The Dip in the Nip is the world’s first skinny dip for charity and comes to Galway Bay on Sunday June 1 in aid of Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity.
Since its inception in 2009, the charity has raised more than €300,000 for local cancer charities around Ireland.
Founder Máire Garvey is hoping to see 200 dippers at each of the five venues this year. In addition to dips for women, there are now dips for men and dips for couples, and there will be all three at the Galway venue. It is not a nudist or naturalist event, so the beaches are chosen with privacy in mind.
Ms Garvey says one of the advantages of doing the dip is there is no training involved.
“As well as the sense of liberation and joy that comes with doing it, it also provides a sense of achievement, no less than doing a marathon or a mountain climb, because it does challenge people, albeit in a different way.
“And it makes us realise our bodies are wonderful. Too often we abuse them and don’t see the beauty. Skinny-dipping is the ultimate in life affirmation, so the Dip in the Nip lets us celebrate life in all its beauty.”
Ms Garvey says many of the participants have experienced cancer - either their own or with somebody close. Some have lost loved ones and, indeed, some dippers have died since doing their own dip.
Because Dip in the Nip, is not a swim, the event can be over quickly so the organisers are creating a party atmosphere, with zumba dancing prior to the dip to get everybody warmed up, and hot refreshments afterwards.
“There is also a Best Dressed Naked Dipper competition, so get those wigs and body paints at the ready,” she says.
For more information contact Máire 086-401 6047; email [email protected]; visit www.dipinthenip.eu; register at www.iregister.ie/dipinthenip; visit www.facebook.com/dipinthenip, or www.twitter.com/dipinthenip
