HAPPY NEW BRRR!
AFTER a week of eating and drinking more than you probably should, what better way to see in the new year than with a bracing dip? Get your best fancy dress out and start 2018 in a way to remember with one of Wales’ finest New Year’s Day Swims.
Abersoch RNLI New Year’s Day Dip: Last year hundreds turned out with their eye patches and parrots for the 2016 Pirates of Penrhyn Llyn dip.
This year the theme is musicals so get your glad-rags ready. The swim kicks off at 12pm to raise money for the RNLI lifeboats.
Sponsorship forms are available online (at www.abersoch.co.uk/ news2017/rnli2018.pdf ) , on the day, or at the Abersoch Boatyard and Abersoch Watersports shop. The Amroth Dippers New Year’s Day Swim: Make sure you brush up on your magic skills before heading to Amroth as this year swimmers are celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter.
Last year everyone dressed as Welsh rugby legend Dan Biggar and held a line-out in the freezing temperatures.
Harry Potter and the New Year’s Day Swim will start at 12.30pm on January 1.
All money raised will go towards children’s charity Amelie’s Rainbow run by 10-year-old Amelie from Princes Gate.
Barry Island New Year’s Day Swim: Thousands are expected to take on the chilly waters at Barry Island’s New Year’s Day Swim.
Back for its 34th year, the swim originally started when five members of the Jacksons Bay Lifeguard Club decided to shake off their hangovers with a bracing dip. There is no need to register before the day – just meet under the Western Shelter at Whitmore Bay for 12.30pm.
All money raised will go towards Head First, the brain tumour unit at Velindre Cancer Care in Cardiff.
For those feeling fresh after New Year’s Eve, a 5km Park Run will take place at 10.30am before the swim, followed by a free fitness session at around 11.15am.
The Mayor’s New Year’s Day Dip, Pembrokeshire: This annual event at Newport Boat Club in Parrog, Pembrokeshire, sees the mayor lead the crowds into the waters of the Parrog estuary.
Luckily participants can warm back up with a mug of soup and a hot shower at the boat club followed by live music from 4pm.
The swim starts as 12pm.
RNLI Porthdinllaen New Year’s Day Dip: This New Year’s dip is known for its picturesque location on the stunning Porthdinllaen peninsula.
And with local pub the Ty Coch Inn known as one of the best beach bars in the world, what’s not to like?
The swim starts at 11.30am at Morfa Nefyn. Entrance is £3 including light refreshments and a medal for taking part. All proceeds will go to Porthdinllaen RNLI.
Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim: The biggest of all the new year swims, last year more than 1,800 people took part to raise an incredible £43,400 for charity.
Each year becomes more elaborate – 2016 saw a fancy dress horse race and mass dance warm-up.
And what better way to enter the freezing water than with a firework display overhead?
The only rule is that your head must go under the water. This year’s event will start at 12.30pm.
Participants can choose their own charity.
Sponsorship forms are available at www.saundersfootnyds.co.uk/sponsorshipforms.html
Whitesands New Year’s Day Charity Swim: It may be a popular surfing beach, but for this swim you’ll have to leave your board at home.
Run by local charity group St David’s Penknife Club, the dip will raise money for local charities including the Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club.
Registration opens at 11am where you will have time to take in the breathtaking views before the swim starts at noon.