Dressing for a cold water swimming session

In this text you can find some advice on what to bring with you and what to wear in case you are keen to try cold water swimming, or a cold water dip. After years of having changed outside in the cold, I finally have the luxury of a warm dressing room, however, it will not stop me from trying new places and getting changed outdoors. Changing outdoors is part of the experience.

Bring along

1. A friend, never go swimming alone. Even if your friend does not swim, its good to have company, at least for beginners.

2. A blanket/sleeping mat/sheep skin to stand on.

3. Something warm to drink.

4. Hand warmers or a warm water bottle. Your hands get gold very quickly, keeping them warm is key after your dip.

5. A plastic bag for your wet bathing suit and neoprene gloves and socks.

6. KAFTAN(EN) or a large towel.

Pre-Swimming dressing

1. Put on your bathing suit at home (bring underwear for after the swim).

2. Thermal underwear.

3. Socks.

4. Wool hat.

5. Gloves (preferably ones where the fingers are together so they can warm each other up).

6. Sweater.

7. Windproof and warm jacket.

8. Windproof and warm pants.

9. Warm winter shoes (UGGS are great, Sorel boots too and The Alexia from (blankens.com)).

Swimming

1. Bathing suit (unless you prefer to swim naked and its allowed where you swim).

2. Wool hat (very important to keep your head warm).

3. Swimming gloves (neoprene).

4. Swimming socks (neoprene).

Post-Swimming

1. Stand on something warm (blanket/sleeping mat/sheep skin).

2. KAFTAN(EN)

   Once out of the water pull KAFTAN(EN) over your head. Keep your wool hat on. Get out of your wet bathing suite first. Dry yourself. Remove your swimming shoes and dry your feet. Immediately put on socks, followed by underwear and thermal underwear. When legs and feet are warm you continue with the rest of your clothing. By now the water in your gloves is warm and that is the reason why I normally take them off last. Warm your hands.

3. Drink something warm.

Enjoy the wonderful post swimming feeling, it will leave you energised and wanting more.

Pia

CEO & Founder

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