Cold Water Plunging – Am I Crazy?

Yes, indeed. I am probably crazy. But I did it on New Year’s Day. (See attached photo for proof).

I am a die-hard swimmer. Swimming soothes my soul.

I admit that soul soothing generally takes place on balmy summer days, but my swimming addiction reached a new level this year when we bought a lot that our realtor described as “crappy” so we could access the lakes in a private community across the road.

I grew up swimming in lakes, which certainly adds to my swimming addiction.

So, since we closed on the “crappy” lot shortly before the end of the year, I decided it would be worthwhile to celebrate with a New Year’s Day plunge with the intention of building up to actual swimming in cold water for a handful of minutes at a time.

So I bought a wetsuit, boots, gloves and a hood. That was probably a fool’s errand since I know nothing about wetsuits and found out that, yes, they do offer some protection, but only after cool water seeps through and is trapped so your body heat can neutralize the cold. Who knew? Apparently not me!

It would probably have felt about the same if I had plunged in a bathing suit.

The air temperature was 35 degrees Fahrenheit, water temp probably between 40 and 45 degrees. Plus there was a wind chill that my neighbor told me after the fact drove the air temp to around 18 degrees.

To say it was exciting would be a vast understatement!

Plunging is a “thing,” now, although I had no clue about that, either.

Yes, more plunges are ahead of me with the hope I will build up some tolerance and stay in more than the one-minute initial trial.

Why? First of all, because I truly love being in the water. Second, because immersion in cold water actually has some serious health benefits.

Here are a few:

• Improve immune function and accelerated production of infection-fighting white blood cells
• Improve circulation
• Boost mood by stimulating production of brain chemicals that relieve stress and elevate mood
• Reduce inflammation and muscle soreness
• Interrupt the brain’s perception of pain
• Improve recovery and physical performance
• Accelerate metabolism and improved cold tolerance that may contribute to weight loss

Risks of Cold Water Plunging

Yes, as you can well imagine, there are quite a few. There is the risk of hypothermia (extreme low body temperature) since skin cools 25 times faster in water than in air. If you are in cold water and you become sleepy, confused and find it hard to move your hands and feet, you must get out of the water immediately.

It should go without saying that you should never go into the water alone. Never. You must have a friend with you who does not go into the water when you’re cold plunging. It’s especially important that your companion remains attentive and maintains some level of conversation since hypothermia impairs brain function and judgment, so you may not realize if you are in trouble.

My dear husband served as my documentarian as well as my lifeguard, so I feel comfortable that I am safe. We’ve decided that for future plunges, I’ll tie a rope around my wrist so he can pull me in without getting into the water himself if he thinks I’m in trouble.

The shock of sudden immersion in very cold water can interrupt heart rhythms and can also cause hyperventilation, especially with a characteristic gasp as you enter the water, during which you can inhale water if you’re not careful.

It can also temporarily increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which means cold water plunging is not for you if you have any heart issues.

I have been told by folks in the know that it is best to enter the water gradually. That means, don’t jump off the dock and give yourself a huge shock. Climb down the ladder, as I did or wade in. Stay close to the exit point.

As daft as it may sound (I can imagine many of you calling me daft and worse), it’s fun and I love it. I’ll keep on doing it as long as my lifeguard/documentarian is supportive.

Anybody in my Western North Carolina mountain neighborhood want to join me? Send me an e-mail and we can make a plan.