Hi, I’m Lars, born in South of Germany and now full-time resident on Colonsay.

 

Since my childhood I have been a competitive swimmer and from 2017 an ice/winter swimmer. It never scared me to go into cold and open water - it ignited a fascination that has shaped my life ever since.

 

I have now competed in ice swimming races and events all over the world, including venues like Murmansk where water temperature hovered around 0.3 degrees.

 

In 2020 I became an Iron Iceman after finishing an ice mile and iron man triathlon.

 

I’m proud to have become season 2022/2023 overall winner of the winter swimming world cup of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA).

 

Beyond competing, I am a board member of the IWSA.

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In 2025, I organised the Scottish Winter Swim Championships, coming to Oban for the first time.

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For me, ice swimming is more than a sport, it’s about pushing limits, embracing extremes and connecting with a community that shares the same love for the cold. 

 

Through cold water swimming, I have enjoyed many saunas round the world and having moved to Colonsay, wanted to bring a genuine Finnish sauna for my own and Colonsay’s visitor's enjoyment.

 

There is nothing better than a dip in the wonderful clear Colonsay water, followed by a proper sauna session.