Facing the COLDEST WINTER in Moscow (I joined a Walrus Club)

There were no such frosts in Moscow for over 40 years. It's time to face the cold.
In Russia, we call a cold-resistant person ‘a walrus’. These people rub with snow, dive in an ice hole or swim short distances in icy water, that’s why they are compared to animals that are well adapted to cold weather and are accustomed to swimming in ice water. It’s quite a popular activity in all the cities of Russia, and in Moscow there are multiple walrus clubs, and I decided to join one of them.
Time codes:
00:00 Abnormal cold in Moscow region
01:31 Let's meet my walrus friends
03:30 Meeting a champion of Russia in winter swimming
06:01 Can anyone do a cold plunge?
06:34 What are the benefits of swimming in ice water?
07:43 How to prepare yourself for winter swimming?
09:01 Do a cold plunge & stay calm!
13:50 My turn and a first attempt to swim
📌elinabakunova.com/russianclub - Russian Speaking Club where you can practice the Russian language. Join us from any level ;)
📍 serborgym - Katya's page , or Insta @Ekaterina3665
📍 More videos:
• Life in Russia's COLDE... - Life in Russia's COLDEST CITY - Yakutsk | Yakut habits, heatwave(-35 C°)
• I went to Volgograd in... - I went to Volgograd in winter and THIS happened
• Did you know this abou... - Did you know this about Russia?
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[@ElifromRussia]

Would you join a ‘walrus’ club? 😉 Thank you a lot for watching and here’s the link to join my Russian Speaking Club 📍 elinabakunova.com/russianclub

[@amycabacungan6640]

I suggest that I hope you will help to those people affected in moscow attack in croc city and make a charity donation campaign for them without mixing any personal political for that matter.

[@CarsandCats]

No. Not enough chicks.

[@MungusMctavish]

love the aussie flag Eli))

[@its4_a.m266]

With all those people who just died in the terrorist attack and you make a video of yourself on a cold bath? Talk about being out of touch with reality. Selfish as fuck

[@reineh3477]

I had some cold bath when I was younger but we always had a sauna close to the lake. It's quite common in Sweden where I live and very common in Finland.

[@brianpreas8392]

The closest I will ever get to swimming in ice water is watching Eli. 😊

[@58090]

😂

[@user-hm9is5ke9i]

Praying for those affected in Moscow🙏. God bless Russia and Russians.

[@ridhobaihaqi144]

Find an escape goat. Blame american, ukrainian, nato allies then...

[@Not-Impressed..1821]

​@@ridhobaihaqi144You were waiting for this to make a comment. How pathetic.

[@Finn-FrenchGaming]

Please do not ruin her video with politics and personal opinions on current affairs.

[@vitordelima]

Probably a false flag, maybe even a fake attack.

[@ThunderTheBlackShadowKitty]

God bless only the Russian civilians, not the Russian government nor the military.

[@aspen3542]

Greetings from Western Canada. We get temperatures like this all the time in the winter, but never once have I said "this would be a good time for an outdoor swim". Much respect!

[@Referee006]

"It's a bit chilly today." is definitely an understatement.

[@robertholland7558]

Actually it is a rather warm day. Normally it be minus 30, but it is only minus 13……lol

[@user-zf1ie4dw9m]

Eli, I hope you and your family are all safe and well after the horrible terrorist attack in Moscow yesterday. God Bless all.

[@SeekingFreedom369]

Hey Eli, from here in Detroit, Michigan Sending you and the people of Russia love and prayers. 🙏🏾

[@Valentin.7]

Thanks 🙏

[@mazuto]

Detroit, that's the northern United States, not far from Canada. What is your weather like, is it as cold as this?

[@UhtredOfBamburgh]

ew

[@SeekingFreedom369]

@@mazuto it snowed like crazy a few days ago

[@user-gb5wb9vy2w]

Have you tried not bankrolling these banderites? Have you tried not repeating every word they ever said about Russia?

[@pile333]

In my refrigerator the temperature is higher than that. 😄

[@joesmith-gc7wq]

Im born and raised in Southern California, USA there is no way I could do that. Im freezing now and its probably around 60 degrees, I have two electric blankets on my bed. I commend you and your friends for being able to conquer that freezing water. Great video thanks, Liz

[@ThunderTheBlackShadowKitty]

Down in the southeast swamps here I cannot imagine even taking a cold shower, let alone ice bath. I need my 90F weather, I need the warm humid air. I can tolerate 110F easily if I have enough water.

