Another year, another Dip a Day challenge for Surfers Against Sewage.It is that time of year again. The time when thousands of ocean lovers come together to dip every day in October to unite in a peaceful protest for cleaner seas. This fundraiser raises the bar every year with more people getting on board with ocean health. I live by the water, so it’s a huge part of my life and my daughter’s, but I also dip to spread awareness that it’s a space under threat.
Dipping every day is a big challenge. The sea is far colder at this time of year. The daily commitment adds a lot on top of your normal tasks and activities and it is not always easy to plunge yourself into, let’s face it, icy water after a challenging day. What I can tell you and what others will support is that it’s a very worthwhile cause. Coming together to stand up for things we believe in makes us more visible, a stronger force that can’t just be ignored. If we keep making waves someone will notice us. If we keep shouting about our passions we will be heard.
Dip a Day is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Life is busy but taking a few moments of each day can be really soothing. It can offer a little bit of calm and allow you a few minutes to just be yourself, whether you dip alone or with a friend.
My community of ocean lovers is strong. I have the pleasure of being part of The Tipsy Dippers, a local sea dipping group who are to put it politely, just bloody fabulous! They dip together weekly, sometimes daily as a group of friends, always accepting newcomers and welcoming beginners by offering support when taking the plunge. I get to dive with a huge community of folk who all find solace and recreation in the underwater world, whether it be through teaching, diving for fun, photography or conservation. I get to stroll along the beach with friends over coffee for catch up chats and most importantly I get to teach my daughter to swim along with my husband in water I love. I don’t take any of it for granted. We all feel honoured to live by the coast and are aware of its current health.
The time for change is always now. The time to dip is this October.
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