Latvia in Action with AQUA SPEED!

2025-01-19
Latvia in Action with AQUA SPEED!

Swimming enthusiasts in 29 countries use our brand’s equipment. We spoke with Toms Abolins, marketing coordinator at Latswim—the store where Latvians purchase our water activity accessories—about swimming traditions in Latvia and why it’s worth visiting the country to swim.

Swimming in Latvia – A Tradition

Do Latvians enjoy swimming? What do they love most about it?

Water holds a special place in Latvian culture. The history of the first Latvian settlements, cities, and national identity is deeply connected to water. The country’s largest river, the Daugava, is one of Latvia’s most treasured national symbols and was historically a major trade route for the first Viking journeys to Eastern Europe.

Most Latvians grow up near the beaches of the Baltic Sea and along the country’s many rivers, making swimming a long-standing tradition and a popular way to spend summer.

As a competitive sport, swimming has only recently gained greater influence in Latvian society. The first swimming competitions took place in the 1920s, but for almost 50 years, during the Soviet era, swimming was part of the regime’s sports propaganda system. It wasn’t until Latvia regained independence in the 1990s that Latvians were able to develop their own swimming culture on their own terms.

Winter Swimming – A Growing Trend in Latvia!

What is the most popular water sport or physical activity in Latvia?

As a classic Northern European country, Latvia experiences short and cool summers, which is why winter swimming is rapidly growing in popularity. During this season, it’s hard to find lakes, backyard ponds, or other outdoor water spaces where people haven’t created designated areas for entering and swimming in freezing temperatures. Even when temperatures drop to -25°C, it doesn’t stop people from taking the plunge.

This passion for cold-water swimming has swept across Latvia. Winter swimming is everywhere! It’s a hot topic in news channels, and there is an abundance of content created about it across all social media platforms. There are even national publications offering tips on how to improve winter swimming techniques. Each year, the popularity of this activity continues to rise.

Water Drives Business and Tourism

Which water sport is gaining popularity?

Our company would be thrilled if it were any form of swimming. [smile] Although more people are choosing this sport each year—and we certainly can’t complain, as it helps our business grow—we still see that many other exciting water activities are capturing people’s interest.

While wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) have been around for a long time, they continue to be highly popular forms of entertainment. They are thrilling, incredibly fun, and provide a completely different kind of adrenaline rush. However, for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, there are also unique options to enjoy.

For example, only in Latvia can you experience an early-morning sunrise paddle through Latvia’s mystical swamps on a SUP board—a truly one-of-a-kind adventure!

Active Tourism in Latvia

Where is the best place to enjoy water attractions? What can you recommend for winter and summer?

Whether you visit Latvia in summer or winter, we recommend embracing simplicity and a deep connection with nature. In summer, nothing beats the joy of spending time on the Baltic Sea coast. It’s not only a great way to breathe in fresh air, but also an opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, such as:

  • Walking along the scenic coastline
  • Swimming in the sea
  • And, if you’re lucky, spotting a seal in its natural habitat

Winter, on the other hand, is a special time of year—a chance to test your limits and skills. No matter which direction you go, we highly recommend seeking out the small, ice-carved plunge holes found in lakes and rivers across Latvia. Is there a better way to experience Latvia like a local than sitting nearly naked in a carved-out ice hole in the middle of a frozen lake at -25°C?

Interview by: Maciej Mazerant, Managing Editor of AQUA SPEED Magazine

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Photos: Unsplash

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