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organs, and your body in general. It solidifies in that overwhelming sense of warm flush you feel when you get out and warm up. Basically, cold water swimming is a win for your heart health!
Getting in
The health benefits of the big chill Generally, when swimming in winter, we want the water to be as warm as possible. But there is another attitude that says, Embrace the cold! It may not be for everyone, but Fenwick Ridley – ice swimmer, cold-water junkie and Red Paddle Co ambassador – tells us why he finds cold water and ice swimming so addictive. By Fenwick Ridley TOP: Cold water swimming offers a number of health benefits, but have something warm to get into after
RIGHT: A cosy changing robe is a great winter accessory, even if you’ve been swimming in heated water
When you’re chilled, you’re more stress-resistant
Initially, cold water swimming puts stress on the body both physically and mentally, but just as stress causes an adrenaline surge (which culminates in a person’s fight or flight response), it also kick-starts the immune system and activates the body’s defences. Just think, every time you repeat your cold-water swimming experience, you’ll have more control over your stress response, which will ensure you’re in better shape to cope with stress when you’re out of the cold water too.
Chilled to the bone, but great
While cold water will increase our capacity to cope with stressful situations, it also reduces inflammation as well as our risk of depression too. While it’s easy to focus on the cold, it’s what happens afterwards – the surge of endorphins – that’s the real secret. You can expect heightened alertness, improved concentration and a mood lift following each cold-water swim, because, as well as activating your endorphins, cold water swimming is also a form of exercise, which is proven to help mental health.
Re-wired circulation
Plunge into cold water and while you may only feel the electricity of liquid burning cold, your blood is on the move! Essentially the cold water allows your blood and oxygen to flow faster around your skin, your vital 82
SPLASH!
June/July 2022
Ever heard the phrase “you have to learn to walk before you can run”? Well, the exact same goes with cold water swimming. Before you get carried away, understand that every cold plunge will be an individual experience and your body can react differently every single time depending on external factors. In the beginning, it needs to be a staged activity, keep it small calm and collected. Enter the water in a normal state, there’s no need to “warm up” prior as then you’re heightening your body temperature, which can then lead to cold water shock once in. On the first or second run, you may not last long and that’s normal, don’t fret, you’ll get there in time. As you enter, don’t focus on swimming, just focus on being in a small space, taking measures on the body’s change into cooler conditions and allowing the body to go through a huge change in temperature and energy. Stay in until you’ve had enough, if you get to a point where your hands are numb, you’ve gone too far, take it one step at a time.
Getting out
When leaving the water, bear in mind that your body temperature will continue to drop even once you’re back on land, take this activity slowly and your body will reward you afterwards. Hot chocolate helps too! To dry off, gently pat yourself down with a towel, avoiding any vigorous drying techniques as this can lead to sensitive skin and itching. Get yourself cocooned in clothes and a good quality change robe, warming yourself from the inside out is crucial.
Changing robes
The Pro Change Robe Evo is ideal for winter swimming – especially if you’re in cold water, but even if the water is warm. The advanced fabric technology on the outer shell is both waterproof and breathable so you can wear it in varied weather conditions. The robe performs amazingly and looks stylish too – you can throw it on after a swim and feel confident nipping into the shops on the way home. Contact: www.red-equipment.com.au n