The cold is arriving in France, but freedivers are not discouraged, quite the contrary! Immersion in cold water is a strong trend, synonymous with intense sensations. Give it a try; you might just catch this « virus »!
While health restrictions have favored local activities, winter promises to be cold. While some regret their usual tropical destinations, others are turning to a rapidly growing practice: apnea in cold, even icy, waters.
A Bit of History…
« Ice swimming » (water < 5°C) and "winter swimming" (5-10°C), derived from open water swimming, are rooted in the culture of Nordic countries. For the past ten years, the practice has been structuring with international federations and is developing in France thanks to Jacques Tuset, a recognized specialist.
Far from being marginal, this activity is well supervised. More and more enthusiasts are immersing themselves in rivers, quarries, mountain lakes, or the sea in winter. Practiced in an associative or professional setting, with safety guidelines, these immersions are beneficial for both body and mind.
At the end of 2016, a group of freedivers formed on the banks of the Seine, inspired by the ‘Christmas Cup’, an old swimming competition. Many dive, often without wetsuits, to enjoy the benefits of icy waters!
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