Over 100 women gathered at King Edwards Bay this morning to celebrate International Women’s Day with a sunrise swim

To celebrate International Women’s Day this morning over 100 women from Tynemouth and the surrounding areas braved the harsh North Sea waters to take part in The International Women’s Day Sea Dip Challenge and come together for an amazing moment, to honour the achievements and sacrifices of women all over the globe.

I was definitely sceptical to take part in the swim at first. As a student, I love a lie-in and as a non-native northerner I am not so accustomed to the cold, but I got up at the crack of dawn and made it down to King Edwards Bay. It was an inspiring way to start the day and being surrounded by so many amazing, strong women and the feeling of leaving my comfort zone made it the perfect activity to celebrate International Women’s day.

After a tedious battle with my alarm clock in the early hours, I managed to get up, chug down some coffee and drive to the beach at 6:30 am. I was shocked at the turnout with over 100 women already on the beach as we walked down the steps and after speaking to just a few women who swim at King Edwards Bay regularly our nerves soon settled. We didn’t mess about and quickly stripped down to our swimming costumes/shorts/t-shirts – making sure to keep on our fluffy hats  – and all made it into the sea together for a dip.

After about 30 seconds in the water, the cold didn’t seem to bother me anymore and it was exhilarating to be able to swim freely with such beautiful views as the sun was rising above us. We were in the sea for about 5 minutes in total before we quickly warmed up and got the chance to talk to more wonderful women on the beach about why they love sea swimming!

International women’s day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all over the world which occurs on the 8th of March every year. Cheryl, the organiser of The International Woman’s day Sunrise swim challenge describes it as an amazing way to celebrate the accomplishments of women.

The event was organised by local personal trainer Cheryl Tanner who runs ‘New Wave to life’ where she educates people all about sea swimming including the potential dangers, the health benefits and how to participate safely. She also organises regular sea swimming group events, and tickets can be found on Eventbrite.

Cheryl explained to me that cold water swimming is amazing for both you’re physical and mental health, “it makes me feel absolutely unstoppable and alive. It’s something that everybody needs to try”.

She encourages anybody nervous to try sea swimming to “just give it a go”.

The next donate and dip event is this Saturday (12th) at 7:30 am at King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth, the event is completely free but all donations are going to support Ukraine so donations and supplies are greatly appreciated.

With Tynemouth less than a 30-minute drive away from Newcastle and only a few stops on the metro, what are you waiting for, set your alarm, pack a towel and some warm clothes and start the day off well with a sea swim!

I promise you won’t regret it!