The big dip

Come down to Ōrewa beach at 7am, three days a week, and you’re likely to see a small group of hardy locals venturing into the sea for what has become a highlight of the day.

Meeting at the picnic table just south of the surf club, the ‘Ōrewa Dippers’ have been taking the plunge since before daylight saving time started in late September – when the sun was barely out of bed at that time of the morning.

By mid-December the water had become considerably warmer, although it still takes some pluck to have a dip – not a wetsuit in sight – at a time when beach walkers are still wrapped up snugly.

“I’d never go in on my own at this time of the day,” says one. “You have to do it with other people.”

“Morning!” a latecomer is greeted as the early light sparkles along the edges of the waves. “It’s so beautiful!”

The idea began with a friend from England, Jenny, who has since moved to the North Shore but occasionally returns for a “guest appearance” visit.

Numbers fluctuate, but the six dippers on this particular morning – Lynsey, Kim, Stephen, Louise, Nicki and Camelia – are all locals. Earlier places of origin include England, Scotland and Romania.

Some knew each other before; others are new friends. The sound of laughter carries across the water as the conversation moves between families, the weather, the covid resurgence and who’s managed to dodge it, and how pesky the sea lice will be this year.

As body temperatures drop and then stabilise, there’s talk about the purported health benefits of swimming year round. The dippers say they plan to “just keep going” through the summer and beyond, and encourage others to join.

In no time at all, ten minutes is up and “we’d better start drifting in”.

Back on the beach, Stephen says the morning dip has become an important part of his routine.

“It’s invigorating, good for mental health – connecting you with the outside and helping to keep everything else in perspective.”

After a last “Have a great day,” it’s a quick change and then off to work, or whatever else the morning holds. With a start like this, it’s bound to be a good one.