Splashing in the icy Pacific as if it was Thailand - but it’s a great ‘cure for cellulite’

Russians have a thing about ice swimmings and no more so than here in the chilly waters of the Sea of Japan on the country’s Pacific coastline. 

Officially it’s spring, but as the pictures show spring has not yet sprung. 

One swimmer Natalya Petrova said: ‘We are a kind of historically hardened nation in all directions.’

She is convinced there is method in what - at least some people - see as their madness. 

Swimming in the salty ice slush helps improve looks and health, she says. 

'Immediately after leaving the water, the blood begins to run quickly through the capillaries to heat the body. 

‘Winter swimming (isn’t it supposed to be spring?) is a good prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

‘And for the girls it also helps to get rid of cellulite, and to maintain the elasticity of the skin - such a cryotherapy.’

The Ice-creams have won admiration from locals for their cold bathing.

‘I was cheered up, the mood improves after watching such a video!  Well done, sea cats! Do not cease to amaze and please us!’ - said one. 

‘I can’t even do this in summer,’ said another. 

‘I feel cold watching this video’.