[@CosmicSphinx]

Me too! 75 degrees Fahrenheit year around in San Diego.

[@natasaperun3242]

My entire life I'm thinking about it! Next winter I'll do it, for sure! 🏊🏻‍♀️❄ My deepest condolences to you and people of Russia 🙏🏻 love from Serbia 🇷🇸♥️

[@digitalduch1111]

Because of my autoimmune-diseases I have a big problem with the cold. That's why I decided to expose myself more and more to the cold, to train myself to better deal with it. This video is really helpful for me 🎉 Spasibo, Eli ❤

[@peregrination3643]

My autoimmune issue is bad with the heat and I live in a humid summer climate. It's tricky balancing it, but there's a degree of conditioning I can do so that I can keep a reasonable walking routine. Cold isn't as bad other than it makes me exhausted for the rest of the day. During this video I was imagining, "Huh, no ice here, but I wonder if that would condition my cold tolerance?"

[@robertrichard6107]

I never thought I'd reach 70, I learned that autoimmune and inflammation go hand and hand at least as I grew older. Cold combats inflammation well if you can adapt to it gradually for short periods. You must stay in touch with your core temperature and be fit enough to start doing it. ​@@peregrination3643

[@robertholland7558]

Start the day with a cold shower. It will take a few weeks to get used to it, then you can moving on the ice baths. Remember deep breath in through the nose, then slowly breathe out through the mouth

[@user-yj2lm3jk4o]

Eli is the Undisputed Online Content CHAMP!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL OF RUSSIA! My prayers are with you all

[@peregrination3643]

My whole family watches Eli every Saturday now. She's up there with the home and garden, antique, and otter shows.

[@emmaplover3228]

This is very sweet

[@btsr2553]

Dear Eli, thanks 🙏 for the clip. I hope that you Eli and none of your relatives and friends are affected by this terrible, cruel act in Moscow. For those who were injured, I pray for a speedy and full recovery. For all those who have lost a loved one, I wish you so much strength. To all critics here, you should always keep in mind, that in every political military conflict of any kind, the truth dies first. The truth dies before the conflict begins, it dies during it and very long after. All the best, love and peace to everyone here. Servus from 🤍💙Bavaria.

[@JustAnotherLatvian]

Pray for Ukraine not them

[@btsr2553]

@@JustAnotherLatvian 🤡 Just because you think you know something doesn't mean it's totally true!

[@sallyrickerson9139]

~The death toll has risen to 133 Souls and sadly the count will probably rise. I am so sick of mankind's conflicts where the innocent die.~Always the innocent,

[@jackieow]

The average Russian has no say in the war in Ukraine one way or another. Just like you don't determine what Biden does, but they get even less influence. The people close to Putin who say what he doesn't like end up falling from high windows a lot of the time. But hey, you can go to Moscow and lobby Putin all you want. How long will you last holding a sign on Red Square?@@JustAnotherLatvian

[@foxtrot4755]

​@@JustAnotherLatvianHave you already prayed for the Banderaites and clapped the Ukrainian SS veteran in the Canadian parliament?

[@khunmikeon858]

Wonderful Eli. I really enjoyed watching you face your challenge. 😂. You were in the hands of a beautiful strong Russian woman. Respect from Ireland. 🇮🇪💚🇷🇺

[@bamabldr66]

Eli, It is good to see that you posted a video today. Yesterday was a terrible day but maybe tomorrow will be better. I am slowly trying to check on all my friends in Russia. God Bless and may you all be safe. ❤❤❤ -Cliff Fairhope, Alabama

[@SureNuf]

Thoughts and prayers to Russia during this terrible terrorist attack, condolences to the families who lost dear people and all those injured... stay safe Eli and thank you for being a bright light of kindness in the world.

[@imeandmyself525]

Why bother being polite and giving your feelings if she doesn't mention the attack in the video? Choose another forum to express your prayers

[@Malarkey-ks4un]

@@imeandmyself525 We just did. Deal with it 😁

[@prototyp3strik3r]

@ElifromRussia You are my russian Friend over there, warm regards from Germany, your Mazina 🙋‍♀

[@homeboybeyondtheborders4935]

I pray for those who lost lives and the injured,May God bless you.🇹🇿 Tanzania stands with you

[@johntaylor4356]

A very professional filming, commentating and editing Eli, I am sure you could produce these for the BBC

[@Moxieman]

Ice man would be proud 😎😎😎

[@Moxieman]

Cardiac arrest is imminent if you stay in long for rest muscles fail then hypothermia ..it's not all mental. The menkilss everything

[@raymondchadwick1573]

Love and hugs from Australia ❤ Sending some sunshine 🌞 Katya she is awesome 👌 But yes the cold can be your friend lots of health benefits. Prays 🙏 for all affected in Moscow.

