Dark Mofo Nude Solstice swimmers take off at Long Beach, Tasmania
A sea of people in red swimming caps braved the freezing temperatures to run naked into the River Derwent this morning. CHECK OUT OUR BUM-PER PHOTO GALLERY >>
Tasmania
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A sea of people wearing nothing but red swimming caps psyched themselves up to run naked into the River Derwent this morning.
Some 1500 people dashed from the quiet, calm shores of Long Beach, Sandy Bay towards the spectacular golden and crimson sunrise into icy waters.
Hobart local Eli Cropp grabbed a spare ticket at the last minute to join her friends Olivia Carr and Sophie Jones in the Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim – a twisted, albeit exhilarating, tradition for Hobartians marking one of the shortest days of the year and the end of the winter festival.
Ms Cropp said a mix of “stupidity” and “peer pressure” motivated her to take the plunge, but she had no regrets.
“We all made it out to the cones,” she said.
“Everyone else is running from behind you so you’ve got to just keep going.”
Ms Carr embarked on her second ever Nude Solstice Swim.
“I found it really body positive – everyone old, young, big, small got together in a communal experience,” she said.
“I did it on my own in 2019, it was way better with friends this time.
“And I wasn’t hung over this time.”
Ms Carr said the thrill of dashing into the water and being among a large group helped her feel warmer.
Ms Jones said the “exhilarating” experience made it easier to bare all and run into the river.
“I’m not going to lie, it was cold, but I thought it was going to be colder,” she said.
This year’s turnout was capped from the usual 2000 attendees amid Covid-19.
The bunch were met with virtually no breeze or rain with temperatures sitting at 3C — somewhat tropical compared to former years.
Portia Predny was convinced to come down from Sydney after hearing rave reviews from her seasoned local friend Sam Bell.
“In the line waiting to check in I was freezing and I was wearing lots of layers, but when we got onto the beach and started stripping off I was like ‘oh, I don’t feel cold anymore’,” Ms Predny said.
“The drums got us revved up, the body heat and fires helped, but that stopped when we got to the water.”
Ms Bell said entering the water she was screaming from start to finish, but afterwards felt fresh and renewed.
“This is one of my favourite parts of the festival, and it’s a wonderful way to finish it on the last day,” she said.
The pair said they would certainly rise to the occasion again if the event returned next year.
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