An icy pond is the perfect spot for a cold plunge (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

Various friends of mine are avid “cold plungers.” I like to call it “swimming in the Adirondacks.” I’ve attended one such gathering, which took place on the icy bank of a river. My friend researched the perfect place. We needed some open water without a current, a bit of beach to leave our clothes, and lots of laughter. We easily found all three.

All sorts of fancy gadgets are being sold specifically for cold plunging, such as dedicated ice baths and cooling tubs. One can even fill a bathtub with ice or snow to gradually progress to plunging in the wild.

Before my inaugural plunge, I checked in with a friend who consistently swims in the ocean. Did she have any suggestions for a first-time dipper? I understand her Arctic swim conditions were different, and I also planned on a plunge, not a swim. All information is good information. She wears a wetsuit, water shoes, and a neoprene swim cap. She shares her location with someone on land and goes with a group. After her swim, she uses a towel, bathrobe, and socks and then enjoys a thermos full of hot chocolate with her party. A wetsuit and swim cap seemed extreme for my needs, but I fully embraced her other ideas.

My son touts the benefits of cold plunging for sports recovery. I encourage him to just roll around our backyard. According to the Mayo Clinic, cold water therapy reduces inflammation and muscle soreness. The cooling and rewarming help the body act like a pump to boost circulation and improve the immune system. Cold exposure can trigger endorphins, which may reduce stress, improve mood, boost energy levels, and improve focus.

Whether you are an avid plunger or a novice, please be careful of the changing Adirondack temperatures. Spring conditions are here, though intermittently. Spring melt and run-off make rivers and streams dangerous. Ice on lakes may look solid, but conditions change rapidly. Please proceed with caution with any activity involving the water. Consult a doctor if you have any health concerns.

I’m glad I went through with it. I did get in and out of the water so quickly that, to the untrained eye, it may have looked like I walked on water. Perhaps I did. Would I go again? Yes, but only for the company and maybe just during summer. Stay safe and enjoy spring!