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Ice Swimming
It is around this time of year that I am usually asked. What is avanto in English? As there is a lack of ice in England there is no direct translation. The dictionary says, hole in the ice or winter swimming, but I prefer ice swimming.
Some call it sport, some call it fun, others swear by its health benefits. The claimed benefits of ice swimming are numerous; it will ease arthritis, relieve rheumatism, cure depression, keep colds and flu at bay, ease headaches and help you sleep better. Oh and it is fun! I have even heard a rumour that it is better than viagra! Some researchers have concluded that there is insufficient evidence of long-term physical benefits. But, they have found a positive psychological impact: people who immerse themselves in icy water regularly say they feel better than those who simply stay indoors, peering out at the brave ‘fools’ jumping through the ice on a frozen lake.
Prior to last winter, I had tried ice swimming four, or perhaps five times, mainly because I could not let my girlfriend see I was afraid. However, when she gave me a key to Mytäjärvi, as a birthday present, I suddenly found myself hooked and ended up taking the plunge 26 times last winter. The first time I swam round the fountain, I attracted a lot of (unwanted) attention and got several funny looks, as I very loudly huffed and puffed. Even though it took less than 30 seconds, it seemed much longer. When I reached the steps, I quickly ran into the changing room to get dried and changed. Afterwards, I felt invigorated and very awake, but because I was not used to the ultra cold water temperature, the top of my head remained extremely hot for several hours.
About 120,000 Finns go ice swimming regularly, but about five times that number - roughly 10 percent of the population - have taken the plunge at least once. Many of the regulars do it to cool off between bouts in the traditional Finnish sauna, but the more seasoned are happy just to swim, without the welcoming warmth of the steam.
I am yet to be convinced of the health benefits and suffered my usual cold and sore throat in February last winter. But, I did notice that going ice swimming after skiing enabled my muscles to recover faster. As my calf muscles have a history of injury this was of great benefit to me and the main reason why I went so often.
In 2006, the Winter Swimming World Championships took place of the Raatinsaari Island in Oulu, during the weekend of 3 – 5 March. Swimmers from a total of 18 countries participated and included competitors from, among others, Australia and Lebanon. I have no plans to compete at the next Winter Swimming World Championships, which I am told that will take place in 2008 in wait for it; ….……, London!
This is not as crazy as it sounds. The UK’s first Cold Water Swimming Championships were held in 2005 at Tooting Bec Lido. The good news is that in February, the temperature is only 0°C to 5°C, compared with minus 10°C and minus 20°C in Finland. However, as there is no ice, it is difficult to call it ice swimming as I would like to, it is simply winter swimming or cold water swimming.
Mike Bangle’s column is published on these pages every second Monday. He is the owner of Talking English language consultancy and can be contacted at mike.bangle(at)phnet.fi
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