Saltdean Beach, nestled underneath the chalk cliffs of Shoreham-by-Sea, is often overlooked thanks to its close proximity to popular coastal destinations such as Brighton or Bognor Regis. But with fewer visitors, and even fewer beach goers, this little coastal haven is perfect for enjoying a calming cold-water swim, before taking some time to explore the extraordinary hodgepodge of old houseboats that have been transformed into an artistic coastal display. Book a room at nearby My Brighton, to enjoy the full experience.
Plan your own south coast adventure with Secret Escapes
"You don’t think about much else except that moment and how it feels."
Tommy hopes his story will inspire people to use less plastic to help protect our oceans
Going electric is just another step towards a more sustainable lifestyle for Tommy
Former Team GB star, Tommy Brady, says the ocean is his haven
Tommy’s love for the ocean has certainly taught him one thing. We are all responsible for looking after the wild environments around us, particularly our vital marine ecosystems. “I wish we understood just how interlinked we are, and how our lifestyles, such as continuing to use plastic, can have a knock-on effect on the ocean,” he says, wistfully. “Which is why, for technology to progress, we should also get behind the companies that are creating change. The new all-electric Vauxhall Mokka-e is changing things.”
Tommy is not alone in such progressive thinking. With a new era of domestic travel dawning in the wake of the pandemic, perhaps more of us will be following his lead, and finding more mindful, sustainable ways to enjoy the beautiful coastlines around us.
“We all find different ways to reframe our minds, and this is it for me. Cold-water swimming, free diving and just being surrounded by nature is my way of looking after myself,” he shares. “I call it ‘pre-hab’ because as an athlete you do exercise to prevent an injury. I do this proactively; it’s being kind to my mind and body.”
While the thought of jumping into the cold, wild ocean might not immediately appeal to discerning readers, Tommy reassuringly describes the experience as “immersive, in the moment”.
“I was floating in the sea for about an hour the other day – and I could feel the whole of my body, all the way down to my toes. You don’t think about much else except that moment and how it feels – your body tingles and your muscles contract – and you focus on slowing your breathing.
“Free diving is similar because, to be able to hold my breath, I need to be able to clear my mind. I control my breathing and focus on my breath, and that’s when my mind becomes free of all outside distractions. That, for me, is very therapeutic.”
Since the lockdown restrictions eased, Tommy has found himself venturing, with flatmates, to the waters around the UK’s southern coastline, typically to go wild water swimming, and if conditions allow, free diving. Journeying from his home in London, Tommy complements his outdoor lifestyle with his fully electric Vauxhall Mokka-e, the perfect compact SUV for carrying his essentials.
“I set off early, so the car’s heated seats and steering wheel are perfect for those cold mornings. I pack a microfibre towel, a snorkel and fins and if it’s really cold, a wetsuit and weight belt, which all fit nicely into the car’s boot space.” Covering such long distances to the coast, Tommy notes how inexpensive it is to recharge the electric car. “The satellite navigation system shows every charge point, as does the MyVauxhall app – so I can relax no matter where I am travelling to, and it’s significantly cheaper than buying fuel every time,” he confides. “Plus, with less carbon dioxide emissions to consider, my carbon footprint is much lower. It's nice not to have the guilt of sitting in traffic with your engine on.” He also appreciates the car’s electric engine which results in a quieter, more soothing journey, allowing for calming contemplation as he heads to the coast.
It is against the ocean backdrop that Tommy says he finds his most meditative moments. The briskness of the water recharges him like nothing else – making him “feel alive”.
In the shallow pools of the Jurassic coast, a young man is floating. His eyes are closed, his breathing slow. His entire body is still, aside from the long rise and fall of his chest. As he calmly opens his eyes to see spirals of candyfloss clouds patterned against the cobalt blue sky, he feels the gentle lapping of the water against his body. He smiles to himself; he is at peace.
That young man is former Team GB canoeing slalom champion, Tommy Brady. Having left the elite sport with an injury in 2015, following eight successful years representing Great Britain, he never imagined he would find another equally powerful calling in life. “I raced internationally, won medals at world and European championships, but it was only when I stopped competing and started watching David Attenborough documentaries, that I realised how much I was drawn to the sea,” he explains.
Tommy, 30, made the move from kayaking to cold-water swimming after a particularly adventurous circumnavigation of two of Scotland’s Outer Hebridean Islands, where he organised beach cleans to bring awareness to plastic pollution around the UK. “I just realised how special the ocean is and how much life it sustains. Since then, I’ve felt a real need to be by the sea,” he explains.
