Sauna Master
Fenwick Ridley
Fenwick Ridley – Founder of Northumbrian Sauna
I’m Fenwick Ridley, the heart behind Northumbrian Sauna. As a Team GB Ice Swimmer, Sauna Master, and trainer of open water lifeguards, I’ve built my life around water, heat, and the incredible benefits of contrast therapy. With years of hands-on experience, I guide people safely through the fire-and-ice journey, unlocking better health, resilience, and balance.
Northumbrian Sauna isn’t just about stepping into a hot sauna or a cold dip—it’s about creating a full experience. From wild swimming in Northumberland’s lakes to the deep restorative power of heat, I bring professional guidance, safety, and passion into every session. Whether it’s at events, festivals, corporate wellness days, or private gatherings, my goal is to give people the tools to feel stronger, clearer, and more alive.
I believe in community, well-being, and adventure. That’s why every Northumbrian Sauna session is more than just relaxation—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, with each other, and with yourself.
Fenwick Ridley – My Journey
I’m Fenwick Ridley, founder of Northumbrian Sauna. My journey with fire and ice began in the wild waters and rugged landscapes of Northumberland, where I first discovered how heat and cold can transform the body and mind. What started as curiosity has grown into a lifelong path—one that’s taken me from Northumberland’s lakes to the Arctic Circle, where I swam as part of my journey with Team GB Ice Swimming.
As Team GB Captain and board member, I’ve represented my country on the world stage and helped shape the future of British ice swimming. Alongside competing, I became a qualified Sauna Master and a trainer of open water lifeguards, ensuring safety and professionalism sit at the heart of everything I do.
My work is built on more than practice—it’s backed by science. I’ve studied professional papers and research on both cold and heat, exploring how the body responds through circulation, stress adaptation, recovery, and even neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. From this, I’ve developed my own contrast training method, using sauna and cold immersion not just for relaxation, but for building resilience, sharpening focus, and supporting peak performance.
Sharing these tools is my passion. I regularly teach resilience, give talks on mindset and human behaviour, and guide people through the powerful journey of contrast therapy. My approach is shaped by what I call a Viking mindset—meeting challenges head-on, embracing discomfort, and finding strength in adversity. It’s why many know me as the Ice Viking: a name that reflects both my personal path and the spirit I bring to every session.
Through Northumbrian Sauna, I combine science, practice, and experience to create guided journeys of fire and ice—whether at festivals like WELLGOOD, in corporate wellness programmes, or at private events. For me, sauna and cold water are not just extremes—they’re gateways to resilience, clarity, and connection.