Swimming in Dillenbeck Bay
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Phyl Newbeck
Dec 22, 2025, 2:05:57 PM12/22/25
to VTNordicskating
A group of nine skated Dillenbeck Bay this morning. We found some nice plates of ice, some not-so-great plates, and some wind holes which were very thin and not always easy to find. Three of us found them the old-fashioned way - by falling in. I was one of the three and thought this would be a good time to share some lessons learned.
1. My skating friends are the kindest, most generous, most caring, and most efficient people on the planet.
2. If, like me, you don't wear a drysuit, make sure that the winter bag in your car has everything you need. Mine was lacking a pair of socks but thankfully someone in the group loaned me a pair.
3. When I went through I fell backwards and for some reason, I didn't try to roll over on my stomach but kicked back towards where I fell in and tried to use my elbows to get out. I don't know if this was a good or bad move but it didn't work and I needed assistance.
4. After I caught the throw rope that was sent my way I didn't let go of my poles. In retrospect, that was stupid. I was determined not to lose them but didn't think to throw them onto the ice so I could concentrate on the throw rope. As a result, it took three tries to fully hold onto the rope and in the end I was physically pulled out.
5. Once off the ice, my friends gathered around me, stood me on a towel, and then undressed and redressed me with incredible efficiency. After I refused the offer of a ride, they insisted that I stop driving at Hero's Welcome to make sure I was okay to make it home the rest of the way. All of this just re-enforces the idea that we should never - particularly early in the season - skate alone.
6. I was lucky that my car key fob and phone survived the swim but from now on, I will keep them in plastic bags to make sure.
7. I was given a pair of hand warmers for the drive home and they felt really good against my wet skin. From now on, I'll keep some in the csr.
8.
My skating friends are the kindest, most generous, most caring, and most efficient people on the planet.
-Phyl
Matt Steinberg
Dec 22, 2025, 3:05:29 PM12/22/25
to Phyl Newbeck, VTNordicskating
Hi Phyl,
Thank you for sharing this post and your experience. I was a participant in a less than voluntary cold plunge on Lake Morey yesterday. I had skated over 42 miles on Morey over the previous 2 days crossing all manner of thin ice and hazards and thought I knew every bit of the lake. I was skating with my friend who is new to wild skating this year and dropped behind her to take a few pictures. Skating into the glaring sun she did not recognize the tongue of thin ice extending out from a wind hole. We were about 10 feet apart and she broke through. I then fell into the same hole. Since there was strong ice in front of us, we both tossed our poles forward and she quickly pulled out her picks and dug them into the ice. Once she pulled up on the shelf I pushed her from behind and she was quickly out and rolled a few times to thick ice. I then pulled out my picks and quickly self extracted. We were both in drysuits and it really does make a world of difference. I almost exclusively skate in a drysuit now. We skated down to the Inn, sat on the stairs and drained our boots and skates while getting out spare gloves and pullovers. We then put on the new gloves and got our skates back on and skated for several more hours. It was a minor inconvenience with the drysuits on. I recently got in a discussion with a Swedish guide who said they do not use drysuits and ban members of their club from using them. He gave reasons such as them being a hassle or uncomfortable and they do a lot of portaging. I have hiked 50 miles and 15 thousand vertical feet up mountains looking for early season ice this Fall, a lot of it in a dry suit and was never particularly uncomfortable, so portaging is easy. I also asked him if they have a single full change of clothes with them, what happens if they go in twice? I have skated with people who have gone in twice in one day. I know there are significant costs involved, especially now but other than that I do not see a downside. I do not think that drysuits condone riskier behavior or make you invincible, far from it, but they do allow you to have more reaction time, extra peace of mind, and can in some circumstances take a scenario like we had yesterday and make what could otherwise be a disaster or very bad situation and make it a minor inconvenience. I know many may disagree, especially those who have never swam but I am a big proponent of them now as long as you have the means and understand and acknowledge the limitations. Just my thoughts and I welcome any responses.
Thanks,
Matt
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diana hanks
Dec 22, 2025, 3:34:01 PM12/22/25
to Matt Steinberg, Phyl Newbeck, VTNordicskating
Matt,
All I can say is, I am glad I am not in Sweden! I won’t skate without a drysuit. I think it’s rather snobby to not allow people to wear a dry suit. The only rules ever made should be in the name of safety and disallowing a safety device is asinine. They have beautiful skating there but, it’s not for me.
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Matt Steinberg
Dec 22, 2025, 3:43:13 PM12/22/25
to diana hanks, Phyl Newbeck, VTNordicskating
I will add this was only one guide and his specific club so I don't know if it reflects the wider view but this one in particular was quite adamant and said the club members agreed. I wonder if they are aware of the relatively light and flexible "semi-dry suit" style we all seem to use. To me with a neoprene neck, I find equally comfortable to other winter gear and don't have to worry about waterproof or rain proof clothing for the wet days.
Laura Bonk
Dec 22, 2025, 5:58:23 PM12/22/25
to Matt Steinberg, diana hanks, Phyl Newbeck, VTNordicskating
I lost both poles when I fell in January 2021.
Glad everyone is safe. I don't like to wear my dry suit. Too uncomfortable. I carry a back pack with a dry bag inside holding a change of clothes including a light down jacket. Lots of blankets in my car always.
I was pulled out.
Laura
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