New winter program combining dory rowing and sauna begins in Belfast
(Photo courtesy City of Belfast)
(Photo courtesy City of Belfast)
(Photo courtesy City of Belfast)
(Photo courtesy City of Belfast)
BELFAST — A new winter program will be offered in Belfast through a collaboration between DoryWoman Rowing, Selkie Sauna, and Belfast Parks and Recreation. In coordination with Our Town Belfast’s Ice Festival February 21-23, the three partners will provide an “Ice Row + Sauna + Dip in Belfast Harbor,” a winter wellness experience aligned with the Ice Festival’s outdoor events.
Experience winter on the water by rowing a traditional-style wooden dory in Belfast Bay with an experienced open water rower and trusted Maine Guide.
"The combination of ice rowing, the restorative power of heat, and a body re-set ocean dip in Belfast Bay will rejuvenate participants," said The City of Belfast, in a news release. "These are group activities, so not only are participants learning new rowing skills, they are experiencing sauna culture and an ocean dip with new friends."
The mobile sauna will be close by when the row is finished, and access to the beach is just steps away from the sauna. Additional community sauna opportunities will be available outside of the ice rowing package.
“This collaboration came from the desire to share the benefits of winter outdoor activities, and this combination of ice rowing, the sauna, and ocean dipping complement each other so well. Studies have shown that benefits of cold-weather activity include boosting your immune system, increasing cardiovascular output, burning more calories, recovering faster, improving focus and brain activity, and more," said Pam Salokangas, Parks and Recreation Director. "Belfast Parks and Recreation is really excited for this collaboration and to bring this first- time program forward and alongside the Belfast Ice Festival.”
More details about the program like what to expect, what to wear, what to bring, and more, is available when registering. Registration for the Ice Row + Sauna + Dip in Belfast Harbor is through the dorywomanrowing.com website, while the additional community sauna activities (separate from the combo. program) are reservable through the selkiesauna.com website.
