Uniora

If you have walked past a lake, river, or the Baltic Sea in Poland between November and March, you have likely seen something confusing. It’s freezing cold, perhaps snowing, and yet there is a group of people stripping down to their swimwear, wearing nothing but hats and gloves, laughing as they march into the icy water.

Don't worry — they haven't lost their minds. They are "Morsy" (Walruses), and joining them might just be the best way to survive — and actually enjoy — your first Polish winter.

What is 'Morsowanie'?

Morsowanie (Winter Swimming) is a massive trend in Poland. It isn't just an extreme sport for adrenaline junkies; it is a beloved national pastime for people of all ages, from teenagers to grandmothers.

For a migrant building a life here, the winter can be tough. The days are short, the sun is rare, and the temperature drops. The Polish solution? Don't hide from the cold — embrace it.

Why on Earth would you do this?

Aside from the bragging rights of sending a photo to your family back home, there are genuine quality-of-life benefits:

The "Endorphin Kick": The shock of cold water triggers a massive release of endorphins (happiness hormones). You will leave the water feeling euphoric and full of energy. It is a fantastic weapon against SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Immunity Boost: This is what Poles call hartowanie (tempering/hardening). Regular exposure to cold improves circulation and strengthens the immune system.
Social Integration: This is the most important part. Morsowanie is rarely done alone. It is a social ritual. People gather, warm up together, swim, and often drink hot tea or share a meal afterwards. It is one of the most open, non-judgmental communities you will find. You don't need to speak perfect Polish to shiver with a stranger — it’s an instant bond!

How to Start: A Beginner’s Guide

You cannot just jump into a frozen lake. You need to do it safely. Here is your starter pack:

The Gear:

Swimwear: Obviously.
A Beanie (Czapka): Mandatory. You lose a lot of heat through your head.
Gloves: Keep your hands dry and warm; once they get numb, dressing afterwards is difficult!
Neoprene Shoes: Very important. The ground is freezing, and you don't want to cut your feet on ice or rocks.
A Mat/Towel: To stand on while changing.

The Process:

The Warm-up (Rozgrzewka): Never enter the water cold. You must run, do jumping jacks, or squat on the beach for 10–15 minutes until you feel hot, but not sweating.
The Entry: Walk in confidently but calmly. Do not wet your hands or head. Keep them in the air.
The Dip: Immerse yourself up to your chest/neck. Focus on your breathing. It will be a shock, but try to calm your breath.
The Duration: For your first time? 30 to 60 seconds is enough. Listen to your body.
The Aftermath: Get out, dry off quickly, dress in warm, loose layers immediately, and drink hot tea.

Where to find your "Stado" (Herd)

Almost every city in Poland with a body of water has a club. They usually meet on weekends around 10:00 or 11:00 AM.

In Warsaw: Check out the groups at Jeziorko Czerniakowskie.
- Facebook Group
- Decathlon Guide
In Kraków: Head to Zakrzówek or Bagry.
In Gdańsk/Sopot: You have the beautiful Baltic Sea (which is actually warmer than most lakes in winter!). Look for crowds near the Sopot Pier.
In Wrocław: Look for groups at Morskie Oko.

Useful Resources & Links

Use these links to find a group near you or learn more about the safety protocols.

Find a Group on Facebook: This is how 99% of these events are organized.

Search query: "Morsy [Name of your city]" (e.g., Morsy Warszawa, Morsy Kraków).
Tip: Join the group and post in English: "Hi, I'm new here and want to try. Can I join you this Sunday?" You will likely get a very warm welcome.

Safety Video (English Subtitles): Search YouTube for "Wim Hof Method for Beginners" – While Polish morsowanie is its own tradition, the breathing techniques from Wim Hof are very similar and helpful for beginners to understand how to handle the cold shock. Watch Video

Final Thought

Building a quality life in a new country is about new experiences. It might seem scary, but stepping into that icy water is a powerful metaphor for adaptation: it’s a shock at first, but once you breathe through it, you feel stronger than ever!

Useful words and phrases

"Czy można dołączyć?" (Chy mozh-na do-lon-chitch?)
- Meaning: "Can I join?"
"To mój pierwszy raz." (To moy pyer-vshy raz.)
- Meaning: "This is my first time." (People will immediately look after you and give you advice).
"Ile stopni ma woda?" (Ee-le stop-nee ma vo-da?)
- Meaning: "What is the water temperature?"
"Jak długo siedzicie?" (Yak dwoo-go she-jee-che?)
- Meaning: "How long are you staying in?"
"Jest super!" (Yest soo-per!)
- Meaning: "It’s great!" (A good answer when someone asks how you feel).