Time for Ice Swimming!
The traditional season opening hosted by the ice swimmers’ club brought together nearly 70 hardening enthusiasts. After warmup exercises and fun starts, these strong and cheerful people took to the ice hole for a swim, and some even introduced their children to this unusual yet healthy lifestyle.
Winter Landscapes
On the first day of winter, the Green Island Park captivates with its Siberian scenery
Fresh, clean snow has transformed everything around
In this overcast weather, every shot looks like an engraving
Perhaps only birds can add a splash of color to the natural palette
The temperature around −10°C is perfect for contemplative walks
And amid all this quiet beauty, the first athletes appear!
Warmup
Club leader Evgeny Zhitnov calls everyone to line up
The ice swimmers, ready for anything, are looking forward to a great day
There are quite a few women among the participants
The mascot of the hardening enthusiasts is popular with both guests and the main heroes of the day
Evgeny Zhitnov asks the newcomers to raise their hands
At a rough count, more than ten people decided to join the club this season
A short jog is announced
Next comes the warmup: the Father Frost team demonstrates simple exercises
How much you enjoy the cold‑water dip depends on how well your muscles are warmed up
Snow Maiden isn’t just a fairy‑tale character — she is also a model athlete
Some exercises require pairing up
Maybe the swimmers’ example will inspire someone watching from a distance
Many proudly wear T‑shirts designed for the club’s 55th anniversary
The next milestone anniversary is still three years away
Still, every year brings both landmark events and regular training sessions
Relays are also an essential part of the season’s opening
Riding on inflatable tubes lifts the mood not just for kids, but for adults too
It’s especially joyful when your team nails it
No warmup would feel complete without a tug‑of‑war
By the way, this was an Olympic sport about a hundred years ago!
After the first round, the losing team asked for a rematch — and got one
A musical greeting was prepared by guests from Kormilovka village
A group photo brings together beginners and seasoned ice swimmers
Evgeny Zhitnov has been inspiring the crowd for over half a century
Ice Swimming: Newcomers and Kids
It’s time to move on to the water activities — first, clearing away the thin fresh ice
The newcomers go in first, cheered on by the rest of the group
Their impressions are overwhelmingly positive
On your first time, you don’t have to swim: just stepping into the water is enough
This crucial moment calls for full focus
If you enjoy the first sensations, the allure of ice swimming will stay with you forever
Some beginners even find the courage to let go of the ladder for a short while
It’s hard to find a comparison that truly captures the experience
With a mom and grandma like that, no illness stands a chance!
Some people doubt right up to the last second that they’ll be able to overcome themselves
But in a moment, the water no longer feels so hostile
The key is to get dressed quickly after the swim and reflect on the experience in the warmth
For children, pouring water over themselves is generally the most suitable form of hardening
The level of cold exposure is increased gradually, so the process stays enjoyable
Onlookers try to capture the most touching moments on camera
Surprisingly, there are quite a lot of kids here today
Curiosity meets uncertainty — but mom is right there to provide backup
Looks like everything went exactly as planned!
Experienced Ice Swimmers
Now it’s time for the professionals’ demonstration performances in ice swimming
Their speeds are off the charts
Watching the grace of the masters’ movements is a pleasure in itself
The Omsk team regularly brings home dozens of medals from all‑Russian championships
For many of these athletes, summer swimming even starts to feel uninteresting
Covering 25 meters in an ice hole takes character — and years of training
Some swimmers are too fast to even remember their faces
Others stay practically incognito thanks to their essential gear
These are the people who actively promote a healthy lifestyle
The experienced amateurs’ swims unfold in an atmosphere of calm and tranquility
They feel confident in the water but aren’t chasing records
Their genuine joy at simply being able to swim in winter is instantly recognizable
Every ice swimmer could probably use a personal “squire”
A long‑standing friendship connects the hardening enthusiasts from Omsk and Kormilovka
The villagers try to come to the city on weekends to take a dip in the Irtysh river
Regular club members join in wishing all like‑minded people well
You can really see this athlete clearly only at the start — because she’s wearing flippers!
Flippers mean speed: they require more effort and better train the heart and lungs
Free swimming has been going on for half an hour now
A peaceful December swim — what could be more beneficial for body and soul?
There’s enough space in the ice hole for several people at once
You’d be hard‑pressed to meet a gloomy or withdrawn ice swimmer
All ice‑water enthusiasts are incredibly open and cheerful
And how could it be otherwise for people who’ve turned all summer fun into winter activities?
Once people find their place in ice swimming, many stay with the club for decades
Among friends who share the passion, little playful quirks are easily forgiven
Together, they make winter swimming an appealing sport and pastime
Snowy Park
An hour later, the ice hole is empty, but the frost‑covered trees still look like a fairy tale
After seeing all this, you’ll want to embrace the bench’s motto: “An Omsk resident can handle anything!”
The final walk through the park invites some philosophical reflection
So, what’s stronger: the awe inspired by the frosty beauty of nature…
…or the admiration for the human spirit that conquers ice and cold?
Perhaps the answer will come at the next Omsk ice swimmers’ events!
