When I had the chance to go to Oslo on a winter expedition with VisitOslo team, I told myself that my first ever ice bath would be taken in Norway — and it was!
…However, it is fair to mention that I almost chickened out.
This is a “must do in Oslo” for all those with a wickedly adventurous side as well as one of the best things to do in Oslo. Obviously though you think that swimming in ice water in just a swim suit isn’t exactly the best way to spend 2 days in Oslo over the winter, right? Wrong.
During an ice bath, your blood vessels tighten which then helps in flushing out waste products out of your body. Ice baths are linked not only to health benefits, but are also a “kind of rite of passage” that today’s society rarely accords us. The sudden change in body temperature acts as a trigger for fight or flight responses that the body needs now and again to remind it of it resilience and capability.
So yes, for the sake of total disclosure, I was also skeptical at first. But not for long. After five dips in the icy waters, I became transformed. It wasn’t an easy decision though. It took a lot of convincing and debating within myself…
Ice Bath in the Oslo Fjord
On the evening of our second day in Oslo, the #VisitOslo2018 team reminded us to carry our swim suits the following day as we would be spending the evening at the inner Oslo Fjord for the ice bath and the kok floating sauna.
“This opportunity is not passing me, I’m going to take the ice bath!” I whispered to myself excitedly.
After all, it’s not everyday that you get an opportunity to alternate a swim in the icy North Atlantic waters with the warmth of a floating sauna — and in winter at that!
Well, then the D-day arrived.
– – –
Later in the day, I was having a conversation with one the event organizers and he goes like, “So, I hope you carried your swim suit and that you’re taking the ice bath?”
“Yes and No” I replied.
“What do you mean yes and no?”
“Yes to the swim suit. No to the ice bath. UUUhhmm, actually, 50/50 on the ice bath“. I added seeing the disappointment on his face.
“You’re joking, right?, he chuckled as he walked away.
As I was standing by the pier waiting for the rest of the team to arrive, I witnessed this guy jump in and out of the freezing water shaking like a leaf.
Right there and then, I almost changed my mind.
“I could do this.”
But I had to do one more thing before I considered my decision final.
I quickly pulled out my phone and headed straight for Google. I typed “ice bath” on Chrome. The first few top results were mostly about results. But as I went further, reality started to dawn:
- Ice bath dangers
- Tips to survive an ice bath
- Are ice baths safe?
These titles threw me into deeper confusion. Exposure to extreme weather conditions comes with a lot of risks. The guy in Afghanistan who froze outside in winter while smoking a cigarette crossed my mind.
“But you’re a good swimmer. Besides they’d never ask us to do something dangerous. There must be a lifeguard on duty.”
“but what if I freeze and die in the water? ”
“Come on, what is a quick dip in water compared to dodging bullets in Afghanistan or Pakistan?”
I kept debating within myself back and forth.
Sure, all the pros were valid reasons to take the plunge. But so were the cons valid reasons not to take it.
“Okay guys… let’s do it.” announced Annie, the Kok floating sauna host, interrupting my thought process.
It was time for the ultimate plunge.
I decided to get on to the floating sauna and make my final decision while in it. After all, even if I didn’t jump into the water, I would still just have a nice time in the Sauna.
After changing into my swim suit, I turned over to Annie with a gazillion questions:
“tell me the truth, how dangerous is this whole ice bath concept? is it safe? what if I get pneumonia?”
“Watch me,” and she dived into the water.
When Annie got back out of the water, I couldn’t help but admire her brevity.
Right there and then, I made up my mind. I am not going to be one of those people to live with regrets or “what could have been?” Imma goin’ do this.
She however gave us a tip that we could warm up in the sauna’s toasty 100C before taking the dip. However, me knowing me — I knew that If I don’t do it now, I may never do it.
“Can I?” I asked.
As soon as I got the nod to jump in, I moved to the edge of the sauna and jumped into the water without a further thought.
To date, I still struggle for words to describe the feeling when my feet first made contact with the harsh cold waters of the Atlantic, and my waist, and then with the rest of my body. I shuddered. It felt like being pricked all over with needles. I think my heart stopped for a few seconds. But before my brain could process what was going on, the feeling quickly changed. It didn’t feel thaaaat cold. I felt an inner warmth and serenity. It was so refreshing and invigorating. But it was time push myself out of the water before its too late. Lest I die. or Catch pneumonia.
I came out of the water with so much joy and sense of accomplishment, and ran into the sauna to warm up.
Just for the record, the air temperature at the time was somewhere around 2°C while the water temperature was somewhere around 1°C or less.
The sheer memory of this moment feels so surreal. That I finally checked off ‘ice bath or ice plunge’ on my 2018 travel bucket list! (I also went cross – country skiing for the first time in my life! You can read all about it here.)
Obviously when I posted the video on Facebook, many people thought I was crazy for jumping into ice water, in a swim suit, in the winter. “Did your heart stop beating?” Kinda. “Won’t you get pneumonia?” Maybe. “Are you normal?” Nope, I refuse to become what they call normal. In hindsight, I don’t for even a split second doubt my decision. Now, if you asked me: would I do this again? ABSOLUTELY! — Actually, I dived back into that ice water another 3 more times in between the sauna sessions. Yea, I enjoyed the thrill of getting into something which could potentially be dangerous – ice water – and getting back out again alive.
Overall I’m just grateful that I took the leap of faith and took the plunge. So if you ever find yourself in Oslo in the winter, I highly recommend that you pass by the KOK sauna and give this a try. Here’s the thing: If I could do it, anyone can.
How about you? Would you dare do something like this? Why or why not?
Before you answer, I dare you to consider this famous Mark Twain quote:
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.Explore. Dream. Discover.”
And I like to apply this quote beyond the ice plunge and into every other sphere of life. Sure, the comfort zone is always a less risky option. But you will never know what awaits you on the other side if you don’t take the leap of faith. I hear you, easier said that done. Of course, but what’s the worst that could happen? The goofy moments will sure make for great stories when you’re 70 and toothless.
