Competitors in colourful swimwear and caps preparing for their heat on the ice-covered pool deck, lined with international flags and Dryrobe® banners.

Blog - Return to the Source: Winter Swimming World Championships 2026 Report

Return to the Source: Winter Swimming World Championships 2026 Report

3 minute(s) de lecture

The International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) celebrated its 20th anniversary this year by returning to where it all began: Oulu, Finland. As the official partner of the WSWC 2026, Dryrobe® was on the ice to witness over 2,000 swimmers from 45 nations brave the sub-arctic waters of the Ämmänväylä.

Ice swimmers standing on starting blocks ready to dive into the dark, freezing water of the Oulu river, flanked by staff in Dryrobe® gear.

For the first time in 12 years, the pinnacle of winter swimming returned to Finnish soil. Oulu, the European Capital of Culture 2026, provided a spectacular backdrop.

With air temperatures dropping well below -10°C and a competition pool carved directly out of 30cm thick river ice, the conditions were as authentic and as challenging as they get.

A large black inflatable Dryrobe® archway featuring the slogan "get changed. stay warm." at the entrance of the IWSA World Ice Swimming Championships in Oulu, with athletes and spectators in winter gear walking through.

The ‘Ice Mermaid’ Returns

We were incredibly proud to support Dryrobe® Ambassador Bárbara Hernández, famously known as the ‘Ice Mermaid’. Travelling all the way from Chile, Bárbara proved once again why she is a legend in the world of extreme swimming.

Participating in numerous events throughout the week, she balanced high-speed sprints with her trademark mental resilience. Watching her navigate the freezing water with such grace is a constant reminder that for Bárbara, the cold isn't an obstacle - it’s home.

Bárbara Hernández and Nick Rees sharing a laugh poolside; a female swimmer in a black Dryrobe® Advance and a male swimmer in a camouflage Dryrobe® Nexus with a bright orange lining.

Team Dryrobe® in the Water

At Dryrobe®, we don’t just make the kit; we use it. We were cheering extra loud this year as our very own Global Partnerships Manager, Nick Rees, swapped the comfort of the office for the freezing Finnish water, taking part in the 50 metre freestyle event. Braving the ice-hole alongside the world's best, he experienced firsthand the adrenaline and camaraderie that defines this sport. It’s this shared passion for the water that keeps us connected to the community we serve.

Close-up of Nick Rees adjusting his goggles and reacting with exhilaration after competing in the icy waters of Oulu, Finland.

Keeping Oulu Warm: The Dryrobe® Hub

As the main sponsor of the championships, our presence wasn't just poolside. We took over a section of the main sports hall, creating a hub for swimmers to gather, recover, and share stories.

To ensure every participant stayed safe and warm in the extreme Finnish climate, we offered free Dryrobe® Advance hire throughout the entire week. Helping to keep competitors warm and protected from the elements both pre and post-swim.

Whether it was a first-timer doing a 25m breaststroke or a seasoned pro, seeing hundreds of swimmers draped in Dryrobe® changing robes as they moved between the frozen river and the sports hall was a real highlight for us.

Action shot of swimmers competing in a freestyle heat during the IWSA World Championships, with Dryrobe® flags and snowy trees in the background.

Highlights from the Week

The World Record Attempt: The energy was electric as participants joined forces for the biggest winter swimming relay record attempt in history.

The Ice Sauna: Swimmers moved between the sub-zero river and a series of poolside saunas, including a traditional Finnish sauna built entirely from blocks of ice!

A Global Gathering: From the Young Seals (under 14s) to the 80+ veteran categories, the inclusivity of the IWSA community was on full display.

Members of the Blue Tits swim club wearing matching blue camouflage Dryrobe® changing robes cheering enthusiastically in the snow.

A Natural Finale

The championships concluded with a stunning display of the Aurora Borealis over the event site. It was a fitting end to a week that celebrated the connection between the human spirit and the natural world.

Congratulations to all the participants, organisers, and volunteers who made Oulu 2026 a landmark event in winter swimming history.