Ice,snow and determination
Much of Europe has borne the full brunt of mother nature unleashing winter on us in a flash during the last few weeks with temperatures plummeting to as low as -28c in some places, ponds, lakes and some rivers freezing over and of course what all winter swimming afficionados love – ice cold water. In factwater temperatures dropped in some place below 0c which is possible but the discussion the freezing pointof water is for another article in the coming weeks. Right now it seems a good time to reiterate a few points as the new winter season is enjoyed both in the cold water and out of it. Three common sense principles are :
1) Respect your body
2) Respect nature
3) Less is better than too much
Although there is more to cold water swimming than this if you follow these points and (1) listen to your own body, (2) are aware of the power of nature and (3) realize that you don’t always have to set a new record or push yourself to the absolute limit then you will certainly gain immense enjoyment from your activity.
Please also bear in mind the dangers of ice and how easy it is to fall through. Be extremely careful when traversing ice and never attempt it alone. Modern winter swimming and cold water hardening actually has some origins that can be traced to the need for some form of first aid and emergency rescue due to problems on the ice during winter, but again that is for another article.
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