Brave Souls in Swimwear
Twice a week, they stand on the beach, ready for a refreshing dip: Noordwijk’s ‘ice babes’. But only when it is not too warm outside. While most people head to the sea when it is thirty degrees and sunny, these swimmers choose their moment when the temperature is barely above zero.
Noordwijk’s ‘ice babes’
In 2019, health guru Wim Hof, also known as ‘The Iceman’, gave a talk at Azzurro Wellness about the positive effects of cold-water dipping. A small group of Noordwijk residents decided to give it a try and, during the Covid period, took a dip in the North Sea together. They have not stopped since.
Today, a regular group of eight enthusiasts forms a true ‘dip club’. They swear by the kick, the tingling skin and the energetic, happy feeling that stays with them for hours after such a cold plunge.
The swimming group is a wonderfully ‘unorganised club’ that motivates each other and looks out for one another. They would not be quick to go into the cold sea alone, but together it always feels good — even if they are slightly dreading it the day before. Once you have been, you know: dipping in cold water is invigorating, healthy and addictive.
Cold water, warm heart: how to take a North Sea dip
1. Pay attention to sea safety
Do not enter the water if the sea is too rough or the current is too strong. Stay together and, if the current is powerful, hold each other’s hand.
2. Do not hesitate — keep going
Do not stand at the water’s edge doubting yourself. Walk into the water with purpose. A mental trick: say to yourself, “the sea is warm” instead of focusing on the cold.
3. Make it a regular, social moment
Dip regularly with a fixed group and take time afterwards to warm up together, for example indoors with warm clothing and coffee. That makes it not only healthy, but also sociable and something to look forward to.