For GB Kayaking champion, Tommy Brady, re-charging means returning to the ocean
‘I just keep being drawn back to the water’
You can enjoy the recharging effects of the ocean from Brighton's famous and charming pier
This stylish boutique hotel makes the perfect base with lush interiors and award-winning food and drinks
Saltdean Beach sits at the foot of Shoreham-by-Sea's striking white-cliffs
Find out more about Vauxhall’s All-Electric Range
An electric car is much cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel engine. For example, it costs just 3p per mile for the Corsa-e, while a petrol engine costs 10p per mile.
Electric vehicles pay less in Clean Air Zones in the UK and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone in London. Other city centres, such as Bath and Birmingham, also have Clean Air Zones where electric and hybrid vehicle drivers pay less to access the area.
To make the switch to electric easier, Vauxhall offer a Smart Solo 7kW charger, provided by Pod Point, for fast and reliable home charging.
DID YOU KNOW?
The benefits of switching to Vauxhall’s All-Electric Range
PARTNER CONTENT
Tommy uses his fully electric Vauxhall Mokka-e to escape to the coast for wild swimming sessions that are his therapy
PARTNER CONTENT
Produced by
Partner content
Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Mokka-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 201 miles (WLTP).
Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Corsa-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 209 miles (WLTP).
*WLTP Figures shown are for comparison purposes and should only be compared to the fuel consumption and CO2 values of other cars tested to the same technical standard. The fuel consumption achieved, and CO2 produced, in real world conditions will depend upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: the accessories fitted (pre and post registration); variations in weather; driving styles and vehicle load. The WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is used to measure fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures display a range to reflect the highest value for the highest emitting version with all available options added, through to a minimum value to represent the lowest emitting version in standard specification. For more information contact your local Vauxhall Retailer.
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Choose your next Autumn adventure with Vauxhall
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Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Mokka-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 201 miles (WLTP).
Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Corsa-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 209 miles (WLTP).
*WLTP Figures shown are for comparison purposes and should only be compared to the fuel consumption and CO2 values of other cars tested to the same technical standard. The fuel consumption achieved, and CO2 produced, in real world conditions will depend upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: the accessories fitted (pre and post registration); variations in weather; driving styles and vehicle load. The WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is used to measure fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures display a range to reflect the highest value for the highest emitting version with all available options added, through to a minimum value to represent the lowest emitting version in standard specification. For more information contact your local Vauxhall Retailer.
An electric car is much cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel engine. For example, it costs just 3p per mile for the Corsa-e, while a petrol engine costs 10p per mile.
Electric vehicles pay less in
Clean Air Zones in the UK and the
Ultra-Low Emission Zone in London. Other city centres, such as Bath and Birmingham, also have Clean Air Zones where electric and hybrid vehicle drivers pay less to
access the area.
To make the switch to electric easier, Vauxhall offer a Smart Solo 7kW charger, provided by Pod Point, for fast and reliable home charging.
DID YOU KNOW?
The benefits of switching to Vauxhall’s All-Electric Range
Find out more about Vauxhall’s All-Electric Range
This stylish boutique hotel makes the perfect base with lush interiors and award-winning food and drinks
You can enjoy the recharging effects of the ocean from Brighton's famous and charming pier
Saltdean Beach sits at the foot of Shoreham-by-Sea's striking white-cliffs
Saltdean Beach, nestled underneath the chalk cliffs of Shoreham-by-Sea, is often overlooked thanks to its close proximity to popular coastal destinations such as Brighton or Bognor Regis. But with fewer visitors, and even fewer beach goers, this little coastal haven is perfect for enjoying a calming cold-water swim, before taking some time to explore the extraordinary hodgepodge of old houseboats that have been transformed into an artistic coastal display. Book a room at nearby My Brighton, to enjoy the full experience.
Plan your own south coast adventure with Secret Escapes
"You don’t think about much else except that moment and how it feels."
Tommy hopes his story will inspire people to use less plastic to help protect our oceans
Going electric is just another step towards a more sustainable lifestyle for Tommy
Former Team GB star, Tommy Brady, says the ocean is his haven
Tommy uses his fully electric Vauxhall Mokka-e to escape to the coast for wild swimming sessions that are his therapy
Tommy’s love for the ocean has certainly taught him one thing. We are all responsible for looking after the wild environments around us, particularly our vital marine ecosystems. “I wish we understood just how interlinked we are, and how our lifestyles, such as continuing to use plastic, can have a knock-on effect on the ocean,” he says, wistfully. “Which is why, for technology to progress, we should also get behind the companies that are creating change. The new all-electric Vauxhall Mokka-e is changing things.”
Tommy is not alone in such progressive thinking. With a new era of domestic travel dawning in the wake of the pandemic, perhaps more of us will be following his lead, and finding more mindful, sustainable ways to enjoy the beautiful coastlines around us.
Win a chance to recharge with your very own Safar-e experience with Vauxhall and Secret Escapes. Head to Vauxhall’s Instagram to find out how to enter.
“We all find different ways to reframe our minds, and this is it for me. Cold-water swimming, free diving and just being surrounded by nature is my way of looking after myself,” he shares. “I call it ‘pre-hab’ because as an athlete you do exercise to prevent an injury. I do this proactively; it’s being kind to my mind and body.”
While the thought of jumping into the cold, wild ocean might not immediately appeal to discerning readers, Tommy reassuringly describes the experience as “immersive, in the moment”.
“I was floating in the sea for about an hour the other day – and I could feel the whole of my body, all the way down to my toes. You don’t think about much else except that moment and how it feels – your body tingles and your muscles contract – and you focus on slowing your breathing.
“Free diving is similar because, to be able to hold my breath, I need to be able to clear my mind. I control my breathing and focus on my breath, and that’s when my mind becomes free of all outside distractions. That, for me, is very therapeutic.”
Since the lockdown restrictions eased, Tommy has found himself venturing, with flatmates, to the waters around the UK’s southern coastline, typically to go wild water swimming, and if conditions allow, free diving. Journeying from his home in London, Tommy complements his outdoor lifestyle with his fully electric Vauxhall Mokka-e, the perfect compact SUV for carrying his essentials.
“I set off early, so the car’s heated seats and steering wheel are perfect for those cold mornings. I pack a microfibre towel, a snorkel and fins and if it’s really cold, a wetsuit and weight belt, which all fit nicely into the car’s boot space.” Covering such long distances to the coast, Tommy notes how inexpensive it is to recharge the electric car. “The satellite navigation system shows every charge point, as does the MyVauxhall app – so I can relax no matter where I am travelling to, and it’s significantly cheaper than buying fuel every time,” he confides. “Plus, with less carbon dioxide emissions to consider, my carbon footprint is much lower. It's nice not to have the guilt of sitting in traffic with your engine on.” He also appreciates the car’s electric engine which results in a quieter, more soothing journey, allowing for calming contemplation as he heads to the coast.
It is against the ocean backdrop that Tommy says he finds his most meditative moments. The briskness of the water recharges him like nothing else – making him “feel alive”.
In the shallow pools of the Jurassic coast, a young man is floating. His eyes are closed, his breathing slow. His entire body is still, aside from the long rise and fall of his chest. As he calmly opens his eyes to see spirals of candyfloss clouds patterned against the cobalt blue sky, he feels the gentle lapping of the water against his body. He smiles to himself; he is at peace.
That young man is former Team GB canoeing slalom champion, Tommy Brady. Having left the elite sport with an injury in 2015, following eight successful years representing Great Britain, he never imagined he would find another equally powerful calling in life. “I raced internationally, won medals at world and European championships, but it was only when I stopped competing and started watching David Attenborough documentaries, that I realised how much I was drawn to the sea,” he explains.
Tommy, 30, made the move from kayaking to cold-water swimming after a particularly adventurous circumnavigation of two of Scotland’s Outer Hebridean Islands, where he organised beach cleans to bring awareness to plastic pollution around the UK. “I just realised how special the ocean is and how much life it sustains. Since then, I’ve felt a real need to be by the sea,” he explains.
For GB Kayaking champion, Tommy Brady, re-charging means returning to the ocean
‘I just keep being drawn back to the water’
PARTNER CONTENT
Driving change: how to make the switch to electric easier
Choose your next Autumn adventure with Vauxhall
Related articles
Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Mokka-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 201 miles (WLTP).
Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Vauxhall Corsa-e 100KW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 209 miles (WLTP).
*WLTP Figures shown are for comparison purposes and should only be compared to the fuel consumption and CO2 values of other cars tested to the same technical standard. The fuel consumption achieved, and CO2 produced, in real world conditions will depend upon a number of factors including, but not limited to: the accessories fitted (pre and post registration); variations in weather; driving styles and vehicle load. The WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is used to measure fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures display a range to reflect the highest value for the highest emitting version with all available options added, through to a minimum value to represent the lowest emitting version in standard specification. For more information contact your local Vauxhall Retailer.
