SNOWMOBILING
Ice swimming, according to The International Ice Swimming Association (IISA), is a mile swim in water temperature below 5 degrees Celsius following the English Channel swim rules. The IISA is an organization officiating Ice Swims around the world. The organization aims to establish Ice Swimming as a recognized sport. The IISA was founded in 2009 by Ram Barkai. Its vision is to include an Ice Swim race in the Winter Olympics.
Ice Swimming continues to grow globally at an escalating pace as more and more successful and certified Ice Swimmers now start encouraging and guiding others to take up the daunting challenge of attempting an ice mile. The structure and formalization delivered by IISA to those with a quest to raise the bar is attracting people from all over the world to our sport.
Apart from risks, scientific studies also provide evidence for health benefits. Ice swimming contributes to better general well-being. When compared to a control group on the profile of mood states rating scale, ice swimmers experience less stress and fatigue and more vigor. They report to have a better memory function, better mood and feel more energetic, active and brisk. Swimmers who suffer from rheumatism, fibromyalgia or asthma report that ice swimming relieves pain.
There are indications that ice swimmers do not contract diseases as often as the general population. The incidence of infectious diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract is 40% lower among ice swimmers when compared to a control group. Short term exposure of the whole body to cold water produces oxidative stress, which makes ice swimmers develop improved antioxidative protection.
You can park in the church parking lot or access this one from the bike trail. Please do not look for this one on Sunday morning.
The theme for the 2014 Cold Cache Series involves WINTER SPORTS of various types, both Olympic and not. These caches will only be available from January 1st through March 31st. Get 'em while they're ho--err--COLD!