Waiver and New Dippers info

First, you must complete a seasonal waiver form to use either of the ice holes at Harriet and Cedar Lakes, and produce a copy (online or paper) if asked by Minneapolis Park Police. You can be fined if you don’t have an email confirmation or paper copy.

Access this season's waiver Here

Dipping is done at your own risk and by your own decision. If you have any health issues, it is your responsibility to consult with a medical professional before dipping.

What to wear and bring:

·      A towel
·      Heavy coat and/or robe
·      Beanie
·     Gloves or mittens
·      Bathing suit
·      Neoprene booties or boots (3mm, 5mm, 7mm). You can wear thick wool socks in the water if you don't have these.
·      Easy on/off  warm socks
·      Easy on/off warm sweat pants (avoid fitted pants or leggings as they can be challenging to get back on when you are wet and cold)
·      Easy on/off warm sweatshirt
·      Easy on/off boots 
·      Optional: yoga mat to get dressed on (or a second towel to stand on will work)
·      Optional: hand warmers to stuff in your gloves
·      Optional: a warm drink to sip on the way home, e.g., coffee, hot water, tea·
·      Optional: a Dry Robe – once you know you will be a regular dipper, this is a truly great investment.

For your first dip… We suggest wearing your bathing suit, sweat pants, sweatshirt, coat, beanie, neoprene socks (or thick wool socks that will go in the water), and winter boots to the lake. In a bag, you’ll have your towel, gloves, and anything else you want/need.

Before you get undressed, decide how you will get *re-dressed* after your dip. This is especially important in freezing temperatures. Make sure you have everything ready and laid out for a quick exit to your warm car. If you can remove your wet bathing suit, that will help your recovery from the cold.

What to expect… A key tactic to manage a cold water dip is controlling your breathing, as the cold water can take your breath away. Focus on slowing down your breathing as much as possible. Stay in for as long as feels right to you the first time; this might be 10 seconds, 60 seconds, or 3 minutes. Listen to your body. Over time you get used to the cold water and can comfortably increase your dipping time.