If you noticed the sun was slow to rise this morning, it’s because today marks winter solstice, the day of the year with the least amount of direct sunlight.
In Newcastle that means the sun comes up just before 7am on 21 June and sets just before 5pm.
While some Novocastrians might choose to stay cosy in bed on such a dark morning, other’s like Ursula plan to embrace the magic with a “cheeky” swim.
“It’s our second year doing a skinny-dip for the winter solstice which is why we do it at 5.30am,” she told the Newcastle Weekly of her nude swim at Newcastle Ocean Baths.
“I saw they were stripping off to mark the solstice in Tasmania… and I thought why not here, too?
“It adds to the thrill of our regular swim club; most of us are over 50 and don’t do many daring or fun things so this is a bit of harmless fun to mark the occasion!”
In 2024, 65-year-old Ursula said there were just seven brave souls who jumped in without their swimsuits, but they were expecting many more this time around.
“I joined the Dawn Patrol swimmers because when I was out on my morning walk, I would always hear so much laughter coming from the baths,” she explained.
“It’s not about breaking records, it’s about banter and the community.
“We swim a bit, we chat and laugh and then we get out and warm up.”
Steve Weller, president of the Merewether Mackerels, also had their annual solstice swim this morning together with four other ocean swimming groups: the Bar Beach Seahorses, Newy Swim Crew, the Lake Macquarie Penguins and the Newcastle Sandrays.
“It’s a loosely organised but much-loved tradition,” he said.
“The five clubs get together a few times a year for special days like New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and winter solstice.
“We always attract about 100 people swimming, although sometimes less in June!”
He believes there is something special about the winter solstice swim.
“Swimming on the shortest day of the year always feels symbolic and personally challenging,” Mr Weller added.
“It’s about showing up as a group and getting out of your comfort zone.
“We’re not racing, we’re there for the laughs, the social connection and the joy of being in nature – whatever the conditions may be.”
As the sun sets early tonight, it’s worth remembering that the days will begin to get lighter as we head towards spring and warmer days ahead.
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