Hundreds strip off for Dark Mofo’s nude solstice swim at Long Beach

A RECORD crowd of 1020 people dived headfirst into the shortest day of the year — and the icy River Derwent — at the Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim.

Participants prepare to hit the water for the nude solstice swim to mark the end of Dark Mofo. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

A RECORD crowd of 1020 people dived headfirst into the shortest day of the year — and the icy River Derwent — at the Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim this morning.

Hardy souls from Tasmania, interstate, and overseas braved the bitter cold at the final event of the acclaimed winter festival at Long Beach in Sandy Bay.

Dark Mofo executive director Kate Gould said the swim, deemed a cleansing ceremony, exceeded expectations, with event organisers running out of towels as almost everyone who registered turned up.

“We thought we’d get a drop off because it’s a Wednesday and it’s cold ... the water’s even colder, but we were thrilled with the response,” she said.

“It’s just exciting to see everybody all hyped up ready to get in that cold water. They bond like a community and then they all just dive in together, it is the most thrilling thing to see.”

While some were in and out as quickly as possible, others defied the elements to splash around in the biting conditions just after 7.30am.

Swimmers return to shore to dry off and warm up after their quick dip. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Jeff Sapier, from Sydney, visited Hobart for Dark Mofo two years ago, and always planned on coming back.

“We didn’t do the nude swim last time and we sort of regretted that, and I’m turning 50 soon so this was a great thing to come for ... we actually stayed down [for the swim],” Mr Sapier said.

Mr Sapier compared the lead-up to the dash into the freezing water to that of a triathlon.

“It was probably a little bit colder than I expected, not so much standing around because you’re like penguins, there’s a bit of a shared warmth there, but in the water it starts stinging after a little while,” he said.

Jeff Sapier and Zyra McAuliffe, of Sydney, after the swim. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Mr Sapier’s friend, Zyra McAuliffe said the swim was enlivening and invigorating, and she would definitely do it again.

Georgie Butorac, of Howden, took part in the nude swim for the second time after making her debut last year.

“It’s very liberating, you feel very free, I think that’s why I do it,” she said.

Pre-dawn arrivals for the nude swim. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE