Winter swimming
Photo: Candida.Performa, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Winter swimming or ice swimming is a daredevil activity during the cold season, seen as a test of virility, a part of survival or rescue training or – as weird it may seem – a way to relax. In colder climates winter swimming often means swimming in a hole in the ice; in warmer climates, swimming in comparably cold weather.
Winter swimming does not necessarily mean actually swimming. Often the hole in the ice is too small for that, and most people stay in the water only for a moment anyway. There are ice swimming championships though, with distances of 25 m, 50 m, and 450 m.
In Finland and other Nordic countries, as in the Baltic states and Russia, ice swimming is traditionally done as part of a sauna bath. Many Finns find this a way to make the sauna even more pleasant and relaxing!
Ordinary ice swimmingThere are ice swimming associations in many towns in Finland, with many members winter swimming every week. Outsiders are usually very welcome. Going winter bathing when at a cottage with friends is not unusual either.
Events
Stay safeThe cold shock response can be dangerous, especially if you have your mouth in the water (as you may instinctively take a deep breath).
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Winter swimming" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Candida.Performa, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons