Winter swimming- why?

[legalskier]

No, not in a nice indoor heated pool, nor even an outdoor heated pool. I'm talkin' outdoor hard core. Are folks really this desperate for a thrill?
Discuss.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-hits-150-big-freeze-continues-continent.html

"Winter swimming"
http://web.archive.org/web/20080608...nglish/sports/recreation/winter/swimming.html
"Winter Swimming in Siberia"
http://pixgrove.blogspot.com/2010/12/winter-swimming-in-siberia.html

 

[marcski]

Shrinkage.

 

[ScottySkis]

That might be slightly stupid thing.

 

[Hawkshot99]

Have you ever jumped into freezing water? Not something to do for extended periods of time, but it does feel good at times.

 

[legalskier]

Have you ever jumped into freezing water? Not something to do for extended periods of time, but it does feel good at times.

Not sure the guy in that pic would agree....

Shrinkage.

 

[Redliner]

We take sauna all year round at very frequently roll in the snow in winter or jump in the lake

 

[ctenidae]

If you zoom in, you can see his testicles just behind his eyeballs.

 

[Hawkshot99]

Athletes take ice baths after a long workout or game. This allows you to swim some laps while healing the body.

 

[drjeff]

When I did Tough Mudder at Mount Snow the 1st weekend of May last year, the snowmaking 2 ponds that you had to go in still had ice on them less than 2 weeks before - I feel very comfortable in saying that when people say that COLD water takes your breath away when you go into it, THEY'RE NOT BS'ing!!!!!

 

[steamboat1]

We take sauna all year round at very frequently roll in the snow in winter or jump in the lake

Do the same. Back in the sauna after then a cold shower. Your muscles are so relaxed after & your body never felt so clean.

 

[Bene288]

I've heard that it relieves overall muscle inflammation.

 

[andyaxa]

I believe there are recent studies showing it actually boosts your immune system...which doesn't do a lot of good if you die of hypothermia...

 

[Nick]

Well, they have the Polar Bear Club in Boston. I think they run into the ocean on New Year's Day every year.

I know personally I would be completely miserable jumping into an ice bath.