[@bobgoodall1603]

Walruses meet the Eli seal. ....they like cold swims too. Condolences on the recent events.

[@DrBLReid]

Another charming & intriging video!😊 We just need you to paddle your canoe over the pond and visit our family in Tennessee, Alabama & Mississippi & enjoy some Southern hospitality! We could go fishing in the summer and hunting in the late fall and winter. In the spring plant a garden and in the fall harvest the crops. You will love the food my wife can cook so much your tongue will beat your brains out eating it! God Bless you Miss Eliana.

[@Jojo66630]

Katya seems like such a nice down to earth person :)

[@LydiaOravcova]

Deepest condolences, I hope that you are safe.

[@thor9563]

See Jokar Dudayev's speech on Russia before he was killed NOT by men, because Russian men can't kill their enemy - they have to fire missiles from miles away like they kill civilians in Ukraine.

[@stofosaurus]

Greetings from Sweden. I love the winter. Where I live we recorded -30 Celsius about two months ago.

[@CloudSproutRevolution]

Despite the icy topic, this video is very heart warming. Sunshine and love to you and your family - from Northern California

[@jamesknighton5887]

You are amazing, Eli. The power of the human mind is truly amazing. 😉✌️❤️

[@rrshse6704]

Respect from Canada. I thought we were "winter tough", but you guys are awesome! :)

[@skyedog24]

Good news Miss Ellie it's throwing out in Russia right now you're about to come into spring like everybody else in there 😊

[@technobo06]

Its all in the mind, you can do almost anything if you set your body and mind for the task. Just like how the military trains their men and women. Eli, you're such a brave woman, I admire your courage and enthusiasm. Love your videos. Take care

[@junefirst500]

Hi Eli, I think Rassians are Brave due to Cold Weather! I believe life in Tropical Countries are eaier even if you are the poorest of poor!

[@pablovandres]

Great video, it shows how strong and resilient the Russian people can be. I hope you're sage Eli.

[@boomie54]

You're a hero, Eli! No challenge is too tough for you!

[@nkxxxx]

That was nice. Everything is in the mind. So true😊

[@stephenlabranche7201]

I always enjoy your videos. You are very brave as always to go in the cold water. I’m glad you embrace winter. It is so very beautiful there in the winter and you capture it so very well. Thank you. 🙏

[@deus5185]

to Russian people My deepest condolences. love from europe ❣❣

[@imeandmyself525]

Why bother being polite and giving your condolences if she doesn't mention the attack in the video? Choose another forum to express your love

[@deus5185]

@@imeandmyself525 AFU? hope u get liberated soon

[@shgazda]

Привет из Чехии, вечная память ❤ No way anyone from here could do that with poker face 😀

[@charlestonchanming9251]

Omg you are so brave dear Eli 🙏. Nice video. Greetings to Russia Federation 🇷🇺 Charlie Chicago , IL , Usa 🇺🇸

[@10lauset]

Cheers from Edmonton Alberta Canada.

[@ulysse3329]

Super! Greetings from Belgium! ❄❄🐧🐧

[@johnlampe6785]

Honestly Eli I feel numb looking at it! You and the others swimming there in the middle of an icy Russian Winter is truly unbelievable! I took a swim at Port Beach( a local beach on the coast of Perth) today and I thought the water was starting to get cool. I was probably around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Happy swimming all you Walruses! John lampe,Sunny Perth, Western Australia. P.s. I do admire your adventurous sprit! Stay safe.

[@WardDorrity]

Much admiration from this 73 year old here in the great Pacific Northwest. Coeur d'Alene Idaho has a New Years Polar dip in Lake Coeur d'Alene, but somehow, I have managed to miss it. It was a cold January for us - several days on end of temps in the -20s F.

[@bertanelson8062]

Thank you for this video. It's good for immune system to allow initial cold shower water until the water warms up. Many people avoid this but temperature differences are good for us.

