Despite the chilly water temperature of 2.3 degrees Celsius the welcome was warm for visitors, swimmers and supporters at the Southern Hemisphere Ice Swimming Championships yesterday.

Originally from the United States, but now living in Nelson Robyn Watts said she was loving her visit to Alexandra.

She competed in 50m and 100m freestyle races, even though she is a self-taught swimmer.

Her trademark was to wear a funky specialty hat, it was a fluffy one on Friday.

“I have enough to have a different hat on everyday . . . maybe more.

“It’s all about bringing the vibe.”

Robyn found ice swimming after suffering with chronic pain from endometriosis.

“The cold water immersion brings relief, I do cold plunging and swimming . . . and for me that’s what it is about. It’s also good for my mental health and wellbeing.” 

Robyn said her mission was to bring awareness to endometriosis and she was happy to spread the word about cold water and how it had helped her.

“I do cross fit and I do this . . . it is an inclusive and welcoming bunch of people.”

Swimmers getting ready for their 50m breaststroke race were (from left) Maddy Copeland, Julia West and Anna Marshall. PHOTO: The Central App 

Alexandra Swimming Club head coach Ashleigh Rankin said she would consider giving the event a go next year after spectating this year.

Ashleigh said having paralympian and five-time medallist swimmer Mary Fisher attend was inspiring.

Mary is legally blind and swam the 200m individual medley and other races during the championships. 

Watch a 200 individual medley heat from Friday morning here. Swimmers are (from left) Jackson Arlidge, Emilia Finer, Cameron Stanley and Quinn Boyle. VIDEO: The Central App

The 200m individual medley was a new event this year, in one Friday heat Cameron Stanley (in lane three) came in first and Jackson Arlidge (lane one) second.

Event organiser Susan Sherwen thanked the Alexandra Pool staff for their assistance during the event.

She set a new personal record of 2.1km long distance ice swim on Wednesday afternoon in the outdoor pool.

Today, Saturday, July 13, is the final day of swimming from 10am -1pm. 

Several local swimmers took part and The Central App will wrap up their ice swimming experience next week once final results are in.  

Read more: New 50m ice swimming world record set in Alexandra

Read more: Ice swimming championships return to Alexandra Pool