Decided to try winter swimming with some buddies today. Idea started taking shape a few weeks ago, when we heard about a local outdoor pool setting up winter swimming facilities, saunas and all the things that come with it. So today we set out and our group met in front of the facilities, hearts pumping.
No time to waste, as every minute spent waiting is when doubts can arise in your head. It was 0 degrees Celsius outside (freezing temperature) and the water in the outdoor pools, that originated from springs, was 3 degrees Celsius. We quickly changed into our swimming gear - don't forget flipflops and a winter hat, and climbed in the pool. Brrr... it was helluva cold, but awesome cold. 30 seconds max, is what they recommend for the begginners in one go, so we swam the witdth of the pool and then climbed out. There's this hot tub, where we spent some time before dipping into the cold water again for a few more times.
An hour passed by quickly with alternating the hot tub and cold pool - afterwards we felt refreshed like we had seldom felt before. The feeling can be described as something like a minor euphoria, I'm still chilling at home in my couch, feeling good :) I recommend everyone to try winter swimming, you might start liking it :)