Cold Water Swimming and Winter Bathing.
Winter swimming is an indispensable way how to increase body tolerance to stressors - at one point it becomes a lifestyle.
For keeping ourselves in good physical and mental health we all need exercise, to be outside in nature and human contact. And winter swimming ticks all these boxes. Meeting our friends, relatives or like minded “seals” during cold water swimming sessions will definitely make you feel cheerful, in addition to the session itself.
In addition to all already all over heard benefits - Cambridge researchers have even found that submerging in cold water could help stave off dementia. But what has to be done to ensure we stay safe while enjoying this activity?
Experimenting with neoprene accessories helps - a lot of people say that neoprene gloves and neoprene boots for them have been gamechangers - we personally can add neoprene shorts for those, ehm, truly sensitive parts of our body. Bravado is no place when starting to get acquainted with this activity - whether you need a full wetsuit to get in the water, or just a knitted beanie, as some diehard skinny-dippers prefer, depends on numerous factors, including how used to cold water you are.
And never underestimate the winter swimming afterdrop. As you climb out, you may feel too euphoric to notice the evaporating water cooling you further. Once you are dressed, the blood vessels surrounding your skin dilate, letting that cold blood reduce your body temperature even more, which only becomes apparent when you start violently shivering.
This is why a good post-cold water swim routine is crucial. Bring a hot drink, wrap up warmly as quickly as possible and have a snack, but avoid warming up in hot water afterwards. This can switch off shivering before your core temperature has recovered and mess with your blood pressure.
Our fleece ponchos are great for warming you up and getting dressed. As well as a good pair of neoprene booties will make the walk through snowy and icy paths a delightful stroll.
And we have a tip for those that feel on the edge - just get packed, get out of the house and trust us - when you get to the water, there's a pretty good chance that you will get in. Your mind might say no but that's the most satisfying part - to hack the mind.
For the convenience for winter swimmers, we have combined all the relative products in one easy-to-use section of the store: