Temperatures may be dropping, but more people are taking the plunge into cold water.
Monthly community cold water dips in Wigan, run by Urban Ice Tribe, are attracting up to 60 regulars, and newcomers are also welcome – with dippers ranging from 18 years old to people in their seventies.
Ice plunges are a staple in the sporting world, aiding with recovery for elite athletes, but it is also growing in popularity among the public.
Urban Ice Tribe founder Ryan Abbot said: “There’s a real community vibe at the dips that is generally missing from society.”
Last year, event listing website Eventbrite featured five times as many events for cold water dipping as in 2019, highlighting its growing popularity.
The new phenomenon challenges people to overcome their fears.
Linda Wren, who heard about ice dipping through a TV show featuring Wim Hof, said: “I literally have to tell myself, ‘This isn’t going to kill me, and I’ll feel amazing afterwards.'”
While there are physical benefits to ice water swimming, there is also a focus on the community and mental health benefits that the experience provides.
Gillian Gill, who joined the group after a cancer diagnosis, said: “In lockdown, I did everything from walking to meditation, and when it was over I tried cold dipping.
“Life is about facing fear and that’s what I did with the ice dipping. It stills my mind and grounds me.”
Dipping has proved popular among women, particularly those who are perimenopausal or menopausal, due to its relaxing effect – both physically and mentally – but some men also enjoy a dip.
Dan Naylor, who started by dipping in a rainwater barrel in the garden, said: “I dip regularly with the group and have since introduced friends to it. We love it.
“It was life changing.”
Find out more about Urban Ice Tribe here.
Images provided by Big Bang PR.
