Plunge into... ice cold water

By Finn van der Aar.

It’s been over ten years now since I started taking regular dips. At the beginning it was more of a personal challenge: when the weather gets colder and the days get darker, will I still be able to take regular dips?

I called it #WATOBER: I would take a dip in the sea or in a lake every day and observe the effect it had on me, both mentally and physically. A month later, the benefits were so obvious that I decided to carry on. That’s how #ADipADay came to life.

The result? A profoundly positive effect on my mood. On cold, grey and unpleasant days, or those days that just don’t go as planned, these dips were definitely the most difficult thing I would do, but every time I’d leave the water with an immense feeling of accomplishment and calm. On good days, interacting with nature and like-minded people with the winter sun shining bright would often be the most incredible and stimulating part of my day. That feeling of crystal clarity when you put your head under… it’s far more energising than drinking a coffee.

On top of all this, you get to meet people. At one of the beaches I used to swim, I ended up meeting the local café’s entire staff; part of my ritual would involve chatting to them afterwards. I’d bump into the same people everyday and we’d discuss the sea conditions.

I’m a marine scientist, not a doctor, so I’m not going to go into all the physiological benefits of cold water plunging, though I can definitely say that it was the only thing that truly relieved my aching muscles after intense training sessions. Now, with over a decade of experience, I’ve finally managed to perfect my kit essentials for cold water dipping, and I’m thrilled to share it with the world. 

Kit essentials

Swimsuit: your favourite swimsuit or shorts. During the colder months, I use my Orca Women’s 1.5mm Neoprene 1 Piece. I feel like it gives me the extra warmth I need to stay in the water a little longer. 

Poncho towel: a must-have to avoid hopping about trying to get changed on uneven ground with freezing cold hands.

Thermal flask with a hot drink: perfect for warming up from the inside after a dip - your hands too.

Hot water bottle: I love putting it on my lap on my way home, or on my feet while I’m chatting after a dip.

Woolly hat: a basic must. Prevents heat loss from your head.

Warm footwear and comfortable clothing: sheepskin boots are my favourite, combined with loose and comfortable clothing for the journey home.

Changing mat: when I first started taking cold water dips, a friend gave each of us a small piece of carpet to get changed on. Since then, I’ve replaced it with the Orca changing mat, which also doubles up as a mat to transport my wet gear if I haven’t brought a watertight bag with me.

Extra kit (for even colder conditions)

Neoprene gloves: a must for avoiding that sharp pain that occurs when your blood vessels constrict once you’re out of the water.

Neoprene socks: the same as the gloves. The trick is: if they’re still wet from the day before, I sometimes pour a little bit of mint tea inside them to warm them up (never boiling water, so as not to damage the adhesives).

Neoprene swim cap or headband: helps keep you warm and protects your ears. 

Changing robe: on really cold, windy or rainy days, I use it with my towel poncho for extra warmth.

And there you have it. Whether you’re going for a winter dip in Mediterranean waters, you’re breaking ice with your feet on the North Eastern Irish coast, or you’re somewhere in between, these are my kit essentials that make cold water plunging a little easier, more enjoyable and something you can incorporate into your day to day.

Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself by taking a dip in difficult conditions or you’re seeking that freezing clarity to connect with nature… What are you waiting for? Get in!