I think I will go swimming at coney island on the first. Am I going to die? The “polar bear advice” says to get in slowly— but then I’m never gonna get in that water.

you know maybe I will just watch this year.

this is a terrible idea what is wrong with these people?

I’m going to be so mad if I never do this.

I think I will go swimming at coney island on the first. Am I going to die? The “polar bear advice” says to get in slowly— but then I’m never gonna get in that water.

you know maybe I will just watch this year.

this is a terrible idea what is wrong with these people?

I’m going to be so mad if I never do this.

@futurebird

I'm a cold water swimmer and winter bather in the Nordics. What works best for me

- to feel warm beforehand (not even a sauna, just exercising or stomping around)
- naked (swim suits keep the cold close to your body)
- getting in all at once, head above water until I know what's what
- either no movement or lots of movement depending on what feels less cold in the moment

@futurebird

Ngl, "get in slowly" sounds like absolute torture. I've never done winter swimming, but I have swam in very cold streams, and if I don't jump in, I can't go in at all. Is that really the consensus? It seems extremely counterintuitive

@KFuentesGeorge @futurebird I swim through the year, and it's less about speed than intentionality. If you go in slowly, while screaming and hesitating, you're not exactly going to get over your resistance to the insanity. Jump if you like, but go in boldly and firmly.