It's hard to resist the sun's rays in the winter part of the year, and the biggest super fans can't wait for that day to come. Despite the nice weather, the water is still ice cold, so read 7 practical tips for swimming in winter.
1. Stay close to land
Whether you're surfing on a lake, river or sea, always stay close to land . Cold air means cold water, and hypothermia occurs in just a few minutes in the event of a fall. Swimming in cold water is very difficult, in addition to shock and possible convulsions, you may not get very far, so we recommend that you never go more than 4 meters from land in winter .2. Use a safety line
A safety lanyard has a purpose and can really save your life in the winter. If you fall into the water, the shock sets in, and before you realize that you have to get out of the water or back on land as soon as possible, your vulture can be several meters away from you. Even the most experienced paddlers should always wear a safety line, not only in winter, it is also reasonable to consider a safety line for the oar . If you don't have it yet, order it here .
3. Wear suitable waterproof clothing
We have already written a lot about waterproof clothing. Although the sun's rays and paddling can warm you up nicely, the water is still cold. Use waterproof clothes that will keep you dry, and dress like an onion underneath. And don't forget a hat, waterproof socks, shoes and gloves, and most importantly, a life jacket .4. Check the weather forecast and currents
Although the weather is unpredictable at any time of the year, the risk of mistakes is much greater in winter. Even a couple of clouds in the sky or a small change in the direction of the wind can give you a lot of headaches, so always check the weather forecast - wind, temperature and cloudiness - before you head out in winter. If you swim on the river, always check the water level and flow .5. Blow only on water
Where else could you go to sleep, you ask yourself now? Smaller and stagnant bodies of water often freeze in winter, creating patches of ice on the surface that can damage your fish. Although it may look fragile, ice can be sharp, heavy and unpredictable. And even if your sup is made with the best double-layer technology, it's not worth exposing it to unnecessary damage or falling into water.Another obstacle in the water can be vegetation that sticks out of the water at low water levels . If you've ever paddled on Lake Cerkniška or a river arm, you probably know what we're talking about. The fact that the vegetation is looking out of the water means that the surface is lowering, thanks to which you can quickly stay on dry land.
6. Don't forget your watch
There is nothing better than enjoying a calm sunny day on the water. However, don't forget that in winter the sun sets earlier and quickly , so plan your return well so that you can return after daylight. Check the weather forecast and sunset before every winter hike, in case of cloudy weather it gets dark a little earlier. Also, think about cleaning the soup, even if you get to the shore in time, it can happen that you will clean the soup in the dark.7. Do not breathe alone
We know that the opportunity to snorkel alone in the tranquility and peace of nature is the most beautiful thing, but we still do not recommend solo snorkeling in winter. Always go on the water in company, because you never know what can go wrong . Before entering one, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return , and be sure to take your phone with you.