[@tynguyen2263]

Eli from Russia . Elina , elinchka ,wonderful video ! Elina , you look SO GORGEOUS in your morning routine with your long flowing STUNNING red hair and pale white skin . Preparing morning tea ☕️ in your pajamas was lovely ❤. Very cozy . Your beautiful body is built for these cold winters . I love you freckled smile and soft voice …they CERTAINLY melt any snows and WARM the soul during any Russian winters ❄️ ❤. Spasibo for showing us the beauty of Russia ..and the gorgeous art 🖼️ of your PRETTY face Elina .❤❤❤

[@Imtiazs28]

Deeply saddened to see the attack in Moscow Felt like attack on my own people hope you are fine as well Condolences from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@Xx-ib6bf]

Way to go, Eli! I admire you for challenging your fear of the cold water.

[@Semper_Iratus]

That which dose not kills you only makes you stronger.

[@frankoasis7521]

Muy hermoso video. Saludos y lo mejor para Rusia ❤️

[@shahnazzain6921]

I live in Malaysia, experience winter in UK and still can't take. I admire your resilience to be able to withstand the cold weather..

[@user-md8me7vh1u]

The WALRUS CLUB IS AMAZING Thank You Eli and WALRUS CLUB

[@pakko7416]

Well done, Eli!!!

[@forrestlana]

cold weather is great to get in shape !...

[@jrnjacobsen8331]

I love a cold bath in the sea and then spending time with others in the sauna. A good start to the day.

[@ropolito1980]

My goodness. The endurance to do that. I want to try that one day but not yet 😂😂😂😂 amazing athletes

[@francescocursio4523]

Hi Eli! I must congratulate you who manage to immerse yourself in cold water and even stay there for several minutes. I didn't know there were swimming and freezing water resistance competitions. Even if you are only at the level of diving and swimming a few meters, it is so admirable that I have to bow because I recognize my strong physical and psychological limitations. But it is also true that to do something like this, you need to train a lot and gradually. If I did it without any training, how I dive and at the same time die and float like a dead fish on the surface of the water. 😵 If I were to come to live in Russia, perhaps I too would have this experience because I would get involved. Greetings and a hug 😊

[@SkSafowan]

Sending heartfelt wishes to those impacted in Moscow. Wishing strength and solidarity for Russia during this difficult time

[@allenmiciek6814]

For what? Russians are committing war crimes daily.

[@Mekeweissame]

I’ve always hated the cold, but you’ve been inspiring me 😄 I’ve been telling myself for months now, if Russians like Eli can plunge into ice water in subzero temperatures, I can handle swimming in a pool in the 20s 😂

[@DM-wv6to]

Nice cinematography Elina! Thinking of the Russian people today.

[@stevepenn6960]

My thoughts and prayers are with you all

[@IzzyChopChop]

нет, они не надо

[@kimoc.4163]

Eli you are so brave

[@janbagyamtso9507]

Swimming in ice is very good for health so God might bless you and Russia

[@thehonorablejiveturkeyspoo6370]

Muscles and beauty. Very nice

[@random2829]

Tartars are TOUGH! 😀❤

[@meacadwell]

I live in Wisconsin and have seen people do this. They are brave. I am not. It's a big nope from me but glad for those that enjoy it. Now, after watching this video I need a hot cup of tea!

[@anthonyolsen6625]

Love Eli!❤

[@_DREBBEL_]

You’ve highlighted Russian resilience in this video. It reminds me that Russians will be okay. And so then, shall we. 💪🏽

[@Ekata-pj8eg]

❤

[@Snowman13230]

I've been doing ice-swimming for about 25 years, visited multiple ice-swimmers clubs and ice-holes in Moscow. My favourite way of doing it is taking a 1 hour jog before and after swimming and wearing just shorts and a hat. The lowest temperature I took a dip was - 33 C, and the longest swim was 10 minutes (and with no warm house afterwards!) But 1-2 minutes is best. Helps to keep myself in good shape and gives me lots of pleasure. Like a drug, but a good one.

[@melissamayhemthe3rdesq]

After a winter of openwaterswimming in relatively mild circumstances (around freezing point, never far below it), this video surely puts my "ordeal" into petspective. Awesome job Eli :)

[@paultonkawright2179]

you are a brave lady Eli, i admire your courage x

[@DhirenVyas261]

Its amazing. Good going Eli. Love from India

[@archlich4489]

Thank you! Be well, friends! ps- dang that looks COLD!

[@ascendingstar5673]

Hi Eli, from Oslo Norway praying for the russian people and those affected in Moscow🙏🏻sending love and light❤

[@imeandmyself525]

Why bother being polite and giving your feelings if she doesn't mention the attack in the video? Choose another forum to express your prayers

[@erikeriksson3615]

Bra skrivet 🇸🇯🏅

[@olavr9672]

I have just discovered your youtube channel and watched some of your videos. I am very impressed by how you tell about places where you have been in a way that makes me feel that I know more about the place and people living there than I have ever experienced before. Thanks a lot, you are awesome 😀

[@Astronurd]

You are an inspiration Ellie and one brave lady.

