John Stacey: the benefits of Cold Water swimming
I was asked by Olaf to write a couple paragraphs on cold water swimming. There has been much written on the subject both the positives and risks.
https://www.iprshealth.com/news/8-benefits-of-cold-water-swimming/
Our own coach Jane has given some useful tips see previous Newsletters. [There is one by Jane here on the home page of our website].
Recently visiting the UK, I was surprised in most towns and cities Googling Cold water swimming you will find a group. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-55176602. (not the best advertisement). Note the bobbly hats. A common sight on beaches are swimmers after their swim wrapped in waterproof ‘Duvets’ and wearing Ugg boots and those hats. I did swim with one woman wearing one.
Surprisingly if you Google cold water swimming in NZ it is far harder to find a group dedicated to the
cause, although they exist, in Auckland there are the Fur Seals and the Kohi Kippers, that swim all year
round, also not forgetting the ‘O’ series Ice breaker swim in Waiheke every year.
Our club has its own group of swimmers dedicated to swimming all year around at Maraetai. In Winter
the average sea temperature is 14°C which is OK in a wetsuit, if you know your limits.
Recently we had a club winter challenge to swim 12 times between June and August. All of us did well but Alistair did exceptionally well, managing 26 swims and clocking up 60 Ks. If you haven’t tried it give cold water swimming a go, with or without a wet suit but stay in as long as you feel comfortable. The rewarding thing after is a cup of coffee, among friends, at the wharf café.
Article added: Sunday 30 October 2022