When I found out a few days ago that Tom and I would be in Cardiff for New Year’s Eve, I started googling things to do, fireworks etc and something that kept coming up was the Barry Island New Year’s Day swim. As this is the first year that I’m not hungover on the 1st January, I thought it might be fun if Tom and I joined in the beach fun.
Sadly Tom’s work ran longer than expected so we didn’t make it to the beach in time for the mass start but we did spot a few brave souls that stayed in longer than the rest of the crowds.
Now in it’s 32nd year, they anticipated that 1000 people would turn up to take to the sea or watch those mad enough to strip off for the event. Many don fancy dress for the occasion and use it as a charity fundraising event.
Some people weren’t going anywhere near that water…despite having swimming trunks on under his tracksuit bottoms.
I really wanted to go in, despite the frigid temperatures, but didn’t want to run in alone. I took off my shoes and socks, rolled up my leggings and ran towards the sea…
…ankle deep I realised just how cold it was! This face says it all!
I wish I could tell you that I braved the cold, stripped off and started to swim, but the truth is I ran pretty quickly back to Tom and the towel to thaw my white feet out. I’m so impressed by everyone that fully submerged themselves into the sea, especially those in bikinis and budgie smugglers!
Since we completely copped out of the swim, we took advantage of the pool in Tom’s new apartment complex and went for a far warmer dip in the afternoon. Starting my New Year’s resolutions on day 1 – score!
Are any of you Gavin And Stacey fans? If you are you would probably have recognised the beach and arcade at Barry from the series. I used to love the show, so it was fun to see this at one of the busy beachside cafes!
Have you ever done something a bit different on New Year’s Day?
I don’t blame you one bit for not going in! As you say, your face says it all! Looks like it would be fun just to watch the masses doing it though.
Well done thinking about it! Nice boots and jacket BTW – Christmas pressies I’m thinking? I completed my NYR last year to go to a film once a month. This year, we aim to go to one National Trust property a month in a bid to leave the kitchen sink and get out more. Want to join us at one which has a run too?
New boots – old jacket! Boots bought in the sale using Xmas money- thanks Mum!! Sounds like a good idea xx
My sister, brother-in-law, my 9-year-old nephew and I did the Polar Plunge here in Seattle on New Year’s Day morning — it was quite the shock to the system, but wonderfully fun! And it’s much easier when you run in holding hands and screaming with everyone else. 🙂
That’s brutal – no judgement on you not going in. Also, hat = winning! Happy New Year!
I think you’re bonkers for even getting your feet wet! 🙂 We have a Christmas Day swim in my home town which has been going for longer than I can remember but I’ve never actually done it – Dad threatened it a couple of times, but we have decided that we’re staunch (dry) supporters and spectators of it!
I did Barry Island parkrun on New yrs day, just before the swim started. No way I was going in the water though! The parkrun is a tough one with the little hill and sea breeze. Cardiff one is great – fast and flat!