The Plunge

An immersive look at the most immersive sport of them all - ice water swimming. Chris Ballard is the perfect companion as he takes the reader through the history, the science, the psychology, the personalities, the dangers and - most of all - the benefits of taking The Plunge. And after reading, don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to join him. – Glenn Stout, author of Young Woman and the SeaThe Plunge isn’t just about cold swims, but rather an honest look at what happens when you step into cold water and learn to stay calm, training your nervous system so no matter where you are you show up steadier - in work, in training, in relationships. Simple practice. Real strength. – Laird Hamilton, Big Wave SurferA deeply human book that shows us when we breathe through the shock and embrace the discomfort, we change our relationship to fear, to pain, and to ourselves. Ballard knows what it means to be alive. – Jim Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Inner ExcellenceA Brrrillant book! Ballard artfully explores the culture, physiology, and utter beauty of cold water swimming, a journey of exploration, joy, and enduring friendships. So warm in the utter cold. I couldn’t put the book down! – Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to AntarcticaBefore reading ‘The Plunge,’ I’d have rather sawed off a leg than submerged myself in 30-degree waters. But Chris Ballard’s book is—like an icy plunge—inspiring and invigorating. It also happens to be engrossing, masterful and life-affirming, all the hallmarks of one of America’s best writers. – Jeff Pearlman, New York Times bestselling author of Only God Can Judge MeMesmerizing. Chris Ballard does a deep dive into one of the most controversial health, fitness, and athletic crazes of our time. I still loathe cold water, but I loved this book. – Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, and host of the podcast Re:ThinkingLoads of vicarious chills and thrills – Kirkus Reviews

Chris Ballard is an award-winning author and journalist who has written for The New York Times, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated, where he was a Senior Writer for two decades. When he started writing The Plunge, he had no idea about the power of cold water. In 2024, he became the US national ice swimming champion in his age group for the 50m and 100m freestyle. In 2025, he competed at the 6th International Ice Swimming Association World Championships in Italy.

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