5 days ago
Winter swimmers not afraid to brave the cold in the name of better health
While most of us are trying to stay rugged up indoors, swimmers all over the country are braving icy temperatures to take regular dips in winter.
While winter swimming may not be for the faint of heart, those who enjoy it swear by its health and social benefits.
Les Bryant, 84, has been enjoying regular winter swims for half a century.
Read more from The Seniorthe
The resident of the Illawarra region in NSW joined the Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club 40 years ago, having been a member of the Cronulla Polar Bears for the previous 10 years.
Every Sunday, Les takes the plunge in the Coledale ocean pool.
He said swimming helps him stay fit and believes regular dips in the salt water offer a range of physical benefits. But what really keeps him coming back is the sense of camaraderie.
He has made some great friends at the club, which was established 60 years ago. Following each swim, he looks forward to catching up with members for a good chat and a nice warm bowl of soup at the Coledale RSL.
Les was stoic when asked how he steeled himself against the cold.
"It's not too bad. We rug up [before and after the swim] and then we think of going back to the soup," he said.
While some members like to plunge straight into the water, Les prefers to splash himself to get a feel for the temperature before diving straight in.
He also enjoys the chance to take part in competitions, including the annual South Coast Championships.
George Katakouzinos, 61, of Tasmania, said he hated the cold water prior to forming the Derby Winter Swimming Club in 2023, but taking regular dips in cold water has made a huge difference to his wellbeing.
George decided to start the group after moving to the island state from Sydney, saying it felt like a "very Tassie thing to do".
The group swims at Lake Derby. George likes to swim at about 7am in the morning. He estimated the water temperature at this time ranged from 4-8 degrees in the winter months.
He said the first time he took the plunge, the cold shock was so intense he was only able to stay in the water for about 15 seconds, but his body has become more acclimatised to the temperature over time. He now stays in the water for about 10 minutes.
So, if it can get that uncomfortable, why does he do it?
He said he had read many books about the benefits of cold water swimming for mental and cardiovascular health, and he loves the way he feels after his cold water dips.
"Obviously, you've had a bit of discomfort, and then you come out [of the water] and you've got all these feel-good endorphins coursing through your body, and you just feel great for the rest of the day," he said.
Melbourne Open Water Swimming Club members enjoy ocean swims year-round and aren't about to let the cold weather stop them.
Group secretary, Con Lagos said the club was founded about six years ago when the public pools were closed due to COVID.
Con first developed an interest in cold water after his therapist suggested cold showers would help with his stress and anxiety.
He found the showers made a clear difference to his mental wellbeing. When he started taking ocean swims, the salt water and sense of full immersion took things to another level.
"It's actually quite addictive... You wouldn't just do it because it's good for you, [well] you do, but it's easier, because , you know, afterwards, you feel great," he said.
But Mr Lagos recommended that people should take time to get accustomed to the open water environment and the water temperature, as there are some risks to ocean swimming.
He said it is best to try to limit swims to about five minutes at first. Those swimming in cold weather may want to try immersing themselves in relatively shallow water to help get used to the temperature before trying to swim.
"Put your head down, you know, in the water. Make sure you... get your breathing right, because it's all about breathing."
Mr Lagos is happy to give advice to anyone interested in receiving tips on how to approach cold water open ocean swimming. He can be reached at 0487-678-787.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
While most of us are trying to stay rugged up indoors, swimmers all over the country are braving icy temperatures to take regular dips in winter.
While winter swimming may not be for the faint of heart, those who enjoy it swear by its health and social benefits.
Les Bryant, 84, has been enjoying regular winter swims for half a century.
Read more from The Seniorthe
The resident of the Illawarra region in NSW joined the Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club 40 years ago, having been a member of the Cronulla Polar Bears for the previous 10 years.
Every Sunday, Les takes the plunge in the Coledale ocean pool.
He said swimming helps him stay fit and believes regular dips in the salt water offer a range of physical benefits. But what really keeps him coming back is the sense of camaraderie.
He has made some great friends at the club, which was established 60 years ago. Following each swim, he looks forward to catching up with members for a good chat and a nice warm bowl of soup at the Coledale RSL.
Les was stoic when asked how he steeled himself against the cold.
"It's not too bad. We rug up [before and after the swim] and then we think of going back to the soup," he said.
While some members like to plunge straight into the water, Les prefers to splash himself to get a feel for the temperature before diving straight in.
