The first ice-water swim is always a big occasion. For anyone unfamiliar with the terminology, in winter swimming ‘ice water’ means water at 4°C or below. This time it fell on Saturday 19 November. The weather was glorious, and we took our first group photo in quite a while.
First, a few words of introduction. I had been thinking about writing this for several years. I discussed every topic with many experienced cold-water swimmers, including people who pass on the myths below with the best of intentions. We often found that something is repeated out of a kind of precaution: ‘Ota, if you say jumping into icy water is OK, someone will miss the part where you say it is not for beginners, jump in and hurt themselves.’
Vojta Vajdiss’s photos speak louder than words. Here is what our swims looked like during an exceptionally sunny October. We have been turning out in force, having a great time, and newcomers can start any week — on a Saturday.
