paddle in Cyprus in June, followed by a dip and I usually have a bit of a paddle here in Curl Curl, NSW, but not during their winter thank you. The sand here doesn't seem to get between the toes like it does at home

Agreed about Scottish waters, gally. I also thought I would die when I tried swimming, on a hot August day, off the west coast of Scotland. Three strokes and my limbs started to stiffen in the cold!! Scary! I was jolly glad that I was still within my depth and could wade out. Skinny dipping in the Andaman Sea on the other hand....

Having been brought up on the Firth of Clyde, I never had any fear of the waters of the West of Scotland which are warmed by the Gulf Stream; we spent summer holidays in Fife and bathed at St Andrews most days - we were obviously hardy children! Two weeks ago I ventured into the North Sea on the Suffolk coast, but only once. I fear that my hardiness has worn off in the last 60 years. Happy enough to paddle though.

Yep, I am a paddler. Can't help it - as soon as I get near the water, shoes off, trousers up and get soaked. Love it.

Paddling is great fun but I no longer tuck my skirt into my knickers to do so! Paddling is best done with your ordinary clothes on. Trousers rolled and skirts tucked up and your socks and shoes in your hand. Its possible to tolerate quite cold water with just feet and legs in. Very relaxing and good for the soul.