Ivana Jirasek

A great feeling to have achieved the goal of 10 dips!In reality many more if all the cold showers were counted through weeks of the deluge. The swims won’t stop here. The daffodil day dips have been a great kick-starter for this ritual, with the added encouragement of my many supporters contributing to the Cancer Council’s important work. 

I’ve dunked again in the Bay after many days of cold windy deluge. Rediscovered the simple joy of a thermos: an Earl grey tea with a spoon of honey does the trick 

With Sydney’s ghastly August weather (only 1-2 sunny days!!) & continuing deluge, I’ve taken to the cold shower many times in between the harbour dips. I can guarantee the shower is colder than the sea🥶

The weather has been seriously bad with wind, rain and cold for almost 2 weeks, and a run of the flu kept me out of the open water. Today, inspired by the morning sun, I took my 2nd dip in the Bay,  Now with better  protection, a 1mm spring jacket I bought on sale, the dip was truly pleasant. A little sun to warm the bones, a coffee on the marina, and quick dash home for a warm shower completes the ritual. Looking forward to the next.I took daily cold showers (strictly cold, not a skerrick of warm at all) on approx 10 mornings  before my first dip on 29 July - ahead of the rainy spell. Technically, I believe I could count these, but I’ll hold on including those till the end of August. I’m optimistic I’ll do the balance of 8 dips in the ocean 🌞🍀

I got in ahead of the August start as it’s going to rain for the next days

At 8:45am Elizabeth Bay: 

Air - 11 degrees (Celsius) + the sun 🌞 Water - est 18 degrees The lone cormorant and I were in sync 

It’s 12:45 and I’m still cold 😁Hot soup for lunch 

In memory of Blanka and dear friends lost to cancer, and all those in current battle, I’m braving Sydney’s cold seas in August. 

It’s a cruel disease and so many medical advances can be further progressed with our help. 

Consider supporting me to help the Cancer Council do its important work. 

In prep, I’ve been rehearsing with cold showers and wading in Sydney’s seas [a cool 19°C (66°F)] & trialing wetsuits before I take the plunge at least 2 x per week in August. The coffee that follows with a little sun on your back is magic. 

Bettina, my kind school friend of more than 50yrs has lent me a spare wetsuit 🙏🏻 and we may dip together with our yellow swim caps! Here’s to inspiring others. 

As a past ocean swimmer and body surfer in my youth, I’m looking forward to rediscovering the joys. Above all it’s good for you!