He also enjoys the chance to take part in competitions, including the annual South Coast Championships.
George Katakouzinos, 61, of Tasmania, said he hated the cold water prior to forming the Derby Winter Swimming Club in 2023, but taking regular dips in cold water has made a huge difference to his wellbeing.
George decided to start the group after moving to the island state from Sydney, saying it felt like a "very Tassie thing to do".
The group swims at Lake Derby. George likes to swim at about 7am in the morning. He estimated the water temperature at this time ranged from 4-8 degrees in the winter months.
He said the first time he took the plunge, the cold shock was so intense he was only able to stay in the water for about 15 seconds, but his body has become more acclimatised to the temperature over time. He now stays in the water for about 10 minutes.
So, if it can get that uncomfortable, why does he do it?
He said he had read many books about the benefits of cold water swimming for mental and cardiovascular health, and he loves the way he feels after his cold water dips.
"Obviously, you've had a bit of discomfort, and then you come out [of the water] and you've got all these feel-good endorphins coursing through your body, and you just feel great for the rest of the day," he said.
Melbourne Open Water Swimming Club members enjoy ocean swims year-round and aren't about to let the cold weather stop them.
Group secretary, Con Lagos said the club was founded about six years ago when the public pools were closed due to COVID.
Con first developed an interest in cold water after his therapist suggested cold showers would help with his stress and anxiety.
He found the showers made a clear difference to his mental wellbeing. When he started taking ocean swims, the salt water and sense of full immersion took things to another level.
"It's actually quite addictive... You wouldn't just do it because it's good for you, [well] you do, but it's easier, because , you know, afterwards, you feel great," he said.
But Mr Lagos recommended that people should take time to get accustomed to the open water environment and the water temperature, as there are some risks to ocean swimming.
He said it is best to try to limit swims to about five minutes at first. Those swimming in cold weather may want to try immersing themselves in relatively shallow water to help get used to the temperature before trying to swim.
"Put your head down, you know, in the water. Make sure you... get your breathing right, because it's all about breathing."
Mr Lagos is happy to give advice to anyone interested in receiving tips on how to approach cold water open ocean swimming. He can be reached at 0487-678-787.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
While most of us are trying to stay rugged up indoors, swimmers all over the country are braving icy temperatures to take regular dips in winter.
While winter swimming may not be for the faint of heart, those who enjoy it swear by its health and social benefits.
Les Bryant, 84, has been enjoying regular winter swims for half a century.
Read more from The Seniorthe
The resident of the Illawarra region in NSW joined the Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club 40 years ago, having been a member of the Cronulla Polar Bears for the previous 10 years.
Every Sunday, Les takes the plunge in the Coledale ocean pool.
He said swimming helps him stay fit and believes regular dips in the salt water offer a range of physical benefits. But what really keeps him coming back is the sense of camaraderie.
He has made some great friends at the club, which was established 60 years ago. Following each swim, he looks forward to catching up with members for a good chat and a nice warm bowl of soup at the Coledale RSL.
Les was stoic when asked how he steeled himself against the cold.
"It's not too bad. We rug up [before and after the swim] and then we think of going back to the soup," he said.
While some members like to plunge straight into the water, Les prefers to splash himself to get a feel for the temperature before diving straight in.
He also enjoys the chance to take part in competitions, including the annual South Coast Championships.
George Katakouzinos, 61, of Tasmania, said he hated the cold water prior to forming the Derby Winter Swimming Club in 2023, but taking regular dips in cold water has made a huge difference to his wellbeing.
George decided to start the group after moving to the island state from Sydney, saying it felt like a "very Tassie thing to do".
The group swims at Lake Derby. George likes to swim at about 7am in the morning. He estimated the water temperature at this time ranged from 4-8 degrees in the winter months.
He said the first time he took the plunge, the cold shock was so intense he was only able to stay in the water for about 15 seconds, but his body has become more acclimatised to the temperature over time. He now stays in the water for about 10 minutes.
So, if it can get that uncomfortable, why does he do it?
He said he had read many books about the benefits of cold water swimming for mental and cardiovascular health, and he loves the way he feels after his cold water dips.
"Obviously, you've had a bit of discomfort, and then you come out [of the water] and you've got all these feel-good endorphins coursing through your body, and you just feel great for the rest of the day," he said.
