A Guide to Becoming a Winter Seal
In the chilly northern countries, there exists a unique breed of individuals known as "seals" or "ronis" in Latvian. These people embrace the icy waters not just during the summer months, but even in the crisp embrace of autumn, winter, and spring. This daring activity, often referred to as winter swimming (ziemas peldēšana), has gained popularity not just for the thrill but also for its reported health benefits. Latvians for centuries have had sauna traditions, after a warm and relaxing sauna one usually takes either a cold shower or jumps in an ice-cold lake or river. But lately, pure winter swimming is gaining popularity and more and more people become seals (roņi). So why not try that activity while you are up here in the North?
Before you start, I suggest talking to locals, about the best swimming places in your neighborhood. Although it’s allowed to swim almost anywhere in Latvia, locals might give you good tips on the best places. And just so you know, there is a winter swimming club in almost all of the big cities in Latvia, and yes, they also have competitions -– who knows, maybe after the first season you will be ready to participate in one. Let's look at some of the benefits and risks you should be aware of before trying to become a seal.
Source:Vita OLS Community Manager - Winter swimming in Svalbard
Contrary to what might seem intuitive, taking a dip in freezing waters can have numerous health benefits. Research has shown that winter swimming can boost the immune system, improve circulation, and even elevate mood by releasing endorphins. The shock of the cold water prompts the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, resulting in increased calorie burn and improved cardiovascular health. Additionally, winter swimmers often report enhanced mental resilience and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to overall well-being.
While the benefits of winter swimming are enticing, it's crucial to acknowledge the risks associated with this activity. Exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries. To mitigate these risks, it's essential to take proper precautions. Beginner winter swimmers should start gradually, with short dips in progressively colder waters. Swimming with a buddy is advisable, as the buddy system ensures that help is readily available in an emergency.
If you are perfectly healthy with no pre-medical conditions and you have decided to try, take into consideration a few tips from an experienced Seal:
Start Slow, if you're new to winter swimming, ease into it. Begin with shorter sessions in mildly cold water and gradually progress to colder temperatures as your body acclimates.
Safety First, never underestimate the importance of safety. Always swim with a companion, and make sure there's someone onshore aware of your activity. Familiarize yourself with the signs of cold-related illnesses and know when it's time to call it a day.
Keep your head warm. When you dip in the water, remember, to keep your winter hat on, your head needs to be warm, while the body is freezing. Some seals even keep their glows one. Try out what works best for you.
Know Your Limits. Listen to your body. This is not the Olympics, if you start feeling numb or experience discomfort beyond the usual cold shock, exit the water immediately. Pushing your limits too far can lead to serious health issues.
Post-Swim Warm-Up. Have a plan for warming up after your seal swim. Bring warm, dry clothes and indulge in hot beverages to help your body return to its normal temperature. I usually take a thermos with a warm tea to bring the heat back after the swim.
Becoming a seal, a winter swimmer who fearlessly takes on icy waters is a novel experience and a journey toward improved health and mental resilience. The hard part is to mentally prepare for it and once you have tried it, you have pushed your limits one step ahead and the feeling of victory is worth it. So, if you're ready to embrace the chill and redefine your limits, why not take the plunge and become a winter seal? If you have tried it, let me know how it went in the forum discussion here!