I used to hike with a nut that would swim in almost any temperature. I remember one Smoky Mountain trip where he stripped down and moaned his way out into the stream -then oohed and aahed down on hands and knees - then completely under. He came out screaming and his skin was as red as a beet. It was 26 degrees with a slight wind. We calculated that with wind chill it must have been 20 degrees. He called that his record cold swim. He did that kind of stuff all the time, claiming that getting out of his comfort zone made him feel fantastic. None for me thanks. I did my share of nasty winter swims on Section 4 of Chattooga, Upper Tellico, ect... when I was boating a lot. I'll do it to save my bacon, but not to wash it.

I agree with what Chaz said about feeling clmmy when dirty. There must be something to it- not sure if it is clogged pores, but I have noticed it.