For many of us, swimming in the ocean is something done at the height of summer, often to cool off after a spell of tanning. A brief, refreshing dip. There may even be some Dune Daisy readers brave enough to take it one step further, don a wetsuit, grab a board and ride the blue, peeling waves deeper offshore. But how many of you willingly and unwaveringly take to the ocean, day in and day out, come rain, shine, wind, fog (and everything in between), to cold water swim? To brave temperatures chilly enough to numb your extremities and make your teeth chatter? Well, if you do, you belong to a growing group of like-minded folk. Not extreme athletes, just regular people like you and me. People who get a physical and mental boost from taking time out in nature, immersing their bodies in the cold ocean, supporting their fellow ‘dippers’ and performing this invigorating and somewhat crazy ritual every day.
Interested? Think you are up for the challenge? Well, you are in luck, as St Francis Bay has its very own cold water dipping group, aptly named the ‘Naughty Nauticals’. And they are celebrating the upcoming Winter Solstice with a special early morning swim – find out more about them in the interview below with founding member Sandy Coffey, and take the plunge this Wednesday to honour the Solstice!
THE NAUGHTY NAUTICALS
It all began when my brother asked a simple question on Christmas Day 2020. He just said, “I don’t know why you are not swimming every day”. Right then and there I committed to getting into the water every day for a year. Rain, sun, wind, hail, lightning – whatever came my way. Of course, it was easy because it was summer, but by May, I was starting to realise that I had to dig deep. But it was too far into the year to give up, so I just carried on.
“Being a St Francis Bay local as opposed to a SFB holidaymaker are two vastly different things: As a non-local it can time to feel part of the community and find your “tribe”. Joining the Nauticals has made all the difference.”
Debbie Andrew
For 18 months, I swam alone. No one seemed remotely interested. Except for my friend Willem Bosman. He came to me after a dinner braai one day and said he wanted to “try it out”. It was winter, so I never thought he would. But he did. And he hasn’t missed a day since. Slowly he began bringing newcomers. And before we knew it, there was a committed bunch of ocean dippers. And that’s when we gave ourselves the name “Naughty Nauticals”. And even got T-shirts made for us! So that is how it all started. Today, it’s a robust, fun, brave group of interesting human beings.
We ocean dip (not to be confused with actual swimming training!) every morning at 7.30 am at Grannies Pool. Most stay for a warm-up coffee after the dip. Ages range from 16 to 85. There isn’t much of a routine. Whoever pitches up gets in and joins the fun. No pressure to stay in for any length of time. Whatever suits. No rules. Except that you have to get your hair wet!! There is a lot of talk about what the temperature of the water is. A LOT. So much so, that one of the dippers brings a thermometer to check!
I got to hear about Wim Hoff after about a year of my solo swims – and I did a whole lot of research. I wouldn’t consider us Wim Hoffers, rather, cold water immersion fans! There is so much research to back up the amazing effects of cold-water immersion – increased immune response, clearer minds, sharper responses, better sleep, and of course, daily discipline.
“I joined the crew after losing a bet with a mate – the best bet I ever lost. It has introduced me to a new group of mates and unique experiences. Even though not a regular at the moment, I always “catch on where I left off” with the bunch. Amazing way to start the day!”
Trevor Gascoyne
Personally, my body has gotten used to that cold water – on the odd occasion where I have been unable to swim because of work commitments, my body misses it. There is an addiction I can see happening! A good one.
The hardest part is definitely getting in. And there is no easy way. I find it best just to dive in, rather than go in slowly. Best part is 10 minutes after the swim. All the endorphins rush around your body and there is a beautiful sense of being alive. And of course, there is the ocean. I have learnt more about tides, wind, moon, sun and the ocean in these past three years than during my whole life.
We don’t really have any rituals, except if it’s someone’s birthday – then we stay for cake and coffee (thanks to Bruce’s Cafe for deliciousness!). And now we are planning our first Winter Solstice event. Anyone and everyone is welcome on the 21st June, 7.30 am. Come and be part of the fun!
If it’s your first dip, here is my advice: warm up your car beforehand; wear water shoes so your feet don’t get torn by the rocks, and bring a warm jacket to wear after. You will find it very uncomfortable for the first two minutes in the water, and then the magic happens. Your body gets used to it and realises there isn’t any actual danger and it starts to normalise. Don’t get out before that happens. And then, with curiosity, see how your day pans out. I’ll bet something good happens.
If I had to pick one word to sum up how I feel after my morning swim, it would be: ALIVE.
“It’s been a blessing to join the Nauticals. My first dip was a few days after I experienced a traumatic home robbery in Johannesburg. The early morning routine helped me to connect with my feelings and surroundings, the natural beauty of the area and the morning light, the joy and discomfort I felt as the curious otter circled us, the kindness, the humour, and discovering the stories and talents of my fellow immersers truly helped me heal.”
Gill Stern
“Last year I ended up in a coma for two weeks and in hospital for three months. I have always loved the sea but was concerned to go back to the water as I was paralysed on my left side. When Willem’s wife, Leanne told me about this group of swimmers, I was excited although afraid as I didn’t want to hinder the others, but oh my word, I was overwhelmed by the kindness, support, help and encouragement, and getting back into the water has helped me with my physical and mental well-being. I feel my healing process has accelerated and I have benefited greatly from both the swimmers and the ocean.”
Karen
“When Sandy Coffey invited me along to join her one day, in the middle of winter, I couldn’t resist. Primarily driven by the challenge it presented, I was also curious! That first swim is still vivid in my mind. I battled to breathe for the first 30 seconds but the sense of calm and accomplishment I felt as my body surrendered to the temperature was life changing. The rest is history. It is more than a year now and every day I crave the soothing feeling of cold water rushing over my skin as I take the plunge. It is that and the discipline it takes (together with the addictive pheromones my body exudes) that brings me back for a wonderful start to the day. Combine that with the daily changing beauty of the surroundings, the seagulls, the jumping fish, the odd inquisitive otter swimming with us, the enduring camaraderie and laughter we have in the water and the post dip coffee, being a Nautical is a no brainer!”
Willem Bosman
And if you find yourself further afield, fear not as there are cold water swimming groups in almost every bay and tidal pool around our coastline. Read on for the backstory on the Atlantic Waterbabies from Camps Bay in Cape Town. This intrepid group has been cold water swimming since 2015 and was even showcased on Carte Blanche!
DD: What motivated you to take the plunge?
Atlantic Waterbabies: Most of us had heard about the Wim Hof method and the various benefits of cold water swimming and were keen to try it out. The pressure from friends who were already hooked on it already was also a huge impact! The oldest member of the Waterbabies (Helen Boonzaier, 85yrs old) had so much FOMO when she saw our seemingly crazy bunch of people swimming in the freezing Atlantic that she just had to join!
DD: Tell us a little about your group
AW: We swim every morning at 7.30 am at the Camps Bay tidal pool or in the ocean, depending on the conditions and there can be anything between 5-20 swimmers at a time. Ages range from 30-85 years old and our backgrounds are as varied as the weather. Our only rule is that you immerse for a full 20 mins. We don’t follow the Wim Hof breathing method but do love the philosophy behind Cold Water Cryotherapy.
Some of us prep for the morning dip with some tea and crackers, or a morning meditation and writing ritual. Others set their alarm, get into auto-pilot mode, don’t think too much about what the weather conditions look like outside, and drive to the pool to meet the group.
DD: What motivates you to take the plunge every morning?
AW: There are so many reasons to keep dipping, including communing with the swimming crowd and chatting nonsense with each other; feeling the connection to the water and nature; the deep sense of peace; feeling the movement of the water, and of course the post-swim coffees and hot baths! The hardest parts are to take the first step of getting up in the cold, wet, dark winter months and to get past that moment of having to take off your warm fluffy robe and walk into the ocean.
Sink or Swim? Know your cold-water lingo
Wim Hof: Welcome to the Official Wim Hof Method Website
Cryotherapy: What Is Cryotherapy? A Guide to Cold Therapy | Everyday Health
Waterbabies on Instagram
https://instagram.com/atlantic_water_babies?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://instagram.com/coldwatersocialclub?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DD: What changes, physically and emotionally have you noticed as a result of your morning swims?
AW: Apart from some members feeling years younger, there is no doubt that cold water swimming and the associated social interactions help to increase energy levels, boost the immune system and lighten emotional head space. The sense of comradeship and community, the coming together of like-minded people, has really become so important for our dippers and really has helped them through some very tough times. And for many, this seemingly simple ritual has provided the much-needed reason to get up in the morning – it really is the best way to start your day!
DD: Do you have any other rituals/ceremonies included as part of your group?
AW: We love it when a birthday comes around as we do a birthday circle in the water, singing and splashing and celebrating the birthday guy/gal. We also, of course, have our much-needed coffees post dip and we have had some wonderful swim gatherings on dry land; weekends away, nights at the opera etc. We have a sister group, The Mermaids, who swim after us (they get the sun!) and love to do full moon and Solstice swims.
DD: What advice would you give to someone interested in starting cold water swimming?
AW: All you need to do is try! The best thing to do is that once you have taken that first plunge, do it every morning for 6 days – then you will be hooked – your body and mind will demand more!
DD: And if you could sum up how you feel after your morning swim in one word, what would that word be?
AW: ALIVE, AMAZING, HAPPY, ENERGISED, RESET, FRESH, COLD
Well, fellow daisies, we are keen to give it a try and whether you are in St Francis Bay, Scarborough, Salt Rock or Syndey, why not take a dip into the ocean this Solstice? Celebrate the turn of the season with the pull of the waves. Immerse you body, free you mind and make a new friend or two. As Sandy so astutely said “if I can get into the ocean every day, then what else am I capable of doing?”
