This morning I went on field research for writing
In my town there is an unheated outdoor swimming pool that is open year-round. Indeed, as @frodothefair said in her comment, winter bathing is a tradition in many Nordic countries: the place was packed!!!
Today the water was 6.7°C (or 44°F for you heathens) and the air was a misty 4°C (39°F).
So... I should definitely have gone there before writing the ice bathing scene in Cold hands, warm heart! But it wasn't my very first experience bathing in "fresh" conditions, although it was my coldest ever by a couple degrees at least. I'm happy to say that the experience mostly fit what I pictured as I was writing!
A few extra impressions:
Before and after bathing, the worst is the feet. Even scantily clad, the air is not that bad, if you've moved a bit before. But the FEET, in contact with cold water on the hard ground, are in pain. It would be excruciating in the snow! Next time I must bring water shoes.
It's really interesting to experience a culture where nudity is really no big deal! Everyone naked in the changing rooms, bare butts all around in the communal showers! My partner who is from a very private culture was shocked and amused. Like a Grimbold at the Aldburg swim hole! 😅🍑
The main way I could convince myself to jump in and stay in at first was to repeat "I am Éowyn, I am Éowyn, I am Éowyn!" Whatever works, I guess!
The main reaction of my body in the water and immediately out was not shivering, but hyperventilating and panting heavily. I had to work hard to calm my breathing! I was thinking of an ex of mine who was really into the Wim Hof method... But I'm not sure I would recommend it without medical supervision.
I was able to wade perhaps 20 meters, and after about 45 seconds I felt like I needed to get out. But as soon as I was wrapped in my towel, I felt much better, and I wanted to go back again. I went around the pool once more, maybe 30 meters, and this time was almost comfortable. Nonetheless I was glad for the warm shower waiting for me! But it was nowhere, NOWHERE as bad as I would have expected.
My partner was NOT able to stay that long in the water. He was in and out, and then he wanted to go back in because he saw me swim and his ego couldn't leave it at that. His second try was not much more successful. 🤭
This is something I've observed many times: guys are quick to go in, but can't stand it long, whereas women are more affected by the initial shock (it HURTS, okay), but then are able to stay for a good while longer. And this is why I wrote Éowyn taking her time and toughing it out, but surfer-bro Éomer jumping in and running out swearing!
To be fair, men tend to have less body fat than women. I'm indeed a little softer around the edges than my partner. When I was in Mexico, this earned me the nickname of "beluga" amongst marine biologists, because I cannot tan, and I could withstand frigid waters (frigid to them, we're talking 22°C/72°F).
Overall it was FUN! The feeling of euphoria is real! I'd definitely do it again, especially that it's a 2km run from where I live, which is perfect to get warmed up before and after. A new winter tradition for me!
Okay, I'm off to make hokshoklet!
Wintery divider by @quillofspirit
