The Daily Dip

It seems appropriate for the Cub Reporter to weigh in on the warmest day of the year on one of her favorite activities. You guessed it, swimming. Summer’s arrival is a signal for a daily combination of reading and a swim. The health benefits are plentiful, both mentally and physically, so why not join the fun of taking a daily dip?

Daily Dippers come in many sizes and temperaments. Of course, there are the polar bears who bond together on frosty beaches to take the plunge. The health benefits include reducing inflammation, speeding recovery from injuries, and improving your mood. Plungers share that the plunge clears their heads and certainly promotes camaraderie amongst their sturdy group.

The Masters’ Groups tend to attract former competitive swimmers. The rigor of the workout is determined by a trained coach and if done regularly, will improve one’s cardiovascular health and strength. Most community centers offer such a workout either early in the morning or at noon. Commitment to this workout is guaranteed to improve your overall health.

Urban swimmers may have to contend with intense togetherness as a recent NYTimes article, “The Joy Swimming With Strangers,” describes. The experience is similar to walking down Broadway at midday, where what you do affects everyone else. One should pick one’s lane carefully and adjust one’s speed to those ahead and behind. Who says we are a Nation Divided?

Coastal inhabitants have choices as to where to take their dip. The decision of the day is where to head. Should it be a secluded cove, pond, through the waves, or off a dock? What a delightful dilemma! Close attention to maps and tips from strangers can lead to hidden dells of watery delight. Be sure to bring along a trusty sweatshirt, towel, and water shoes. A simple sundress can provide the coverage you need to slip your wet suit off after the dip so you don’t have to ride home wet.

Then there is the frequent choice of the Cub Reporter: read first, swim later. All one needs is a place to perch by the water and a good book. Even better is when a fellow reader and swimmer joins in a light, literary conversation. The best time of day tends to be late afternoon when the chores and busy activities of the day leave one sweaty and ready to sit. The swim brings one back to the present world with a splash and the luxurious feeling of one’s body moving through water.

A quick trip home and straight into the shower gets you ready for the evening ahead. Hopefully it will include a nice meal, good fellowship and a beautiful sunset. Even better would be going whole hog with a double dip of ice cream, nothing says “Summer” better!