Our second month of winter swimming together at U Žida in Frýdek-Místek is drawing to a close. The river temperature has been falling slowly but steadily. Today, after the snowfall, it dropped below 4°C — the point at which we cold-water swimmers call it “icy”.
We have been meeting since the beginning of October. As every year, anyone who wants to join us for their first group swim should come on a Saturday at 8.45 am, a quarter of an hour before we start. We talk through the basics, safety and our group rules, then head into the water together shortly after nine.
Today's video shows what a first dip in icy water looks like. It is easier than it seems, and a healthy person can start at any time.
I have also included photos showing our cold-water swims and post-swim runs over the past two months. They should give you a good idea of what we do and the atmosphere here.
While I am writing, here are our three basic rules:
- We do not get in before everyone else. We wait until 4 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9 am on Saturdays. We benefit from each other's company as we enter and while we are in the water, and we offer the same in return.
- No alcohol before, during or after swimming.
- No woolly hats or other headwear except swimming caps. We swim rather than stand in the water.
Thanks for reading. I am delighted that winter swimming together has become such a well-established part of life here. Feel free to write with questions, call me or simply come down and watch. You might decide to join in too. I look forward to seeing you,Ota Zemek
Photo gallery