New Year's swim: what to bring for your plunge into cold water
For many people, the New Year's swim is a fixed date: on 1 January they head into the Baltic Sea, the North Sea or a local lake together. The swim itself often lasts only seconds to a few minutes. What really matters is what happens before and after. If you get dry quickly, can change without a changing cabin and have warm clothes within reach, you will start the year far more relaxed. Here is our packing list – with the reason why each item belongs in your bag.
Contents10
- New Year's swim: what to expect on the shore
- The packing list for your New Year's swim
- Changing poncho: your mobile changing room
- Why a hammam towel should still come along
- A bathrobe for the walk from the water to your clothes
- Clothing: loose, warm and in layers
- Warming up after the New Year's swim
- Safety: what to watch out for
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
New Year's swim: what to expect on the shore
Whether it is an organised event with hundreds of people or a small meet-up with friends at the lake, the conditions are almost always similar. The air is cold, there is often wind, and the ground is wet, sandy or frozen. Changing cabins are rare, and where they exist, there are queues. On top of that, your fingers are numb after the swim, and buttons, zips or shoelaces suddenly become a test of patience.
This gives your bag three jobs:
- Get dry fast: Wet skin in the wind feels much colder than dry skin.
- Change in private: Without a cabin you need something to cover you while you get out of your wet swimwear.
- Stay warm: Many people keep feeling cold for quite a while after the swim. Warm clothes and a hot drink should therefore be within reach.
Organised events take place mainly on the coast, for example the New Year's swims in Büsum, on Borkum or in Hamburg, but also at many inland lakes. An organised New Year's swim has advantages: lifeguards are usually on site, the entry point is prepared and there are often hot drinks afterwards. Check the organiser's website beforehand to see whether you need to register and whether there are tents for changing. It makes little difference to your packing – it will still be crowded and cold.
The packing list for your New Year's swim
| What | What for | Our tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hooded changing poncho | Drying off and changing without a cabin | AIR poncho |
| Hammam towel | Something to stand on, drying head and face | Ocean hammam towel, 180 × 100 cm |
| Hooded bathrobe | For the walk from the shore to your warm clothes | Trimita hooded bathrobe Zebra |
| Water shoes | Protection from stones, shells and icy ground | With a firm sole |
| Hat, gloves, thick socks | Head, hands and feet cool down quickly | Right at the top of your bag |
| Comfortable, loose clothing | Easy to put on with cold hands | Joggers, jumper, jacket |
| Vacuum flask with tea | A hot drink straight after the swim | IZY vacuum flask, 500 ml |
| Bag for wet things | Keeps swimwear and towel separate | Waterproof bag |
Changing poncho: your mobile changing room
A changing poncho is the most important item for a New Year's swim. You pull it on, dry yourself underneath, swap your swimwear for dry clothes and stay covered the whole time. The hood keeps your head warm while you change. In our poncho collection you will find various models by WAVE HAWAII. According to the product descriptions, these are particularly interesting for winter:
- AIR poncho: 100 % cotton terry, double-layer hood with high collar and drawstring, large front pocket, approx. 1,300 g.
- FARO changing poncho: 100 % cotton, approx. 1,350 g, double-layer hood and two side pockets where cold hands are well looked after after the swim.
- AirLite poncho CUMBUCO: approx. 850 g and therefore much lighter; according to the manufacturer it is designed for changing temperatures and intended for a "cold dip".
If you are not sure whether a poncho or a bathrobe suits you better, our comparison bathrobe or changing poncho will help.
Why a hammam towel should still come along
The poncho covers you, but an extra towel makes a lot of things easier. Spread an Ocean hammam towel (180 × 100 cm, approx. 400 g, 100 % cotton) on the ground and stand on it while you change. That way you are not standing directly on wet sand, snow or cold stones, and your socks stay clean. Afterwards, use the towel for your hair, face and feet.
The flat weave is an advantage: the towel is light, rolls up small and dries quickly again at home. In our experience at the Meri Sauna, a hammam towel takes about 60 minutes to dry indoors. You will find more hammam towels in our hammam towel collection.
A bathrobe for the walk from the water to your clothes
At larger events there are often a few metres between the water's edge and your bag. A hooded bathrobe is then the quickest protection: throw it on, tie the belt, walk back to your spot. The Trimita hooded bathrobe Zebra is made of three-layer muslin in 100 % Turkish cotton, OEKO-TEX certified, with hood, tie belt and front pockets. It is light and fits easily into a bag. If you bring it, you only need to use the poncho for changing once you are back at your spot.
Clothing: loose, warm and in layers
Tight jeans, tights or boots with lots of eyelets are a struggle after the swim. Clothes you can simply slip into work much better: loose joggers, a jumper and a windproof jacket on top. Several thin layers usually keep you warmer than one thick item, and they are easier to put on. Slip-on shoes save you from tying laces with numb fingers. If you have long hair, tie it up beforehand or pack a small towel for your hair so that no cold water drips down your neck.
Warming up after the New Year's swim
Most participants have the same experience: the cold water is over quickly, the shivering afterwards lasts longer. That is why it pays to have a fixed routine that you go through in your head beforehand.
- Lay everything out: Stack your clothes in the order you will put them on. Hat and socks on top.
- Keep it short: A New Year's swim is about the experience, not endurance. Many people only go in up to their chest and come straight back out.
- Dry off immediately: Head and upper body first, then legs and feet.
- Change under the poncho: Wet swimwear off first, then dry clothes on.
- Hat on, feet warm: Thick socks and sturdy shoes make a big difference.
- Drink something hot and move: Tea from the flask and a walk help you warm up again.
The IZY x Pip Studio vacuum flask La Dolce Vita holds 500 ml, is made of double-walled stainless steel and, according to the manufacturer, keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours. Filled in the morning, your tea will still be warm after the swim.
Safety: what to watch out for
Cold water puts a strain on the body. The following points are considered the usual basic rules for winter swimming:
- Never alone: Always go into the water with someone else. At organised events, lifeguards are usually on site.
- Familiar spots: Only swim where you know the ground and the water depth. No diving in head first.
- Go in slowly: Step by step rather than with a run-up.
- No alcohol: Especially important after New Year's Eve. Save the sparkling wine for later.
- Listen to your body: If it does not feel right, get out immediately.
If you have any health concerns, check with a doctor beforehand whether a swim in cold water is fine for you.
Related reading: New Year's resolution: how to make regular sauna visits stick · Cooling down after a sauna session: fresh air, shower, plunge pool · Ginger tea to go: recipe with fresh ginger for the thermos bottle
Conclusion
On a New Year's swim, preparation makes all the difference. With a poncho for changing, a hammam towel to stand on, a bathrobe for the walk and hot tea in a flask, you will be dry and warm again within minutes. Pack your bag on New Year's Eve, put the clothes in the right order – and enjoy a special start to the year.
Frequently asked questions
Which poncho is suitable for a New Year's swim?
A hooded model made of absorbent cotton with a loose cut, so that you have enough room to change underneath. If you want to carry less weight, choose an AirLite poncho.
Is a hammam towel enough on its own?
For drying off after a short swim, yes. For changing without a cabin, a poncho or bathrobe is much more comfortable.
How long do people stay in the water?
Usually only briefly – often less than a minute. There is no required duration. Get out as soon as it feels unpleasant.
What is the best thing to drink afterwards?
Something hot without alcohol, for example tea from your flask.
What do I do with the wet things?
Put them in a waterproof bag and hang them up as soon as you get home. Let the hammam towel air-dry after washing.
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.