Dark Mofo 2024: Thousands bare all for Nude Solstice Swim
For three friends who met at the Nude Solstice Swim, the cheeky dip has become a yearly tradition. Find out why they love it. WARNING NUDITY.
Tasmania
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Three strangers met at the nude solstice swim in 2022, and have met up every year since to take on the challenge.
“I’m always super nervous beforehand,” Launceston resident Sabrina Carter said.
“But it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and just do something different and have an excuse to feel quite free.”
Dave Abrey travels from Brisbane and Glen Harvey comes from Sydney, and the three friends have a group chat to keep in touch.
“Three years ago I decided to do something a bit crazy and flew down and did the swim, 24 hours later I was back home,” Mr Abrey said.
The trio met up for the third time at the tenth Nude Solstice Swim on Friday morning.
Mr Abrey said the sound of the drums and screams as they took to the water created an energy that brought him back to previous swims.
Mr Harvey said he spent the whole year looking forward to the swim.
The solstice marks the shortest day of the year.
Brisbane couple Dennis and Dianne Donaldson were also visiting Hobart for their third swim.
“The first time we came it was so cold it felt like our legs were burning,” Mr Donaldson said.
The water temperature of 12 degrees was nearly five degrees warmer than the outside temperature.
A record 3000 people took up the challenge this year, including Dark Mofo artistic director Chris Twite, who said it was amazing turnout during the reduced program of the “fallow year”.
“That so many people still wanted to jump in the water and wash off that year was amazing,” Mr Twite said.
He said he was working on some “big ideas” for next year.
Dark Mofo executive producer Melissa Edwards said they worked with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to accommodate an additional 1000 participants.
The community ritual lasted up to 20 minutes.
The bravest were keen to stick around in the water, while most swimmers were in and out in less than five seconds.
Earlier: A record 3000 people braved the brisk morning and bared all but their red caps for the 10th Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim.
Swimmers were dressed in costumes, dressing gowns and robes to stay warm as the beach started to fill out at 7am.
The group clapped and chanted as they started their cold plunge at sunrise, around 7:40am.
Red flares filled the air as they took their quick dip into the water which was several degrees warmer than the outside temperature at 12 degrees.
Groups swam to the pontoon and jumped off while some were in an out of the water in less than five seconds.
A handful of swimmers stayed out in the water until just before 8am.
The event partnered with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to allow 1000 more permits than previous years.
There were 40 life savers monitoring the beach and giving the swimmers a safety briefing.
Warm up for ‘biggest ever’ nude swim with a blast from the past
June 20, 6pm
Dark Mofo may have hit pause on the usual program but one popular event is here to stay bigger and better than ever — the Nude Solstice Swim.
Thousands are set to bare all on the shortest day of the year at Long Beach in Sandy Bay on Friday.
In its first year only 300 braved the cold weather, however 10 years on and 3000 participants are expected to strip down and go for a dip to welcome back the light after the longest night of the year.
“Every year we are inundated with messages from disappointed punters who missed out on a spot, so to meet this increased demand, we worked with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to increase our capacity and accommodate an additional 1,000 participants in 2024,” Dark Mofo executive producer Melissa Edwards said.
Here’s a look back at some of those who have previously stripped down to welcome back the light after the longest night of the year.
Thousands strip off for the 2022 Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim
Originally published as Dark Mofo 2024: Thousands bare all for Nude Solstice Swim
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