You were waiting for this, right? We certainly were. We've missed you, the winter river, and our shared gatherings. The first Sunday has arrived, and we're opening the ninth edition of the Wisła District Winter Swimming School. Basic information remains unchanged: - Sunday 10:00 – that's how we've been meeting for years, and we know you already have it in your calendar. There are also some interesting new features: for the first time, we're moving to the Saska Kępa beach. It's time to visit a new district and experience the chill of the southern Praga sand. For the location of our cycle of 6 outdoor events for the Sunday school, we've chosen one of the best-prepared and most attractive riverside spots in Warsaw. Why Saska Kępa? Saska Kępa beach combines natural and scenic values, is easily accessible by public transport, and has extensive recreational infrastructure. The nearby playground and bonfire spots will appeal to both younger and older participants of our shared swims. The large sandy shore and greenery of the riverside forest create an atmosphere conducive to activity in the spirit of closeness to nature. The new location provides everyone with: - safe, shallow entry into the water, suitable for group winter swimming - convenient access by public transport, bike, or walking along recreational paths - access to sanitary facilities and a container with a hot shower - paved walkways and proximity to recreational areas (water equipment rental, playground, food services) The Wisła District Winter Swimming School safely, visually attractively, and logistically conveniently promotes a healthy lifestyle and active time by the Vistula all year round. The new place will slightly change and enrich the annual event. Above all, it increases the safety and comfort of participants of the Wisła District Winter Swimming School 2025. This season, our motto is: “Happy cold – swim consciously in the Wisła District” 📅 EVENT SCHEDULE: - 10:00 – registration of winter swimming participants - 10:00 – 13:00 – sauna - 10:00 – 13:00 – bonfire - 10:10 – beach cleaning - 10:30 – 12:30 – breathing/drumming workshops (23.11; 07 and 21.12) - 10:30 – 12:30 – boat cruises (23.11; 14 and 21.12) - 10:30 – training in conscious contact with cold and safe winter swimming - 11:00 – entry into the water – winter swimming - 11:00 – 12:00 – food zone – winter tea and warming soup Of course, each of our meetings will be preceded by a joint cleaning of the Vistula banks. We want to give back to the river for a beautiful season and do something good. All involved will receive prizes in the form of posters by Ola Jasionowska. Special souvenirs for the most persistent. Traditionally, for everyone who joins us for the entire cycle, we have the Winter Swimmer Card, a participant's stamp card. And as always, a fully stamped card means a prize. What do we plan this season: In addition to classic cold-water swims, we've prepared several shared attractions to bring joy and enrich not only Sundays but the whole weekend by the Vistula. This season, we have specially prepared zones for you. Preparation and regeneration zone: - two changing rooms (men's and women's) with non-slip flooring - clothing racks and technical area The space will allow safe preparation for winter swimming and regeneration after the bath. Changing rooms will be properly marked and located near the swimming zone, ensuring easy access and user comfort. Winter swimming zone: Located directly by the Vistula shore, in a place with safe water access. We've planned entry and exit corridors. All for your convenience. The safety of participants will be overseen by water rescuers from the Capital WOPR equipped with a motorboat and a team of medical rescuers. Traditionally, we expect the company of the motorized patrol of the City Guard and River Police. Preparation for the group entry will be led by a qualified instructor at the swimming zone. Food and relaxation zone: Near the changing rooms and swimming zone, there will be a food zone where participants can warm up, eat and drink something hot, share experiences and smiles, and most importantly, integrate. As always, you can count on winter tea and our legendary soups, which will of course have a meatless version. Tents will have tables and benches, air heaters, and a nearby fire pit for roasting whatever you like best. An integral part of each event is the integration bonfire. You can warm up by it, and singing, music-making, and sharing experiences are not excluded. Sticks for self-roasting will be available by the fire. As always, you can bring your own food. Look for the bonfire in the relaxation zone. Additional activity zone: At the ends of the beaches, there will be workshop and animation zones, including: - drumming workshops and jam session "Poprzeszkadzaj Trochę" led by the group's founder, Honorata Kożuchowska. - floating sauna on the largest wooden Vistula boat Dar