Submitted by Gweizle t3_zwic6a in Maine

Hello! Anybody doing cold water swimming in the Waterville/Augusta area? I’ve been swimming solo in Messalonskee Lake, which is frozen over now. If anyone is chipping holes in the ice for swimming, I’d love to join!

6

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

VMoony t1_j1v9a6l wrote

Not sure why everyone is so negative about it, but I think that is awesome. A group of us go weekly in the Bridgton area, so if you are ever in the area on a Sunday PM me :) Be safe!!

17

Expert_Drama9374 t1_j1wcjbc wrote

I live about roughly an hour plus from where you are. I love cold plunges. What time do you meet up and where?

7

Gweizle OP t1_j1vj05i wrote

Wish I was closer, I’d love to join! If I’m in the area I’ll let you know, thank you :)

2

polaris207 t1_j1vcust wrote

The NY Times published this article about "Maine Ice Mermaids" so maybe you could reach out to one of them?

10

Gweizle OP t1_j1vjsvd wrote

Thank you! Ida Lennestål sounds like somebody I’d like to be friends with

3

polaris207 t1_j1w3zwk wrote

Good luck. You are my hero! I can barely swim in the SP Community Center Pool when the water temp is less than 83 degrees.

3

GoldenSeam t1_j1xp3p0 wrote

Are you my cousin? LOL Maybe Great Pond out in Belgrade?

1

Gweizle OP t1_j20eeuq wrote

I don’t think so! I don’t have any cousins in Maine. I am close to Great Pond though.

2

GoldenSeam t1_j21fdz1 wrote

I think my cousin is the only one still living in Maine actually. She loves cold dunking—she says it’s really therapeutic for her. I’m glad she found it—I hope it’s restorative for you too! Happy New Year, stranger!

1

fredezz t1_j1y1x5y wrote

Head down to Higgins Beach with a surf board and join the crowd...water is pretty chilly without a wet suit

1

Gweizle OP t1_j20emq7 wrote

I wish I was close enough to the ocean to swim in it regularly! Unfortunately Higgins would be a 1.5 hour drive.

1

Slmmnslmn t1_j1zoo6m wrote

Used to see open water near the bridge on Togus. I think its S. Belfast ave in Augusta.

Also open water at the bridge near castle island in Belgrade.

1

PinkLemonade2 t1_j22179m wrote

The benefits are incredible. I need to focus and get on with it haha

1

Majestic-Feedback541 t1_j1v5d7g wrote

Isn't this like extremely stupid and dangerous? Especially solo? Holy shit

−6

Gweizle OP t1_j1vj648 wrote

Hasn’t been dangerous in my experience

3

Odd-Mountain3076 t1_j1wc5ts wrote

Increases calorie burn, increases brown fat, makes you warmer, great for the cardiovascular system....lots of benefits. I used to dunk myself in a pond in VT in the winter. Worst part was the walk back to the house......

7

indyaj t1_j1v2fpl wrote

Dude. No. Is this a cry for help? There must be some kind of therapist that can help you with this.

−15

Gweizle OP t1_j1vlhki wrote

Yes, a cry for help finding people to chip through the ice and swim with me. And therapists are wonderful; thank you for all that you do lovely therapists of the world!

19

PGids t1_j1vldyi wrote

I don’t think OP means under the ice when referring to chipping a hole, but rather a small place with no nice to swim in

3

indyaj t1_j1vlr8s wrote

That is funny! Did someone think they were swimming under ice? Could you direct me to the post? I need another laugh.

−6