Meet the Sheffield Dippers, two men swapping Saturday morning hangovers for an ice-cold immersion in the Peak District to better men’s mental health.
How it began…
Tom Clancy and Josh were hiking in the peaks, attempting to clear their heads, bogged down from their nine to fives. On what was a chilly afternoon in September, Josh took it upon himself to jump into the freezing peak district water.
Josh said: “I’d been looking into the benefits of cold water immersion online, and I said to Tom ‘right, that’s it, I’m gonna jump in’.
“Tom didn’t think I was going to. Next thing you know, I take off my clothes, leaving my boxers on of course, and I jumped in.
“I loved it. It was instantly a good feeling.”
Although Tom was reluctant to follow, he eventually joined Josh for an ice-cold immersion.
“I hated it the first time, but then, when I got out I did feel good and then we just decided we’ll keep doing it every weekend,” he said.
Following the duo’s start they invited more and more Sheffield locals to attend their weekend dips and eventually created an Instagram account to get ‘as many men involved as possible’.
The daytime tradees have since adopted the responsibility of bettering men’s mental and physical health across the city of Sheffield.
As cold water immersion grows in popularity, their page, @sheffielddippers has grown to over four thousand followers with groups of men heading down to dip at seven o’clock on a Saturday morning.
Famous recognition…
One of which, was World’s Strongest Man Luke Stoltman who braved the cold whilst in Sheffield for the Britain’s Strongest Man competition.
The cold water dip became more than a challenge of endurance. Tom hailed the ‘social benefits’ of the weekly meeting too, getting men away from the ‘stereotypical, British drinking culture’.
“It’s important to get together and do something different from being in the pub.
“And just like behind you here you’ve got four lads who had never met you before, just all talking away.
“For some people they want to get things off their chest and this cold water helps that and helps them mentally.”
The mental and physical health benefits have been scientifically proven and are cited by groups across the UK.
Veterans advice
Even as a experienced dipper Joe explained how the cold water never gets easier.
“It never gets any easier. It’s just a mental game really. I’ve driven here before thinking, it’s cold today and it’s taken me forever to get in,” Josh said.
“But if you come with a rate mentality, it is easier. Trust me it does not get any warmer!”
Despite the water maintaining its challenge Tom did provide us with tips as to make the dip more comfortable.
“Try to stay calm, keep breathing,” Tom told Nine To Alive.
“We invested in Neoprene gloves, they help, however, your main focus should be to control your breath.”
The dippers encouraged anybody struggling ‘mentally or socially’ to join them also pushing a message of acceptance for any men who want to come down even if it is your first attempt.
If you prefer to hike they also offer a ‘steady walk and talk’ every other Sunday in the Peak District.
“We’re a welcoming group of lads and, for the mental side of things, look at some benefits of what cold water can actually do for you, the good feeling, the euphoria.”
“I know a lot of men, they’re going to work through the week, spend time with their family on a weekend.
“They don’t really get out much and socialise. I know some men don’t have many friends.
“Just having a feeling like they’re part of something. Like Josh has come here, socialise. No one judges anyone. It’s all positive.”
If you are in the Sheffield area you can contact the @sheffielddippers Instagram to get involved with their weekend dips, hikes and pub socials.
