Winter Solstice Dip at Dawn
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
You can still register in person on the morning of the event.
As the Winter Solstice Sun travels its shortest path through the sky offering us the shortest day and longest night we invite you to join us for a Dip at Dawn at Salthill Beach in solidarity with families facing the fear of homelessness this Christmas.
In ancient pagan times, the Winter Solstice was a sacred time that symbolised the power of the sun and celebrated the brighter days to come. Join us as we celebrate this ancient seasonal rite of passage from darkness into light at 8:49am on Wednesday, December 21st for a revitalising dip at Salthill Beach led by Ebb&Flow, followed by a heavenly hot drink courtesy of Salthill’s one and only Barista Bus!
Registration is €30 and the first 200 people to register will receive a much coveted Galway Simon beanie! You will also receive an exclusive 10-minute Winter Solstice Yoga video created by the wonderful Laragh Cunningham from Yoga Shala direct to your inbox the week before the event!
Those of you who joined us for our Summer Solstice Dip at Dawn will remember Laragh leading us in a beautiful and very meaningful series of yoga sun salutations before our dip. Laragh’s Winter Solstice Yoga video involves a gentle and mindful 10-minute practice that can be done right throughout the year. It is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Why Take the Challenge?
1. You will feel AH-MAZING! – Yoga and sea swimming (and dipping!) are renowned for their benefits to your mental health and wellbeing.
2. The first 200 people who register will receive a free Galway Simon beanie.
3. To receive an exclusive 10-minute Winter Solstice Yoga video created by the wonderful Laragh Cunningham of Yoga Shala specifically for this event.
4. To help us to continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community and their right to security, dignity and wellbeing in their homes. The funds raised from this event go directly to our Homeslessness Prevention, Housing, Health and Wellbeing services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
The Difference YOU Can Make
Our goal is to sell 200 tickets and raise €6,000 for families in our community facing the trauma of homelessness. So, grab your friends, family or colleagues and help us make a real difference this Christmas!
Learn more about the difference you can make by reading stories from real people who have faced the trauma of homelessness and who, with our assistance and your financial support, were able to put homelessness behind them for good.
Testimonials of Previous Participants
“invigorating”
“refreshing”
“a great start to the day”
“the most fabulous thing”
“It’s a beautiful thing to take time out of your day to help somebody with theirs.”
“It was a great cause and a beautiful idea. Lovely to share such a moment with others.”
Water Safety Guides
Open Water Swimming Guide
Water Safety Ireland Hypothermia Leaflet
FAQ
How do I take part?
Register your details and purchase your ticket for €30 by clicking the Registration button.
Can I buy more than one ticket?
Yes, but in compliance with GDPR guidelines, tickets must be purchased individually.
Tickets for this event are non-refundable. Therefore, please ensure that you are available to attend the event when purchasing your ticket.
When registering you will need to give your name and email.
How do I get my beanie?
If you are one of the first 200 to register you can collect your free exclusive Galway Simon beanie at the registration desk on the morning of the Dip.
Please arrive at the registration desk by 8:30am to ensure you have plenty of time to collect your beanie and prepare for the dip!
What do I need to bring with me on the morning?
Warm loose clothes – layering your clothes can help keep you warm both before and after your dip. Wearing loose clothing will make it much easier to get dressed after your dip.
Swimwear – wear your swimwear under your clothes to the event so you can comfortably and quickly strip and dip! For your own personal health and safety, we also suggest wearing a brightly coloured swim cap (or Simon beanie), a tow float and a wetsuit.
Something to stand on – the sand will be incredibly cold and wet. A mat to stand on as you get changed will provide that little bit of extra comfort on the day. You can also place your gear on it to keep it dry while you dip.
Towel/towel robe – towel robes are super convenient for changing after your dip but a large towel can also make it that little bit easier to get changed with ease and grace.
Hot water bottle – a hot water bottle is a tremendous tool to bring warmth and circulation back into your body. Wrap your towel around it before you dip so you have a lovely warm towel to dry off with after your dip. Once dressed you can place it in between your jumper and your jacket to help keep you snug and warm.
Raincoat/waterproof jacket – the one thing we can count on here in Galway is the rain! This is an outdoor event so please wear suitable outdoor clothing. A raincoat or waterproof jacket can also be placed over your towel and clothes to keep them dry while you dip.
What will happen on the morning of the event?
The running order of activities for the morning is as follows.
Where do I park?
There is ample parking along the Prom in Salthill.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at the registration desk at Salthill Beach by 8.30am to register and collect your Galway Simon beanie.
What time does the dip take place?
The dip takes place at exactly 8:49am so please arrive twenty minutes beforehand to register and collect your beanie.
What time does the event finish at?
The event finishes at 9.30am which means you have plenty of time to enjoy a hot drink and a chat before you are on your way to the rest of your day.
How do I warm up after my dip?
Watch the video below to find out how you can warm up after your dip!
Are there toilets available at Salthill Beach?
Yes, there are public toilets available along the Salthill Prom.
Are there changing rooms available at Salthill Beach?
Yes, there is an open changing area for participants at the beach.
Please refer to the question above, ‘What do I need to bring with me on the morning?’ for details on how to properly prepare for the event.
Where is Salthill Beach?
Salthill Beach is located on the Prom just opposite the Galway Bay Hotel. Galway Simon volunteers will be there to meet and greet you as you arrive – you won’t miss us!
Will there be lifeguards on the beach?
Yes, there will be two lifeguards – one on the beach and one in the water.
What if it rains?
The one thing will can always count on in Galway is the rain! So come hail, rain or shine the Dip at Dawn will go ahead on Wednesday, December 21st.
What if there is a weather warning?
Your safety is our top priority.
In the event of a weather warning issued by Met Eireann the event will be cancelled and rescheduled in the new year.
As this is a charity event tickets are non-refundable.
Any other questions?
For more information contact Karol Cooke on our fundraising team on 091 381828 or by emailing [email protected]
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