Winter Swimmers Revel in the Chill at Vermont’s Memphremagog Lake – Sky Bulletin
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Amidst the icy waters of a northern Vermont lake, hardy swimmers congregate for the thrill and camaraderie of winter swimming. The Memphremagog Winter Swimming Festival, now in its 10th year, began with a flurry of excitement as participants took on the 200-meter freestyle event in a pool carved from the ice.
The festival has a joyful start. On the day before the races, swimmers donned whimsical hats for a lap, setting a convivial tone. Andie Nelson, an avid swimmer from Arlington, Virginia, was exhilarated by the unique hat competition, stating it’s the peak of her year and a source of immense joy.
The spirit of the event is rooted in fellowship, according to attendees, as much as it is in the challenge of submerging in frigid waters.
Long-time rivals, Ted Hirsch of Boston and Ed Gabriels of Germantown, New York, added to the competitive spirit, with Gabriels taking the lead in the 200-meter freestyle this year.
A group from Canton, Ohio, showcasing a range of ages, has made the trip to Vermont for four consecutive years. Known as the Buckeye Bluetits, they find the event unparalleled for its fun atmosphere and sense of community.
Defined by the International Winter Swimming Association, winter swimming occurs in water temperatures at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The Memphremagog festival is notable for its extreme conditions, boasting some of the coldest waters for such a competition globally.
Phil White of Kingdom Games highlights that the water at the event is an icy 30.5 degrees Fahrenheit, describing it as “totally cold” and among the chilliest for winter swimming. The location is also unique in that it hosts the only competitive 25-meter ice pool in the Americas.
Participants, cloaked in robes, are escorted across the ice and disrobe just before entering the water. Post-swim, they are quickly wrapped in towels and taken to a warming area. The event draws an international crowd, with swimmers traveling from as far as England and Mexico.
Nelson shares her excitement and the challenges such as minor water inhalation, but maintains that the experience remains enjoyable.
FAQ Section
- What is winter swimming?
- Winter swimming is defined as swimming in water at 41 Fahrenheit (5 Celsius) or below.
- Where is the Memphremagog Winter Swimming Festival held?
- The festival is held at a frozen lake in Newport, Vermont, near the Canadian border.
- What makes the Memphremagog festival unique?
- The Memphremagog festival features some of the coldest waters for winter swimming in the world and boasts the only competitive 25-meter ice pool in the Americas.
- How many participants attended the event?
- The 10th annual festival saw 180 swimmers participate.
- Where do participants come from?
- Swimmers come from diverse locations including Mexico, England, California, Arizona, Texas, the Northeastern U.S., and British Columbia.
Conclusion
The Memphremagog Winter Swimming Festival continues to be a beacon for winter swimming enthusiasts, uniting individuals from every corner of the world. Despite the piercing cold temperatures, the warm spirit of friendship and competition thrives in the icy waters of Vermont’s lake. The unique event not only challenges the physical limits of the participants but also fosters a close-knit community bound by their love for the unconventional sport.
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