Project manager Thomas "Linge" Lindgren is pleased. The photo is from the opening night.
The Winter Swim was held for the thirteenth time this weekend. We had a chat with project manager Thomas "Linge" Lindgren about half an hour after the final awards ceremony on Sunday.
He was very pleased with the event.
– It has been an organisational challenge since we had a record number of starts this year, but everything has gone smoothly and with joy. I want to give praise to all the volunteers who helped make it possible, he says.
The Winter Swim returned to Kurjoviken, Skelleftehamn for its second year.
A festive market lined the area outside the lakeside restaurant, where live music entertained attendees. Other popular activities included dog sledding, ice go-karting, and pony rides.
– The visitor turnout exceeded my expectations. Sunday's numbers were a bit down, but still remarkable given the morning's snowy rain and wind, says "Linge."
– I believe this year's event was a definite step-up in quality. The lack of sunshine was disappointing, but unfortunately, we can't control the weather.
Brr! Many brave souls faced the cold.
According to him, almost everything went smoothly.
– We had a funny situation with a lady who only spoke Spanish. It ended up that we used a translation app on our phone to communicate. It worked!
This time, the winter swimming World Cup final was part of the event itself. "Linge" believes that contributed to the large number of participants.
– And then I think the word spread quickly in the winter swimming community that this is an amazing place to compete.
Dog sledding – a popular activity over the weekend.
When asked about next year's plans, he said:
– I definitely think we should continue. We'll evaluate all aspects of the event and set a date soon.
– One advantage of this location is long-term planning and infrastructure development.
– We have some major construction plans that we'll announce eventually, but nothing is finalized yet. But it will definitely benefit the Winter Swim, he added.
Marion Joffle performed "La vie en rose" by Edith Piaf during the opening of the Winter Swim 2025.
Next year, there will be a winter swimming World Cup in Oulu, Finland. The picture shows two of the Finnish delegation that competed in this year's relay.