Assessing conditions - yes water 0.8c
For the second year running wonderful winter weather welcomed the hardy swimmers to Chocen for the tradtional late January exhibition. Just like last year there was a clear sky and bright sunshine with no breeze and a pleasant air temperature a few degrees above zero. Again the water was just above freezing (0.8c) but unlike last year the river wasn’t frozen so there was no need for axes and lovers of (extremely) cold water were able to swim downstream for 100, 250 or 500m depending on their level of bravery. On this occasion the mention of bravery is attributed to the fact that swimming 500m would include a fairly treacherous walk back along an icy path littered with stones not to mention the negotiation of a rather idiosyncratic 500 metres down the Ticha Orlicka River.
Chocen is a small town situated in Eastern Bohemia under the Orlicke (Eagle) mountains. This was the 40th year of the January winter swimming event and you get the idea that little has changed. The metal sign that hangs on the bridge to advertise the event is probably also 40 years old and the local people are enthusisatic spectators every year.
A total of 61 winter swimmers set sail for the 500m with the aim of plotting a safe course round a bend, avoiding a weir and then under 2 bridges with just 50cm clearance above the water before finishing at a point where the river was flowing wildly. All navigated it safely yet there were a few scares minutes later as a large patch of ice was to be found near the changing rooms where clothes had been left. Luckily it seems winter swimmers have the balance of ballet dancers when on dry land and this rogue patch of ice failed to claim any victims. However, then the shaking began, accompanied by the "trying to get dressed after winter swimming dance" which certainly diodn't resemble ballet. Hot sweet liquids were consumed and after beer and gulas in the pub normality was soon resumed. Roll on next January and no doubt another interesting vist to Chocen
The joy of winter swimming
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