Winter bathing

Winter bathing has become an everyday activity for many Irish people. The cold dips give many a feeling of well-being, calm in the body and a little energy-boost in daily life. But when you expose your body to cold, it is important both to take your precautions and to have the right equipment in place, so the experience becomes as safe and comfortable as possible.

On this page you will find equipment for winter bathing that has been selected specifically for the conditions you encounter at the sea, lake or winter bathing club. From water shoes and neoprene socks to winter bathing robes, ponchos and gloves, so you can keep warm, stand securely and get a good start on your own winter bathing adventure.

How to get started with winter bathing

When you begin winter bathing, it is first and foremost about giving your body time to get used to the cold. The temperature in the water is significantly lower than in summer, and both breathing, pulse and muscle tension can feel different when you go in. Therefore it is important that you plan the first outings and do not just jump in as you usually do in summer.

As a new winter bather it is usually enough to be in the water for a very short time. Many experience that a few seconds are enough to get the familiar "awakening" sensation in the body. The decisive thing is that you get out again while it still feels pleasant, and that you have warm clothes and equipment ready on shore.

Good basic rules when you start:

• Do not bathe alone, especially not the first times

• Agree in advance approximately how long you will stay in the water

• Enter the water slowly and focus on an even, calm breathing

• A beginner should be in the water for no more than 10 sec. at a time. The more experienced can manage up to 40 sec. in the water.

• Avoid putting your head under water until you are completely comfortable with the cold

• Stop immediately if you feel discomfort, dizziness or pain

Equipment for winter bathing

Like so many other things, winter bathing becomes easier for a true winter bather when the accessories are in place. The right equipment helps you keep warm, stand securely and have a good experience before, during and after the trip into the water.

For clarity you can think of it like this:

Prepare for a comfortable experience with the right selection of equipment for winter bathing:

• Bathrobes for winter bathing: A warm and comfortable robe is ideal for keeping warm before and after the winter bath.
• Winter bathing shoes: Non-slip and warm shoes, suitable for use on ice or snow.
• Poncho for winter bathing: A practical poncho that allows you to change clothes sheltered from the cold and wind.
• Neoprene gloves for winter bathing: Insulating gloves that protect your hands from the cold and the water during winter bathing.
• Neoprene socks for winter bathing: Warm socks made of neoprene that keep your feet warm when you step into the cold water.
• Winter swimwear: Swimwear specially designed for winter bathing that offers insulation and protection against cold water.

When you combine these types of equipment with a calm start in the water, you will have much better conditions for winter bathing to become a pleasant and safe part of your everyday life.

What equipment do most winter bathers start with?

Many of our customers start out with a full neoprene set combined with a warm bathrobe or poncho for winter bathing. It provides a gentle and secure beginning, where hands, feet and body are better protected from the cold, while it is easy to warm up again after the trip into the water.

Like so many other things, winter bathing becomes easier for a true winter bather when the accessories are in place. It is, for example, a very good idea to use a pair of water shoes for winter bathing, as ice can form on both the bathing jetty and the steps during winter months. Therefore those surfaces can be very slippery, and the right footwear helps avoid accidents.

When you are finished winter bathing, possibly after several trips in the water, it is important that you quickly put something warm on and dry yourself well. Therefore a winter bathing robe or a poncho for winter bathing is perfect for when you come up and need to warm up quickly. You just throw it around your body, and you still have both hands free.

Others may have difficulty getting the warmth back into their hands and feet after they have finished winter bathing. It can hurt and cause discomfort, thereby spoiling the good experience of winter bathing. This problem can be remedied with the right socks and gloves, which of course can withstand being brought into the water as many times as it should be.

After some time many choose to make the gear a bit simpler. Typically the gloves are dropped, while the neoprene socks and their winter bathrobe or poncho still come along every time. That way the routine becomes more robust, while still focusing on protecting the body sensibly.

Find everything you need for winter bathing at Watery.ie

With Ireland's geography there are many opportunities to go winter swimming or take up winter bathing. It can be anything from clubs to communities where winter swimming is at the centre of social interaction and cosiness. So get well started with your own winter bathing adventure at Watery.dk

We have everything you currently need for winter bathing, and if you have questions or need advice and guidance, our knowledgeable customer service is ready to help you. And of course we have price match, so you can secure the best prices on all our items. In addition we also have:

• 3 - 5 days delivery, on weekdays.
• Free shipping on purchases over €79.
• Customer support from 08:00 - 22:00 on weekdays
• 100 % price match so you can get the best at the best price

So just get started with winter bathing - it's healthy for both body and mind, and if you shop with us, you only need to worry about where to go winter swim next time.