Winter swimming is gaining popularity around the world. In this type of activity, you typically swim in outdoor locations. Since it’s all about getting the adrenaline rush and not so much about getting fit, swimming in the winter in gorgeous locations around the world can be magical.
This type of aquatic adventure is perhaps the most exciting activity of all swimming seasons. It can be a gratifying sport for both experienced swimmers and beginners. Winter swimming usually involves jumping into natural bodies of water that have been frozen over or are otherwise extremely cold.
Mapping Out Winter Swimming Adventures
If you’re curious to embark on such a unique adventure, several things need to be considered, like warming up once you’re back on dry land and things you need to do for post-swim recovery. To start with, make sure you’re in the company of experienced winter swimmers.
Once you’re prepared, you can map out which among these most beautiful locations for winter swimming you could plan for someday.
4 Beautiful Locations for Swimming in the Winter:
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Thermal baths are an ancient tradition of Iceland and play a crucial role in providing a spectacular and unique winter swimming experience in Reykjavik (see the main picture above), Iceland. The country is known for using geothermal energy in abundance, and it’s also used for public bathing.
The Nauthólsvík beach in Reykjavik, Iceland, is an artificially-made beach that hosts a geothermal hot pool just a few steps away from the icy cold sea. It’s ideal for taking a dip after swimming in the cold sea. If you’re a woman like myself and find yourself heading for a winter swim to this spectacular destination, you should check out one of these swimsuits for women.
2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
In this place, swimming in the winter is a feast. Patagonia is home to Argentina’s winter swimming festival conducted with the spectacular views of the Perito Moreno Glacier in the backdrop.
It’s known to be the second-largest glacier in the world after the glaciers in Alaska. It has covered the entire region of Santa Cruz for over two thousand years and is also the largest of the Patagonian glaciers. The Perito Moreno Glacier can be found at the foot of the Andes mountain range, which is about 8,000 feet high.
Many people visit this region to take part in this special festival. There’s a swimming pool available to the public that’s close to the glacier. If you’re planning to visit, it would be wise to stay in one of the resorts a few minutes away.
3. Scheveningen, The Netherlands
Located on the southern tip of the country, Scheveningen is nestled amid scenic countryside and is perfect for those who love the serenity of nature and who also love to swim and enjoy the fresh air in the winter months. The winter swim tradition that started in the ’60s in the Netherlands has thousands of people plunging in the icy cold waters every new year.
Though there are several new year destinations in the Netherlands, Scheveningen is the most popular new year swimming destination. You can expect thousands of people to join you for the new year swim in the near-freezing North Sea.
4. The English Channel, Bournemouth, UK
Bournemouth is one of the most popular outdoor swimming destinations around the world. You may find several local swimming groups dipping and diving in the winter months on the English Channel.
The English Channel is located between England and France and was originally a part of the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the Channel is one of the busiest ports in Europe and is also a popular location for swimming.
Tips For Winter Swimming
Though winter swimming can be a fun and thrilling experience, several things should be kept in mind to ensure safety.
Below are a few tips that will help you keep safe while you enjoy your winter swim.
- Make sure you have enough warm clothes to recover from the cold swim afterward. You’ll need thermals, jackets, woolen caps, gloves, and socks.
- Pool shoes are a must as they provide insulation against the cold ground. Even a small amount of insulation helps in the cold weather.
- Never jump into the cold water immediately. Instead, splash your face, hands, and chest with cold water, then slowly submerge yourself in the icy cold water.
- Since your body is adjusting to the cold water, the first two minutes in the water can be terrible. Don’t panic and get out of the water at this time.
Conclusion
The number of winter swimming destinations in the US and worldwide has been increasing over the years. For enthusiasts of this activity, swimming against the backdrop of gorgeous glaciers to taking a traditional new year dip in the icy cold waters of the North Sea could be an experience that invigorates and makes one feel alive.
While winter swimming may be a thrilling experience, it requires practice and some caution. If it’s the first time you’re going for a winter swim, make sure you go with an experienced swimmer.
