Organisers hoping dookers come out in force for world record bid

Leven beach will be the scene of a world record attempt next month as swimmers and dippers come together for a dook.

It’s hoped up to 3,000 people will join hands before plunging into the Firth of Forth at the same time to showcase the beauty of Largo Bay before the new Levenmouth rail link opens the following week.

The May 26 dip-a-thon is also raising funds for Megan’s Space, a mental health charity for children and young people.

Organiser Cuddy Cudworth said: “We’re trying to get as many people on Leven beach as we can. We want to show people the beach is stunning and is a good reason to come by train.”

Cuddy, 46, is a coach with Priority Mind Management, specialising in stress, anxiety and depression. He started the Fife Dippers Mental Health Dipping Society in 2021 after reading up on the benefits of cold water therapy.

Hardcore groups of regulars now dip off Leven beach three times a day and Cuddy is keen to share the experience.

He said: “Anyone is welcome to take part, even if they’re not part of an official group. I’m hoping for 3,000 people but even if we get 1,000 that will be brilliant.”

The official world record for a simultaneous dook involved around 20,000 people.

However, the Leven dipa-thon is described as a “link n dip”, hopefully setting a record for the most people dipping while holding hands.

The event begins at 1pm with two hours of wellness, including yoga and breath work. The world record dooking bid starts at 3pm.

Fife Heritage Railway is laying on vintage buses, with participants urged to park at the group’s Kirkland Sidings site then take a nostalgic ride to the beach.

Members of the Fife Dippers society at Leven beach.