Why Cold Water Swimming is the Perfect Winter Activity: My Top Tips for Keeping Up Your Plunges
As the days get shorter and darker, squeezing in outdoor time can feel harder than ever. That’s why cold water swimming has become one of my favorite ways to ensure I stay connected with nature, even during the colder and wetter months. After completing 100 days of cold plunges over the last two winters, I’m confident in sharing my best tips to keep your dips going strong!
1. Get it done early in the day!
With short days, there’s realistically only an 8-hour window to squeeze in your dip. I’ve found it far more challenging to motivate myself if I leave it until the afternoon. By then, you’ve already felt the chill of the day, and the idea of getting into cold water becomes a lot less appealing. Some of my favorite dips have been at sunrise during winter. You don’t have to wake up at an absurd hour like in the summer, and it sets a refreshing tone for the rest of the day. Pro tip: Keep an eye on your weather app to catch the most optimal time for your swim.
2. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!
Winter swims aren’t like summer swims—there’s more to it than just grabbing a towel and heading out the door! In the colder months, I wear wetsuit gloves and boots because it’s my fingers and toes that suffer the most. It’s not just about the time spent in the water; the coldest part is often right after you get out, when you’re trying to get dressed on the beach while you can barely feel your limbs. I always bring a piping hot water bottle to hug post-swim, along with multiple layers of clothing and fluffy socks to warm up as quickly as possible.
3. Bring a friend for accountability!
One simple word here: ACCOUNTABILITY! Like anything else in life, having a friend or group counting on you makes you far more likely to show up. Cold water swimming can be tough, but when you know someone else is expecting you, you’re more likely to follow through with it. Plus, sharing the experience makes it all the more enjoyable! For added enjoyment make a day of it, book a sauna for you guys and grab some lunch afterwards!
4. You never regret a dip!
It always feels hard to get yourself into the water, but the sense of accomplishment and the post-swim high make it all worth it. Half the time, what pushes me in is knowing how great I’m going to feel afterward. That post-dip glow is unbeatable!
5. Treat yourself to a cute swimsuit!
It’s like new gym gear—everyone knows it gives you a little boost of motivation to get the workout done. The same goes for swimwear! We highly recommend our Nautical Purple Long Sleeve Swimsuit—it’s bright, fun, colorful, and the perfect motivation to tackle those tricky winter swims.