Mazowsza – fans of year-round cruises, winter baths, and outdoor saunas will reach the beach from Czerniakowski Port by the Dar Mazowsza boat. - as part of the cycle, there will be breathing and relaxation workshops led by certified instructors. Twice during the cycle, participants will have the opportunity to take part in classes conducted by Olga Lipczyńska, including: ➡︎ conscious breathing techniques supporting preparation for cold water; ➡︎ relaxation and regeneration exercises helping to return to comfort after winter swimming; Winter Recreation Zone of the Wisła District: During each event, a mobile sauna will be available for winter swimmers on Saska Kępa beach. Rules and registration will take place on site. Prepare an extra set of towels, flip-flops, and a good mood. On three selected dates, including the final event, the Vistula wellness zone will be expanded to include a hot tub. At the final event, two saunas and a hot tub will be available. We expect more participants. Come join us. Additionally, in this zone, those participating in our shared splashing will have the opportunity to use a photo wall for winter swimming sessions. We want you to capture and share your memories from the Vistula with us. Sightseeing cruises on the Vistula: During three events in the cycle, sightseeing cruises on the Vistula will be organized, using a traditional Vistula boat, and as you know, the city passenger fleet is a permanent element of our events. Don't worry. The vessel will be adapted to specific weather conditions. Passengers will be protected from wind and cold. Each time, we plan 6 cruises of 20 minutes each. Conscious Winter Swimmers Club – Saturday lectures: In addition to the six main events on Saska Kępa beach, we've also planned a cycle of three educational lectures by experts. On three Saturdays: 29.11, 13.12, 20.12. - Number of participants: 35 people - Prior registration required: https://wodnawarszawa.pl - Duration of each lecture: 90 minutes - Format: lecture with discussion and Q&A session Topics will include: - basics of cold contact physiology, - mental preparation for winter swimming, - health contraindications, - conscious breathing and regeneration after winter swimming Participants of the lectures will be provided with tea and sweet snacks. We care about friendly and attractive meetings in a pleasant atmosphere, which will be a new formula for knowledge exchange. Thanks to this new element, the Wisła District Winter Swimming School will gain an additional educational and social dimension, and will also enable beginners to prepare for their first entry into the water. We'll have another reason to meet by the Vistula. We'd like this element of our weekend meetings to become the beginning of building a community – the Conscious Winter Swimmers Club. Winter Kayak Trips: As part of the activities accompanying the School, three times we'll invite you to try winter kayaking and SUP. Of course, on the Vistula and under the care of commander Jan Oniśko. Remember: - We provide 12 vessels (1- or 2-person kayaks and SUP boards). - To participate in the trip, prior registration is required: https://kajakwstolicy.pl/splywy-zimowe-2025/ - Planned route: Saska Kępa beach – Czerniakowski Port – Rusałka beach. - Duration: about 60 minutes. - Participants can choose their vessel. The trips will be educational and recreational. We want to convince you that the Wisła District has great potential all year round. We constantly aspire to become a space for year-round urban activity. A special guest, co-host, and chairman of the council will be expert and master of cold-water swimming, Dr. Eng. Valerjan Romanovski, a recognized specialist in research on body resilience and conscious exposure to cold. Affectionately called Cold Man in the community. This year's event is based on the idea of conscious winter swimming – as a practice strengthening immunity, supporting mental and physical well-being, and building a community around the Vistula as a natural space for urban activity. Our goal remains to create a safe, educational, and inspiring space for contact with cold, where participants, under the guidance of experts, can learn about the physiological and mental aspects of exposure to low temperatures. This season, not only recreation but also knowledge – we'll combine the experience of winter swimming practitioners with scientific knowledge about the human body's response to cold. Dr. Romanovski is known in both scientific and sports circles – he has over 25 research projects and several world and Guinness records in extreme conditions (ice, snow, water, low temperature). He is the author of books: “Winter Swimming”, “Cold Therapy”, “My Road to the Record”. You can meet him at lectures and trainings for medical rescuers, instructors, and universities (AWF Kraków, Kraków University of Technology). The expert conducts training and research activities in Sopot.
