Members of the Umka winter swimming club in the Siberian city of Norilsk have already marked the beginning of the new ice swimming season. Daytime temperatures in Norilsk have already fallen to lower than 15 degrees Celsius below zero.
Members of the Umka winter swimming club in the Siberian city of Norilsk have already marked the beginning of the new ice swimming season. Daytime temperatures in Norilsk have already fallen to lower than 15 degrees Celsius below zero.
In Norilsk, people swim in lakes and rivers through the entire winter. The favorite swimming spot here among local “walruses,” as the winter swimmers are known – the Russian equivalent of North American polar bears – has long been Lake Dolgoye. In the 26 years since the foundation of the Umka Club, the lake’s waves have forged many athletes, and improved the health of many others.
The Umka winter swimming club was founded 26 years ago. Its first members set up a beach by Lake Dolgoye, installing steps and handrails and building a banya, a Russian-style steam bath. They would go swimming in Lake Dolgoye almost every day.
Since then, the club has grown, and now features two changing rooms, two steam rooms, a relaxation room where walruses can drink tea, and a gym. The changing rooms are located more than 100 meters from the lake, but this doesn’t put anyone off. Walking around outside after taking the plunge is also part of the experience.
The club now has about 200 members, who regularly participate in public competitions held in Norilsk.
Some walruses do not follow up the ice swimming with a banya, and may even go for a swim in temperatures of minus 50 without heading to the steam bath afterward. However, as they themselves admit, contrasting temperatures are better for one's health.
Dramatic changes in temperature train the blood vessels and the heart. The colder it is outdoors, the more beneficial the effect.
Modern research has shown that ice swimmers generally have the constitution of a younger person than would be expected of someone their age.
Novice walruses are advised against spending more than two minutes in the freezing water. Even experienced ice swimmers do not spend more than five minutes in the ice hole. Shivering is the first sign that the swimmer should get out of the water as soon as possible.
Those preparing to take the plunge should undress quickly, removing clothing from the lower body first, so as not to catch a chest cold. Beginner walruses are prohibited from fully submerging themselves in the water, as the shock can be dangerous. Plunging underwater – head and all – is therefore reserved for experienced ice swimmers.
After swimming, walruses are advised to dry themselves with a towel, put on warm clothing and footwear, and do a few exercises to steady their breathing.
The most important factor is having a positive attitude. Only then will a plunge into icy water be a truly enjoyable and gratifying experience.
