Cold water swimming – what’s the hype all about?

On the one-year anniversary of my move to Norway, I finally took a dip in the fjord that we live by. It was a gorgeous day and the water was so refreshing. But on that day the air temp was 24° C (75° F) and the water was 18° C (64° F). So, not that cold.

But today was slightly colder with the water temp at 14° C (57° F). That’s still far from icy cold but it still felt cold to me!  And I believe I managed to experience some of the exhilaration that people are raving about.

I decided to find out if there’s research on cold water plunges. I found that there aren’t any longitudinal studies to examine the long-term effects on mental and physical health, but there are some indications that the benefits of cold-water plunging may be real.

The Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth have done some research and they say “the jury is out” but at the same time they seem to indicate that there are some benefits.

So, while we wait for some hard research, perhaps we can be curious about the claims that many people make when they take the plunge:

• A feeling of communing with nature
• A natural high of euphoria and exhilaration 
• Reduced pain 
• Better circulation 
• Improved immune system
• Reduced stress levels and better mental health

There are many claims that cold water experiences will first generate adrenaline and cortisol which contributes to the exhilaration and then the overall experience reduces cortisol in the body, and it releases dopamine – all of which would explain the benefits claimed above.

From a slightly different view, surfers from Southern California where I grew up often stated the benefits of surfing which involved a lot of hanging out in the cold Pacific as they waited for their next ride. They claimed that they had fewer colds because their sinuses were regularly flushed out with salt water, and they were certain that there was a calming effect – something about sitting in the waves waiting for the “perfect wave” was like meditation. There’s nothing to do out there other than be present and wait patiently. Some claimed that it was the best stress-reduction activity they knew of.

So the research may be thin but the claims are broad and seem to be getting more frequent. I’ll add my voice to the cacophony and with “what an exhilarating experience!” Let’s see if I continue this journey as the temperatures drop throughout the autumn and winter (no promises that I’ll be out there in 4 degrees (39°F) water!)

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