The tradition of swimmers dressed in a wide spectrum of regalia from Santa suits to nun habits wading into cold oceans, lakes and rivers shows no sign of abating here in the UK. In my hometown of Otley, West Yorkshire, the local newspaper (see link) estimated that nearly 100 swimmers, including me, braved the waters of the River Wharfe on New Year’s Day. Apparently the age range of swimmers was from 9 to 71 and both banks of the river and bridge were lined with spectators. What is the attraction of cold water swimming and how do we explain its popularity? The effect on the body is clearly one attraction which a fellow swimmer described as a ‘reverse hangover’ where you feel bad at first, but it gets better and better through the day. There also seems to be a significance in the time of the year as the confines of indoors on dark winter days can seem incredibly stifling. Of course, for many, this is not a once-in-a-year pastime, but part of a routine or even craving for the the endorphins which are produced in cold water swimming which is said to have both mental and physical benefits. In the words of Al Alvarez, ‘It’s cheaper than seeing a psychiatrist.’ https://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/18132085.swimmers-make-splash-otley-ilkley-record-books/