In a country where half of the year is spent in cold and darkness, how do the people keep their spirits up? While some begrudgingly accept wintertime as merely a necessary evil, others embrace it. Even by plunging into the icy waters of frozen lakes and seas.
Winter swimming, ice swimming or coldwater swimming has long roots in the Finnish culture, but over the past few years the discipline has gained monumental popularity. What makes it so enticing? We talked to a couple of winter swimming aficionados from Eastern and Western Finland to find out.
– The first time I tried winter swimming was three years ago. It was a pitch-black October evening, the sea water that surged in the wind was approximately nine degrees Celsius – and when I got out of the water, I could have sworn it was the best feeling I had experienced in a while, Pauliina describes. Indeed, there is almost an addictive quality to winter swimming.
Many of the hobbyists are quick to bring up the numerous health benefits bestowed by the freezing waters. Stress relief, improved sleep quality, bolstered immune system – the list seems to go on and on.
– I picked up winter swimming because I had heard it could aid me with my perpetually cold hands and feet, Hanna-Maija notes. And the benefits are not limited to the physical.
– My interest in ice swimming began a couple of decades ago for health reasons, and it has indeed been beneficial – not just for the body, but the mind too, says Merja.
Healthcare professionals have concluded that swimming in cold water both encourages the brain to secrete feel-good hormones and provides the swimmer with a sense of empowerment and exceeding oneself. There is also the aspect of mindfulness: whatever thoughts and worries are going through your head before a swim, it seems nigh impossible to hold on to those in the water – or to take them out with you after. As with most Finnish traditions, sauna has its place in this practice, too.
– It’s all about the contrast of hot and cold. For me, a sauna is an essential part of the whole experience. When you’re sitting in the steam with others in solidarity, I feel like you’ve somehow reached the essence of Finnishness, Petra describes.
If you’re interested in taking the proverbial plunge, it’s generally recommended to first find a like-minded friend or an association to start out with.
– It’s best to get started with someone. You can end up with a hobby you genuinely enjoy, says Armi.
– All in all, this is a delightfully crazy activity to participate in. Especially when it’s -20 degrees Celsius outside and you’re out there, sitting on a dock, wondering to yourself why you’re in a swimsuit when everyone else is bundled up in quilted jackets, Pauliina summarizes.
Text: Jenna Suomela
Photos: Katja Lösönen
While some begrudgingly accept wintertime as merely a necessary evil, others embrace it. Even by plunging into the icy waters of frozen lakes and seas.
Vaasan Pigviinit
