As one of the inaugural swimmers in the 2016 United States Ice Swimming Championship, I was dipping into icy waters long before it became trendy. Since then, I’ve competed in two US Ice Championships and ventured to the Dark & Cold event near the Arctic Circle in Sweden. With two “ice miles” under my belt (1-mile swims in water below 40°F/5°C), I can safely say that I’m no stranger to the freeze.

It all started simply enough—winter swimming in Flathead Lake to keep enjoying the water year-round. But I quickly discovered a whole world of ice swimming, with events around the globe where people test their limits not for speed, but for resilience against the cold. There’s a special camaraderie in the ice swimming community; most of us are drawn to the challenge, to see how far we can push ourselves against nature.

One of the greatest honors of my swimming career was being invited by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes to swim under the Flathead Reservation flag. Representing the Flathead Reservation, its people, and its heritage brought a profound sense of pride and purpose to my journey in the water. This honor holds a special place in my heart and remains the highlight of my swimming career, a reminder of the deep connection between community, culture, and the spirit of perseverance.

How Cold Are We Talking?
All three of my championship events have taken place in pools literally carved into the ice—32°F/0°C. It’s a different kind of cold, the kind that tests your mental toughness as much as your physical limits. Think Wim Hof, the “Iceman,” who popularized cold exposure for its health benefits. While I don’t have scientific data to back up ice swimming’s effects, I can share my own experiences on its impact on my health and well-being.

Five Potential Benefits of Ice Swimming
While the research on cold water immersion is still evolving, ice swimmers often report benefits like:

1. Improved Circulation – The body’s natural response to cold is to boost circulation to vital organs.

2. Enhanced Mood – Cold water immersion is linked to increased endorphin release, lifting your spirits.

3. Stress Resilience – Exposing yourself to the cold helps build mental resilience, making you better equipped to handle stress.

4. Reduced Inflammation – The cold may help lower inflammation, aiding in faster recovery.

5. Stronger Immune System – Some studies suggest that cold exposure can boost immunity.

These are just potential benefits, and everyone's experience is different, but I’ve definitely felt these effects in my own life.

Safety First!
Before anyone jumps into an ice pool, it’s essential to take careful safety precautions. Cold water swimming is no joke, and starting slowly is key. For anyone interested, the best way to acclimate is to “swim down” with the temperature as fall turns into winter. As the lake gets colder, gradually reducing your exposure time will help your body adapt.

If you’d like to learn more or even join me this winter, feel free to reach out. Ice swimming might not be for everyone, but for those who embrace it, the rewards go far beyond the chill.