ON the crisp morning of June 21, as the winter solstice heralded the longest night of the year, the Inverloch Icebergs celebrated the occasion with a bold and invigorating tradition: a nude cold-water plunge into the icy waters of Anderson Inlet.
As dawn broke, a group of regulars gathered at the beach, shedding their inhibitions and clothes to take the plunge.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a palpable sense of excitement.
This daring event, not only celebrates the solstice but also highlights the health benefits of cold-water swimming in winter.
The Inverloch Icebergs first came together back in the thick of COVID isolation when a couple of friends “accidentally” met in the cold ocean to simply reconnect.
Their spontaneous act of connecting in the freezing waters quickly grew into a weekly tradition, drawing more participants who found not only companionship but also resilience in facing life’s challenges.
“We are driven by the simple but profound mantra of being ‘friends who say yes’. This continues to inspire, reminding each member to embrace life’s difficulties with a bold spirit,” Inverloch Iceberg co-founder and owner of Dirty Three Wines Lisa Sartori said
Lisa Riley highlights; “I love the many giggles, the love and companionship in the extremities, it’s so much fun.”
It’s an all-inclusive welcoming group that meets and swims every Tuesday, at 6.25am at the Invy Yacht Club launching ramp. There’s a lot of laughs, a lot of fun and new friendships are formed.
Despite the weather, the group gathers to uphold this empowering tradition.
Locals, visitors, tourists – everyone is invited.
Other than for winter solstice celebrations, bathers stay on.
For more information about the Inverloch Icebergs and how to get involved in their activities, join their Facebook group Inverloch Icebergs or just arrive at the carpark on Tuesdays at 6.25am.
For more information on Things to Do in Inverloch contact the Inverloch Tourism Association email: Monique.wilson@inverloch.org.au or head to visitinverloch.co.
