Ice world champions: how winter swimming is developing in Pskov

So, let’s just point it out: if you go to the pool (or spa) in winter, then this does not make you an expert in winter swimming. Winter swimming is a special kind of sport. They are practiced outdoors, in water with a temperature of -2 degrees Celsius to +15. Interestingly, competitions can take place not just in cold water, but in water with an admixture of ice sludge and / or snow (well, do you already have goosebumps?).

As explained to the correspondent of “MK in Pskov” Chairman of the Winter Swimming Federation of the Pskov Region Mark MordovtsevThe winter swimming season lasts all year round. It starts November 1st and ends October 31st. The main thing is that the water temperature is normal (in fact, in northern countries and regions, winter swimming can be organized even in summer).

Pskov athlete Mark Mordovtsev considers the most favorable weather to be a slight frost in the air (from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius), water temperature from 0 to +2 degrees and calm.

However, the most important starts of the season take place from December to April – these are the stages of the Russian Cup, the Russian Championship, the stages of the World Cup and the World Championship. In the 2022-2023 season, our athletes managed to prove themselves at eight stages of the Russian Cup in Blagoveshchensk, Ufa, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Miass, Krasnoyarsk and Crimea, as well as in the Khabarovsk Territory.

Also among the central events are the championship and championship of Russia and international cups of the commonwealth of the state (they are held in St. Petersburg and the Belarusian city of Brest). World Championships usually take place every two years.

And no insulation!

Low water temperature is one of the main, but not the only difference between winter swimming and classical swimming. Mark Mordovtsev emphasized that the ambient air temperature varies greatly during classical swimming in the pool and its winter types. So, in the pool, the temperature is maintained at about +30 degrees, and on the street – from -40 degrees and above (here it depends on the weather forecast). Winter swimming competitions most often take place not in comfortable and warm pools, but directly on the ice of a reservoir or in the coastal strip.

Of particular interest is the equipment of athletes: during normal open water swimming, wetsuits are allowed, but in winter swimming they (like any warm clothing) are prohibited.

Get fit, be healthy!

Since ancient times, Soviet films, programs and songs have urged us to temper ourselves in order to be healthy, strong, athletic, and so on. Hardening has become especially relevant for lovers of winter swimming.

Even the lack of a material base and special hardening centers does not stop athletes: every weekend they go to hardening training. Running, warming up, GPP and SFP – after several sets of exercises, excited athletes dive into the river. Anyone who wants to join a healthy lifestyle can find out all the detailed information in the group of the regional federation of winter swimming.

“I myself train 3 times a week in the pool – I work out technique, speed, endurance, strength, speed. 2-3 more times a week in an ice hole or on a river I train cold endurance, resistance to cold stress, thermogenesis. If there is an opportunity to swim, then I work out the main distances. Plus, a daily cold shower in the morning, it gives a good hardening effect, energy and cheerfulness for the whole day, ”said Chairman of the Federation Mark Mordovtsev.

World champion and record holder

Perhaps the most important thing in any sport is a professional coach, an experienced leader, a wise mentor. This is exactly what Mark Mordovtsev is – the world champion and record holder.

Mark has over 20 years of experience in swimming, and specifically in winter swimming – 6 years. His sports career began in elementary school, in the classes at the SDYUSSHOR in swimming “Bars”. At first he was trained by Nadezhda Flotskaya, after that by Gennady Fedoseev. The next step was studying at the Lesgaft State University in St. Petersburg.

“During my student years, a friend from my senior year told me about winter swimming. In 2017, my friend and I took part for the first time in regional winter swimming competitions, which were held near the Peter and Paul Fortress on the Neva River. The first competitions were very difficult for me – I am of a thin physique and have been hard to endure the cold since childhood. The following year, 2017-2018, I gradually and systematically hardened, joined the Neva Walrus walrus community and attended hardening training, ”I recalled Mark Mordovtsev.

And the systematic work on himself brought results: already in 2018, Mark Mordovtsev went to the World Championships in Tallinn for the first time and immediately won bronze at a distance of 50 meters.

“To go down into cold water every time is to overcome yourself. It is important to temper not only on the sports track, but also in everyday life. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle also help,” the swimmer added.

Pskov swim

By the way, Pskov was also supposed to have its own “Ice swim”, on December 3rd. Our unstable winter and the ban on going out on the ice prevented the competition. So much the better – fans of extreme swims will have even more time to prepare. According to the Winter Swimming Federation, the competition is scheduled for the time when the ice on Velikaya is completely melted.

And if you have already decided to join the ranks of athletes, go straight … to the clinic. Before classes, you must consult a therapist, take tests (to identify hidden diseases) and get admission to classes.

And you should not plunge into the hole on your own – it can be done correctly and without harm to health only under the supervision of trainers. Another important clarification: athletes over 18 are invited to training in Pskov.

Walruses or swimmers?

And finally, a question that will dot the i’s. Are winter swimming and winter swimming one and the same or, after all, completely different things?

Mark Mordovtsev explains: winter swimming and cold water hardening involve short-term immersion in low-temperature water, but during swimming, athletes overcome distances for a while. In addition, if walruses just love swimming in icy water, then swimmers after the swim are sure to warm themselves with tea from the inside and a sauna outside.

One thing unites both athletes and walruses: these people do not get sick at all. Almost never, said the athlete.

“Although I consider myself an athlete, not a walrus, my mascot is a small plush walrus. It, like the flag of Pskov, I carry with me to all competitions. But I don’t think any swimmer would be offended by being called a walrus. Many come to winter swimming from winter swimming,” added the swimmer.

What is the hardest part of winter swimming, you ask? No, not hardening and not following a regular training regimen. The most difficult thing for the guys burning with love for their sport is to find sponsors who would support this healthy undertaking and help with the organization of competition training, the purchase of equipment and equipment.

To join the ranks of athletes, help or support the federation with offers, write to e-mail [email protected] or in group messages.