Markku Lahdesmaki - Winter Swimming Gallery
Markku Lahdesmaki01Avanto is a national past-time in Finland. It literally means “hole in the ice” in the Finnish language.
Markku Lahdesmaki02Bathers swim in winter, between November and March, when temperatures reach as low as negative 35 degrees.
Markku Lahdesmaki03They claim winter swimming brings health benefits—both mental and physical.
Markku Lahdesmaki04Photographer Markku Lahdesmaki came across this scene while visiting Rauhaniemi beach on Nasijarvi Lake a few Januaries ago.
Markku Lahdesmaki05He was surprised to find a couple dozen people swimming in a hole in the ice.
Markku Lahdesmaki06The swimmers allowed Lahdesmaki to photograph them, under the condition he would join them after he finished.
Markku Lahdesmaki07He took pictures with a Leica M240. “It looks like a vintage 35 mm camera and it doesn’t scare people as much as my bigger Canon cameras,” he says.
Markku Lahdesmaki08The swimmers spent time in a nearby sauna between dips.
Markku Lahdesmaki09Though Lahdesmaki wore a heavy winter coat and gloves, his fingers still went numb.
Markku Lahdesmaki10When he finished shooting, Lahdesmaki borrowed a pair of swimming trunks and got in.
Markku Lahdesmaki11Though getting in the water didn't feel good, getting out was an incredible rush.
Markku Lahdesmaki12Lahdesmaki did it six times. “The first is a shock,” he says. “The second shocking too. But when you’ve done it a few times it gets easier. Your circulation kicks in and your body starts to warm up.”
Markku Lahdesmaki13He’s now a convert. “I am recommending this to everyone visiting Scandinavia during the winter time,” he says.
Markku Lahdesmaki14Because who needs a tropical beach when you can have a hole in the ice?
