Polar Bear Swims

Cold water swimming, or "polar bear swimming" as they are known in the United States, has a small but loyal following in the United States. Humans have made winter swimming a part of our lives for as long as we have lived in cold climates. Both Nordic and Russian cultures have a rich history of winter swimming, complete with saunas near the water both to aid in recovery and increase the effect of the swim. Some swimmers tout the practice as extremely healthy, claiming that it reduces the incidence of colds and flues, improves circulation, and strengthens the immune system. A few naysayers claim the exact opposite, pointing out that the shock of the near freezing water may weaken the body. Most medical professionals fall somewhere in the middle, and it seems likely that the practice does little to no harm, at the very least. Whether you decide to check out a polar bear swim for health, out of curiosity, or just for the novelty of the practice, it will be an experience that you won't soon forget.

While you can engage in winter swimming just about anywhere you can gain access to water, I recommend that you take your first plunge with a group. Once you're standing in your bathing suit on the edge of the freezing water, the presence of others will provide most welcome encouragement. On the ocean, the group will likely use a public beach, and inland, it's not uncommon for folks to cut a big hole in the ice specifically for swimming events. There are groups that gather regularly - even several times a week - for a dip and some social time, and a number of charity events every year where folks raise money by sacrificing themselves to the elements. These events are often quite large and can be a whole lot of fun.