Why travel miles to the North Sea when the icy canals of Amsterdam are right outside your door? What started as a New Year’s dive turned into a year-long quest, exploring the depths of cold water and personal endurance.
On January 1st, 2020, my neighbors and I opted for a local dive into Amsterdam’s canals instead of the traditional trek to the North Sea four our Nieuwjaarsduik. That spontaneous plunge was meant to be a one-time event, but it sparked a challenge that would evolve over the years.
The Monthly Challenge In 2021, inspired by our initial January Swim, I set a goal to swim in the canal water once a month. Despite the demands of daily life, we managed to complete twelve swims, each one adding to my growing appreciation for this invigorating ritual.
From Monthly to Daily 2022 saw a new challenge: why limit myself to one swim a month? After a New Year’s dip, I decided to swim daily for the first 100 days of the year. The experience was both brutal and exhilarating, transforming into a daily meditative practice. Each swim brought a new level of resilience and mental clarity.
What the Cold Gave Me The cold water swims became my escape, a few minutes of tranquility amidst a chaotic life as a new parent. Despite the initial resistance, each plunge brought a sense of accomplishment and a clearer mindset. The routine strengthened my discipline and provided a rare moment of peace in my busy days.By December 31st, 2023, I completed my 200th cold swim. What began as a neighbourhood tradition had grown into a profound personal challenge, marking a milestone of resilience and joy. As I took my final winter swim, I knew this was not the end, but a chapter in an ongoing journey.
The cold water swims became my escape. EVERY DAY!
Inspired by the cold water challenge?
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