The Best Cold Water Swimming Books of 2022
This year has seen more cold water swimmers putting pen to paper than ever before. We have put together a list of our favourite books that were published this year.
Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure by Mark Harper, MD, PhD.
Until recently there was very little scientific evidence behind the positive benefits of cold water immersion despite plenty of anecdotal reports. This is now starting to change and the book by Mark Harper, MD, PhD. takes us through how swimming in cold water can affect us physiologically and mentally. The book combines neuroscience, case studies, results from the laboratory and stories of patients and helps to guide safe and customised practice of cold water immersion.
The Art of Wild Swimming Ireland by Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan
After the success of The Art of Wild Swimming England & Wales and The Art of Wild Swimming Scotland, Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan have joined forces again to introduce us to people who are passionate about swimming outdoors in Ireland. The book features pools, rugged coastline and loughs in Ireland and Northern Ireland whilst encouraging safe and responsible swimming.
Winter Swimming by Dr Susanna Søberg
This beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world shows how it can have a significant positive impact on our physical and mental health, confidence and well-being. Danish scientist Dr Susanna Soberg leads you step by step into the icy water and explains the ‘cold-shock response’. Not only do our circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond positively, but our immune system, metabolism and mental health as well.
The Outdoor Swimmers' Handbook by Kate Rew
Kate Rew, founder of The Outdoor Swimming Society has written a captivating book revealing everything you need to know to explore rivers, lakes, seas and estuaries. This beautifully produced book in red hardback with stunning illustrations and photography is suitable for people thinking of dipping their toe in the water for the first time or a handy reference point for more experienced swimmers.
The Cold Fix by Sara Barnes
Based in Cumbria, Sara took to the tarns, river pools and lakes and developed an appreciation of being immersed in nature and the water. In her book, The Cold Fix she tells of her first tentative steps into the cold water. Sara meets with other swimmers from around the world who are hooked on cold water immersion and she tries to find out what is it about cold water that proves irresistible to an increasing number of people?
Sara is passionate about her local water spots and earlier in the year wrote a guest blog for us about the importance of bio-security.
Wild Swimming Walks Lake District by Pete Kelly
A 2022 addition to the Wild Swimming Walks book collection. Pete Kelly guides you through 28 adventures in the Lake District to find waterfalls, mountain tarns and rivers. The book includes local history and legends.
Other Wild Swimming Walks Books include:
Wild Swimming Walks Dartmoor and South Devon by Sophie Pierce and Matt Newbury
Wild Swimming Walks Dorset and East Devon by Sophie Pierce,
Wild Swimming Walks Cornwall by Sophie Pierce and Matt Newbury
Wild Swimming Walks by Train from London by Margaret Dickinson.
If this list of our favourite wild swimming books of 2022 has whetted your appetite for more inspiration on paper, you may want to take a look at our earlier Waterblog of recommended books by people who love swimming outdoors.
Waterblog: Recommended Reads for Wild Swimmers.
Enjoy!
