Is this camaraderie or what? All photos provided

By Ann Marie Mershon for Boreal Community Media - October 14, 2024

A stalwart group of Cook County women meet bright and early each Tuesday for a Lake Superior dip. 

Really. 

Are they nuts?

It began last March, when Mary Ellen Ashcroft and Tracey Cullen reveled in occasional “wild swims” on a tour through South Africa.

“We could do this back home,” Mary Ellen suggested, then offered her Lake Superior home as a base for cold plunges. After returning to Grand Marais, she picked up a copy of Chill, The Cold Water Swim Cure, by Dr. Mark Harper. “I was impressed with the book and even more with the wonderful effects of cold-water swimming, particularly for autoimmune disorders.” She and Tracey got busy immediately, recruiting friends to join their venture. Six women made the first group plunge into Lake Superior on May 7th, 2024: Mary Ellen, Tracey, Chel Anderson, Anne Swallow Gillis, Lynn Swanson, and Ritalee Walters (see photo). The water was most likely 45 degrees that day, so it was a quick dip—maybe 30 seconds.

They’ve been dipping weekly ever since, and their group has grown. Twelve women participate in these cold water swims, with six to eight diving in each week. Six more have joined the group since that first Superior plunge: Carol Bennett, Jean Cochrane, Joni Kristenson, Kathy McClure, Rebecca Rayman, and Kimberly Soenen. “We meet every Tuesday morning at 8:00 at Mary Ellen and Suzanne's, then troop across Hwy 61 in our flapping robes and winter jackets,” Tracey recorded in her journal.

 The first Wavy Seals: Chel Anderson, Mary Ellen Ashcroft, Tracey Cullen, Anne Swallow Gillis, Lynn Swanson, Ritalee Walters.

“We are a proud bunch, called the Wavy Seals (‘Bluetits’ already having been taken by the Brits),” Tracey explains. “The name was proposed by Ritalee after I mentioned a favorite quote from a Navy SEAL, who said, ‘It's really not so bad once your head gets numb.’” 

Not only have the Wavy Seals increased their numbers, but also their minutes in the lake. I joined them to gather information for this article, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I lasted less than a minute in that frigid water. Well, maybe two. Others bobbed in the waves for well over ten minutes. BRRRRR!

Their longest swims were between August 20th and mid-September, when they stayed in over 20 minutes with water temperatures in the low 60s.

Surprisingly, Lake Superior was 63° for my October plunge. Though that may not sound cold, it is. Dr. Harper explains in Chill that temperatures of 68° and below are considered cold water. For reference, public pools usually range between 77° and 82°.

 Trekking through the woods to the water on a sunny but cool October morning. 

The big lake can vary from a glassy calm to wild waves, as is its wont. The waves were high the morning I joined the Seals, and I was amazed at the four members who stroked out into deep water and bobbed in the waves for what seemed a very long time (12 minutes?). When the waves are high, they can knock the women down as they scramble out over the uneven rocks, so they reach out hands to help each other manage the surge as they return to the shore. Everyone emerged beaming, energized by the thrill of icy water, a typical response to cold plunges.

As Dr. Harper reveals in Chill, “I have been ocean swimming for seventeen winters, and I still do not find getting into sub-50° water a pleasant experience. However, I have become addicted to the resultant “euphoria” and the undeniable sense of rejuvenation and unwavering vigor.” 

The euphoria of these women was more than obvious. Laughter and camaraderie abounded as they dried themselves and donned fluffy robes for their trek back to Mary Ellen’s house. We filed across Highway 61, hiked up the yard, removed sandy shoes on the deck, and changed into warm, dry clothes indoors. Suzanne, Mary Ellen’s partner, welcomed everyone with hugs, coffee, and tea before the group gathered in their cozy living room to rehash the morning’s plunge and catch up on each other’s news.

 Mary Ellen shares the love with Ritalee.

As the swimmers discussed their cold swim experience, it became clear that it’s a precious ritual for them, if not an addictive one. Cold plunges are also healthy, possibly even healing. In Chill, Harper expounds on the use of weekly cold plunges to heal anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve circulation and immune systems, reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, optimize digestion, accelerate metabolism, and improve skin and hair conditions. The list goes on.

Jean, one of the core group, said, “I began swimming in the big lake about 10 years ago, but only in the warmest part of summers or with a wetsuit. So I was eager to try a REAL cold water “swim” when Tracey invited me. I read in Chill that cold water immersion can help alleviate migraines. No miracle cure for me, but swimming makes me so happy I’m sure it’s helped. I’m hooked. I love it.”

Each of these women approach the lake in her own way. Ritalee admitted, “I’m really a chicken by nature, and I didn’t learn to swim until my 40’s. There are so few things in life that continue to thrill you, and this does. There’s nothing like holding hands with friends as you venture forth into icy water. I appreciate, too, that these women let me experience this on my own terms. I just go in to my knees or my waist. The company is sheer joy.”

 The Wavy Seals heading on in for their morning swim. 

An added benefit of these cold plunges has been a relationship with the lake, something they all feel. “After doing these cold swims for a number of months now, I am surprised by the sense of kinship I feel with Lake Superior,” Anne explained. “Ever-changing, the Lake challenges, cradles, and invigorates me. I feel a deeper resilience in me these days; this impacts how I face other surprises and hurdles in my life. The weekly dose of camaraderie, laughter and joy are a delight as we all swim out into the waves together.”

Ah, yes. The camaraderie. It’s clearly a perk for these women. They all spoke of their connections with each other. Joni said, “I am not a lover of water and especially cold water! Swimming with the Seals has been one of the most amazing experiences. Maybe when you’re surrounded by the love and encouragement of friends, anything is possible!” Carol added, “Swimming weekly with the Seals gave me courage and confidence to go in several times a week, even alone, I confess!  It is a bit addictive.  And the coffee and conversation after is enlightening and uplifting.”

Of course, there are risks to cold water plunges, including drowning, hypothermia, and cardiac arrest. People with heart conditions should not indulge in cold plunge activities. Swimming together and watching out for each other is tantamount to these women.

Another risk that may keep the Wavy Seals from weekly plunges throughout the winter is ice accumulation along the shore. Though the water may be bearable, the danger of slipping on the ice may force them indoors before too long. According to Mary Ellen, “We’ll just have to see. We’ll take it week by week.” 

I’m confident they’ll continue their cold plunges as long as they can do so safely. A stalwart group of women they are.

And not nuts.

 Anne and Mary Ellen emerge from the waves with their mascot, Tib the Super Dog.

Interested in joining the Wavy Seals? Contact Mary Ellen Ashcroft at [email protected].