Melbourne Open Water Swimming Club members enjoy ocean swims year-round and aren't about to let the cold weather stop them.
Group secretary, Con Lagos said the club was founded about six years ago when the public pools were closed due to COVID.
Con first developed an interest in cold water after his therapist suggested cold showers would help with his stress and anxiety.
He found the showers made a clear difference to his mental wellbeing. When he started taking ocean swims, the salt water and sense of full immersion took things to another level.
"It's actually quite addictive... You wouldn't just do it because it's good for you, [well] you do, but it's easier, because , you know, afterwards, you feel great," he said.
But Mr Lagos recommended that people should take time to get accustomed to the open water environment and the water temperature, as there are some risks to ocean swimming.
He said it is best to try to limit swims to about five minutes at first. Those swimming in cold weather may want to try immersing themselves in relatively shallow water to help get used to the temperature before trying to swim.
"Put your head down, you know, in the water. Make sure you... get your breathing right, because it's all about breathing."
Mr Lagos is happy to give advice to anyone interested in receiving tips on how to approach cold water open ocean swimming. He can be reached at 0487-678-787.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
While most of us are trying to stay rugged up indoors, swimmers all over the country are braving icy temperatures to take regular dips in winter.
While winter swimming may not be for the faint of heart, those who enjoy it swear by its health and social benefits.
Les Bryant, 84, has been enjoying regular winter swims for half a century.
Read more from The Seniorthe
The resident of the Illawarra region in NSW joined the Coledale Oysters Winter Swimming Club 40 years ago, having been a member of the Cronulla Polar Bears for the previous 10 years.
Every Sunday, Les takes the plunge in the Coledale ocean pool.
He said swimming helps him stay fit and believes regular dips in the salt water offer a range of physical benefits. But what really keeps him coming back is the sense of camaraderie.
He has made some great friends at the club, which was established 60 years ago. Following each swim, he looks forward to catching up with members for a good chat and a nice warm bowl of soup at the Coledale RSL.
Les was stoic when asked how he steeled himself against the cold.
"It's not too bad. We rug up [before and after the swim] and then we think of going back to the soup," he said.
While some members like to plunge straight into the water, Les prefers to splash himself to get a feel for the temperature before diving straight in.
He also enjoys the chance to take part in competitions, including the annual South Coast Championships.
George Katakouzinos, 61, of Tasmania, said he hated the cold water prior to forming the Derby Winter Swimming Club in 2023, but taking regular dips in cold water has made a huge difference to his wellbeing.
George decided to start the group after moving to the island state from Sydney, saying it felt like a "very Tassie thing to do".
The group swims at Lake Derby. George likes to swim at about 7am in the morning. He estimated the water temperature at this time ranged from 4-8 degrees in the winter months.
He said the first time he took the plunge, the cold shock was so intense he was only able to stay in the water for about 15 seconds, but his body has become more acclimatised to the temperature over time. He now stays in the water for about 10 minutes.
So, if it can get that uncomfortable, why does he do it?
He said he had read many books about the benefits of cold water swimming for mental and cardiovascular health, and he loves the way he feels after his cold water dips.
"Obviously, you've had a bit of discomfort, and then you come out [of the water] and you've got all these feel-good endorphins coursing through your body, and you just feel great for the rest of the day," he said.
Melbourne Open Water Swimming Club members enjoy ocean swims year-round and aren't about to let the cold weather stop them.
Group secretary, Con Lagos said the club was founded about six years ago when the public pools were closed due to COVID.
Con first developed an interest in cold water after his therapist suggested cold showers would help with his stress and anxiety.
He found the showers made a clear difference to his mental wellbeing. When he started taking ocean swims, the salt water and sense of full immersion took things to another level.
"It's actually quite addictive... You wouldn't just do it because it's good for you, [well] you do, but it's easier, because , you know, afterwards, you feel great," he said.
But Mr Lagos recommended that people should take time to get accustomed to the open water environment and the water temperature, as there are some risks to ocean swimming.
He said it is best to try to limit swims to about five minutes at first. Those swimming in cold weather may want to try immersing themselves in relatively shallow water to help get used to the temperature before trying to swim.
"Put your head down, you know, in the water. Make sure you... get your breathing right, because it's all about breathing."
Mr Lagos is happy to give advice to anyone interested in receiving tips on how to approach cold water open ocean swimming. He can be reached at 0487-678-787.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