[@kukulele8182]

it made me happy to see your kitchen so minimalistic and simple ,,, i didn't expect it.. 👍

[@yolandaalonzo5869]

Praying for the families we don't want to that any were, big hug 🤗 ❤ Eli

[@StrikeTheRoot]

love polar bear plunging. you rocked it!

[@CosmicSphinx]

So deeply sorry for the loss of innocent lives of people going to enjoy live music in Moscow. So grateful you are ok!!

[@_DREBBEL_]

Wishing Russia health and happiness ❤ May we come together in our fight against terrorism. Thanks for sharing Eli!

[@allenmiciek6814]

This is one of FSB and Putin's false flag operations that he is well known for. The human life of his own citizens does not matter to him. He is a monster.

[@Kof_Believer]

wow! you are a tough lady. Hope you do not get frost bite. Great content.

[@cassiopeabr76]

Now there´s a couple of brave women, wow

[@viktorlafontaine6222]

Interesting video, Eli. What a coldest water. I'm watching this from my smartphone, and I'm surprised by how coldest is it... God bless you. And thank you to teaching about the Russian culture and their traditions.

[@asmr-pov]

What an interesting experience. I liked how you presented everything. You are doing an excellent job!

[@MaraudersWorld]

Not the same as Oz Ezza! Very courageous!

[@hugomitre9096]

Eli!!! 🥶💪🤩✌🏻🫶

[@rodmackinnon8497]

You have to relax and embrace . . . just came from a walk in very cold windy weather . . . I just relaxed and it was fine . . . never had my eyes tear so much though . . . cheers.

[@bedehamilton7699]

Greatings from what has been the hottest Australian summer that I can remember. I love how you challenge yourself Eli and you put together a great Video about it. Thank you

[@ludenunes6606]

Thanks for another bit of heartfelt coziness! Honestly the idea of ice-diving feels intimidating, but the whole culture and community around it seems so welcoming and supportive that I guess I'd give it a shot - though since I live in Brazil I don't see myself having that opportunity anytime soon...

[@westernwanderer8397]

Eli, you are impressive. I enjoy embracing the cold too. And in summertime, hiding away from the heat! In the wintertime people see me walking into my work without a coat or sweater and ask, "Where's your coat?" I just smile and say, "It's at my house. I like the cold." What I like about Russians is they do not shy away from difficulties, they embrace them.

[@MikeSmith-vt3oh]

Love this. You are a roll model for many girls in the west, perhaps you can help us undo what our "media" has done to us.

[@azimus1776]

I am over 40yrs old and American. We have had the warmest winter of my entire life in the Northern US, and at the same time, Russia has the coldest. In February we had several days above 25C, when our usual highs are anywhere from -5 to 5.

[@danchapman8218]

Really fun video, watching you brave the cold! Way to go. I'm more used to tropical weather and don't think I could do that, LOL

[@JohnCarter-qv1ie]

I start crying when it gets cold. I dream of palm trees and, a warm ocean breeze. Eli your a warrior! Best wishes from the Eastern Shore of America!

[@earlbiggers7044]

Eli, you're one tough lady - congratulations!

[@joeh5483]

Super cute! I always have to take a cold shower after watching Eli!

[@madmac4185]

That was quite the challenge! Nice to see those "arctic-dwelling-piranhas." Haven't as widely migrated yet ;- ]

[@user-ii2vi5hw3d]

The only tip I need is how to find a place in Russia where the temperature is always above 21.11 Celsius ❤❤❤ and thank you for sharing

[@terrytartu]

I hope you are from either, The united States, Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Palau, Micronesia or the Marshall Islands and you still use Fahrenheit! Because 70 degrees Celsius, as used everywhere else, would be just too much. Out of 8 billion people only 330 million use Fahrenheit! Or roughly 95.84% of the world's population use Celsius and only 4.16% use Fahrenheit. 70 degrees! Celsius can slow bake bread! 70 degrees Fahrenheit is 21.12 Celsius, a very pleasant temperature.

[@ThunderTheBlackShadowKitty]

There aren't any places in Russia that warm year round. You have to find somewhere warmer, closer to the equator.

[@user-ii2vi5hw3d]

Ok 21.11 Celsius how is that my weather checking friends 👀😉😀

[@MitzvosGolem1]

Prayers for Victims in Moscow😢