Bathing in the middle of winter, an incomprehensible self-imposed torture? It is however a tradition dating back several centuries in Europe, where many clubs exist to allow group activity and in a safe manner. With the popularization of Dutchman Wim Hof’s personal development techniques, based on mindful breathing exercises and cold acclimatization, the activity is now taking its place in Quebec. Everywhere, groups of bathers are joining forces to dig and maintain holes, help new enthusiasts and practice the activity as safely as possible.
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Blocks cut with an ice saw are removed from a lake. “The ice breakers” meet every Sunday in an easily accessible but kept secret lake, because it is private. This is one of the challenges for cold water enthusiasts: finding a public, legal, accessible and safe place. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Martin Brunet uses an ice saw to reopen the hole that has closed since the last outing, while Ricardo Pan Neves removes the blocks from the swimming area. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Ricardo Pan Neves opens the day of swimming with a dip in water at 0.5°C. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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A water polo player and whitewater swimming enthusiast, swimming in cold water is a way for Neves to connect with nature. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Three bathers share the hole drilled in the ice. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Manon Lévesque swims in cold water. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Florence Auger is about to dive. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Nicolas Knap lets himself float in the icy water. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Nicolas Knap emerges from a small hole in the side of the swimming area. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Adele Luthi-Maire ventures out on a sea lion-style outing after swimming. Of French origin, she has already bathed in Europe in waters at 8°C, but it was a first for her in Quebec in water at less than 1°C. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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Martin Brunet arrives to relax in the freezing water. He prefers to stay for at least 20 minutes without moving rather than swimming. Francis Vachon Le Devoir
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