Al and Nikki
“Nikki and I are proud supporters of the North East Skinny Dip, a cause that holds deep personal meaning for us. We first attended in 2017, signing up on a whim for a bit of fun, but the experience became so much more. At the time, Nikki was self-conscious about her body following an operation, and I thought participating might help her see her beauty and strength. It worked wonders for her confidence, and we both came away feeling empowered. In 2018, we decided to volunteer, and since then, we’ve been wholeheartedly committed to the event. NESD’s support for the local Mind charity is particularly close to our hearts, as Mind provided vital assistance to my family during very difficult times. By giving our time and energy to NESD, we not only help others but also honour those who helped us when we needed it most.
These days, you’ll find us at the heart of the event, along with our daughter Imogen, leading a team of hardworking volunteers, coordinating parking, and checking in all the pledged dippers. For us, NESD is about so much more than the dip itself. It’s about creating a space where people feel free, accepted, and empowered, while also supporting a cause that changes lives. It’s a privilege to be part of this incredible community, and we’ll continue to give our all to this cause that has given so much to us.”
Kizzy
“On dip day, you’ll find me at the welcome desk, where I help participants get ready for the big plunge. I love being one of the first points of contact on the beach, greeting everyone and making sure they know where to go, and to feel comfortable, especially first time dippers who get a big cheer. I also sell the much sought-after NESD merch!
Volunteering here is incredibly rewarding—there’s such a strong sense of community and positivity. It’s amazing to see so many people coming together to support mental health awareness and celebrate body positivity. I’m proud to say I have done every dip and to play a part in this wonderful event!”
Stuart
“For me the best thing about the NESD crew is meeting like-minded people you have just met and they feel like life-long friends. A blessing. Oh and the joys and laughter that you hear on the day warms your heart to understand we are all the same!”
Tove
Chris P
As you can see from his picture Chris is a shy bairn and doesn’t want to blow his own trumpet but he has supported me more than most! Not only on dip day but all the year round. With his big heart and boundless energy he can make almost anything happen against the odds! (Jax)
Neil
The First Time.
It’s more than twelve years ago now, and the memory is like sea glass – rock solid, but a bit cloudy.
Sunday 22nd September 2012. It was 6am and I was starting to doubt my route-planning skills. I was approaching Cresswell Village which wasn’t supposed to be on my itinerary at all, so I looked for a place to stop and check the map (yes-
a paper map).
I can’t remember how I heard about the North East Skinny Dip, but the whole crazy scheme appealed to me immediately. I’ve always been a morning person, and a much bigger fan of swimming than of swimming costumes. The chance to raise a little bit of money for a very worthy charity was merely a bonus.
Judging by the relatively low number
of participants on that inaugural dip, I wasn’t the only one who’d been unable to convince friends or family to join the fun, which was a shame because I really could have used a navigator as I trundled alongthe narrow lane from Widdrington in search of Druridge Bay. I spotted a gateway with just about enough room to turn around, but another car was already attempting the same manoeuvre. That’s where I first met Trevor who, it turned out, was there to photograph the dip. Between us, Trevor and I worked out where we’d missed a turn, and I followed him to the dip site.
We were a truly motley crew. No one had a Dryrobe in those days (they were only just starting to take off), so most people turned up in jeans, jumpers and an assortment of outdoorsy clothing.
So far, so ordinary.
As a vague brightness bloomed on the horizon, approximately a hundred barely awake and insufficiently warm souls began, with apparent enthusiasm, the countdown to an impossible moment. One simply does not strip naked in public, surrounded by dozens of strangers, and certainly not at dawn in Northumberland,. Yet here we were.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… STRIIIIP!
Suddenly, we were off and pacing down the beach, laughing and shrieking, clothes and cares abandoned in little heaps by the dunes. We ran headlong into the uncharacteristically gentle waves of the cold North Sea, as if it were no more than popping to the corner shop for a loaf of bread and a pint of milk. That’s the magic of the North East Skinny Dip. From impossible to ordinary in ten seconds flat!
Motley no more, the whole crew resplendent in our matching outfits, all from the same timeless fashion house. The rest is merely drying, dressing and driving home, determined to repeat the experience, bigger and better every year, and that’s more or less what’s happened. NESD goes from strength to strength with growing numbers and celebrity visitors. Eventually, we’ll need a bigger beach.