THE health impacts of winter swimming extend to the bedroom.
“It’s a great way to boost your chances, your fertility,” says Freyberg Beach mid-winter swim co-organiser Lindy Young.
Young knows because she works at a fertility company.
She says a technique recommended for men looking to fatherhood, is to bathe their testicles in cold water every day.
Young says this is especially good for chefs because they are around hot pots and pans.
Although this is Young’s first mid-winter swim, fellow winter swim organiser Adrian Parkyn has been at it for years.
“I’ve not had those costly winter colds and my wife doesn’t complain much,” laughs Parkyn.
He says the benefits of the cold harbour are well known to a hardy bunch of Wellingtonian’s who regularly swim from Freyberg Beach all year round.  The secret to long life lies in cold water swimming, says Parkyn.
 “There are real health benefits of regular exposure to cold water, and they are they available to normal people without masochistic tendencies.”
For your body, says Parkyn, a sudden and drastic change in temperature constitutes an attack.
“‘Attacking’ your own body may not sound like a good thing, there is no harm in keeping it on its toes. In fact, quite the opposite.”
It’s also a natural high, boosts the immune system, and improves your sex-life by increasing production of testosterone and estrogen in men and women respectively, says Parkyn.
Really, the mid-winter swim is just about having a good time.
“One guy last year wore a three piece suit, with the wetsuit underneath, he really looked the part,” he says.
A Brazilian dancer is to lead the willing in a pre-event warm ups before they take the plunge.
Competitors can take a long or short swim, or just jump in for the spectacle. Last year 100 people took part and Parkyn is expecting about double that number.
The council and radio stations have sponsored the event; spot prizes including gym memberships and a new wetsuit are up for grabs.
Freyberg Beach Mid-winter Swim, June 20