The Dryrobe® Interview: Finding Stillness in the Canadian Cold with Unbounded

Team Dryrobe®: To start, for those who haven’t experienced Unbounded yet, how would you describe the mission behind your wellness experiences? 

Nick McNaught: At its core, Unbounded is about helping people rediscover their own capacity. We use the elements—cold, heat, breath, and movement—to shift people out of their heads and back into their bodies. In a world that is increasingly "comfortable" but highly stressed, we provide the environment for people to deliberately stress their systems in a way that builds massive resilience. 

Lisa Kricfalusi: It’s about nervous system regulation. Whether we’re at a Sunrise Social in Toronto or deep in the Algonquin Highlands for Cold Camp, we’re teaching people how to navigate intensity. When you step into a frozen lake, your body wants to panic. We teach you to breathe through it. That skill doesn't stay in the water; it follows you into your boardroom, your relationships, and your daily life. 

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Team Dryrobe®: Operating in Canada means dealing with some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. How does the Dryrobe factor into the safety and comfort of your participants? 

Nick: In Canada, the winter environment is a very real thing. When you exit 1°C water and the air temperature is -15°C, your core temperature continues to plummet. Safety is our priority. The Dryrobe® Advance Long Sleeve has become the unofficial uniform of our retreats because it’s the only thing that provides that immediate, windproof thermal shield. 

Lisa: Exactly. We often tell our participants that the experience doesn't end when you leave the water—the recovery is part of the practice. Being able to pull your arms inside the robe, strip off a wet swimsuit, and get into dry layers while staying protected from the Canadian wind is a game-changer. It turns the pre and post plunge experience into one that feels controlled and luxurious. 

Team Dryrobe®: You mention "Cold Camp"—your flagship winter retreat. What’s a typical morning like there, and where does the kit come into play? 

Nick: A typical morning at Cold Camp starts with breathwork to prime the nervous system.

Then, we head down to the lake where we’ve literally cut a hole in the ice. You’ll see a line of people in Dryrobes walking out across the frozen lake. 

Lisa: Participants drop their robes, enter the water for 2–3 minutes of guided immersion, and when they step out, that "hero" moment happens. They’re shivering, they’re euphoric, they dive back into their Dryrobes and begin to move their body. Once the Dryrobe is on people often feel comfortable to linger and watch the sunrise. We then move into a wood-fired sauna, but that transition period between the ice and the heat is where the Dryrobe is essential. 

Team Dryrobe®: What is the most common feedback you get from people who are using a changing robe for the first time during your sessions? 

Nick: Usually, it’s: "I didn't realize how much of a game changer this was." People often come with just a towel, thinking they’ll be fine. But once they see the community wrapped in their robes, sipping tea, and actually enjoying the cold air post-plunge, they realize it’s not just about warmth, it’s about extending the experience. It allows them to linger in nature rather than rushing back to a heated car. 

Team Dryrobe®: Unbounded is very much about community. How do you see the "culture" of cold water swimming growing in Canada? 

Lisa: It’s exploding. I think Canadians are tired of "enduring" winter; we want to embrace it. There’s a beautiful vulnerability that happens when you’re standing in a robe, red-faced and happy, talking to a stranger after a dip. It breaks down barriers. Whether you're an elite athlete or someone just looking to manage anxiety, the cold is the great equalizer. 

Key Takeaways for Cold Water Wellbeing 

• Safety First: Use a warm, windproof outer layer to help prevent further core temperature drop post-immersion. 
• Breathe Through It: Focus on long, slow exhales to signal safety to your nervous system. 
• Community Matters: Sharing the discomfort of the cold makes the recovery more rewarding. 
• Respect the Environment: Especially in Canadian winters, always have a clear plan for re-warming. 

Respect the Environment: Especially in Canadian winters, always have a clear plan for re-warming.

"The cold gives me space to let my body and my fears come out. When I warm up again in my robe, it’s incredible. It lets me fully be myself."

— Unbounded Participant

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