Into the Salty Sea
Images by Morgan Fraser, edited by Brette Little
Morning plunges into the icy ocean waters that surround Salt Spring is a wellness ritual for many locals year-round. This winter, we started to notice a shift, though: more and more people seemed to be diving into the icy waters around the Island, touting the physical and mental benefits of this chilly endeavour. As many of us faced pandemic fatigue, bound to our homes and feeling restricted in our movements, maybe the appeal of the ocean around us called just a little more strongly.
There are many studies that confirm the benefits of cold water swimming or plunging (“cold water” is usually defined by 10-15 degrees Celsius. The winter water temperature average around Salt Spring Island ranges from 5.5-8 degrees Celsius!) Proven benefits include improved cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation, reduction in muscle inflammation, a boost to happiness levels, improved hair and skin health, and can even aid weight loss efforts.
It seems that winter swims in the icy waters at Beddis Beach are practically a rite of passage, if you’ve lived here long enough. We asked why some salty sea swimmers why these cold dips are so nourishing for the mind and body.
“The ocean's vitamins make my body sing. It's not quite orgasmic, but, the tingling feeling is comparable!”
-Naomi Singh, owner of Omja Foods
“My folks got me attempting cold showers when I was young. My Dad credited the invigorating act to benefiting the mind, the nerves and the tightness of one’s skin. The latter likely kept me in the habit into my thirties. However it wasn’t until the pandemic that I jumped on the even-in-winter, Pacific Ocean swim train. Physical and existential burnout got me willing and the thrilling results keep me returning. The practice forces you to accept discomfort, creating neuroplasticity. It’s mood-regulating, painkilling and stress-reducing; benefits I’m happy to dive into!”
-Annika Siemsen, writer, visual artist & owner of the Salty Pear
“When I dive into the ocean, it flips a switch in my brain and my entire nervous system resets. The effect is instant. Covid fatigue, sleep deprivation, seasonal depression...all of it disappears. It’s my biggest healer.”
-Marta McKeever, recording artist
“The ocean is like therapy with instantaneous benefits! It calls me in when I need it most, cooling the flames of my fiery feelings and returning me to a state of peace.”
-Erin Morris, Erin Morris Ceramics & owner of The Pottery Shop + Studio
“Most islanders are too busy to make the beach a priority....this commitment to the cold ocean gives me reverence for where I live.”
-Julie MacKinnon, Julie MacKinnon Ceramics
“I got into it spontaneously. I often trail run near the ocean and the water always looks so inviting so one day last fall I just thought “I should go in” and without missing a beat I stripped down naked and walked straight in. It felt amazing the way it tingles and aches and wakes you up in a way coffee never will. The tingling lingers for hours after and I just drip dry and continue my run to warm up. It’s never been a mindful practice or routine and I never come prepared but now any time the idea occurs to me I leap at it no matter the weather or the audience!”
-Katherine Rachel Watt, Salt Spring Mobile Yoga
My personal story is that, I have always been a “cold” person. Since moving to Salt Spring three years ago, I never swam at Beddis Beach even in the summertime. I don’t like being cold, and getting into cold or cool water (ocean, lake, pool) has always been a mental challenge for me. When I started speaking to this inspiring group of mermaids, seeing them go in the water day in and day out, I used this story as an opportunity to challenge myself to overcome my mental roadblock. Do the things that scare you! I had my first plunge in mid-March, and have been in almost every day since then. It’s energizing and I feel a surge of pride each time, remembering how averse I was to the cold water before. The mental achievement is paramount for me, and if there are additional side benefits - fantastic!
Now, we dare you to find a friend, head to the beach and wade in together. You won’t be sorry.
