At the scenic Willow’s Beach in Oak Bay, you’ll find dog walkers, joggers, and also a unique group of early risers on a mission.
“It’s gonna be awesome, we’re gonna be laughing, having fun,” said Susan Seal, eagerly awaiting her routine plunge into the Pacific ocean.
Every day before sunrise, rain or shine, a growing group of brave souls embrace their unusual morning routine.
“I first encountered this group in May I thought they were a bit crazy,” said Beth Nicholson, a 73-year-old who’s been hooked ever since.
“I just felt called to do it . . . this is 134 days,” said Nicholson, who says the cool water helps with muscle soreness.
Meanwhile, Arifin Graham started his shiver-inducing swim habit last month.
“I’ve been every day since, except for one, I missed one day, and then I thought ‘Nah I’m not gonna miss any days.'”
The swim sessions last approximately ten to fifteen minutes, with many saying the experience produces a euphoric high.
“Changes my energy for the day, I find,” said Graham.
“It lifts our spirits,” added Nicholson.
Everyone has their own reason, like Deborah Lefrank, who was advised to try it for therapeutic reasons by her physiotherapist.
“I have an old injury and I just thought it might help with inflammation and things like that and it has very much done that,” said Lefrank.
For others, like Susan Seal, the water heals much more than just the body.
“During COVID my life changed quite dramatically and I was suddenly on my own and I was sad,” said the Oak Bay music teacher.
Seal says the morning ritual has been nothing short of life-changing.
“[It] made me want to get out of bed and come here, it was amazing.”
During the pandemic when so many people have suffered from isolation, Here, on a brisk January day, a community and unlikely friendships are formed.
“I mean, there’s so much room on the beach that we can be here together and apart and we can be in the water together and apart,” said Lefrank.
“I might not have ever met them and I really appreciate them and we’ve grown to care for one another,” said 80-year-old Kay Eggert.
One could call it bonding through collective suffering.
But with the smiles on the swimmer’s faces, perhaps they’re not so crazy after all.
Every morning before sunrise, rain or shine, a growing group of adventurists start their day with a plunge into the Pacific. (CHEK News)
Kevin Charach
