Sunrise swims …

What began as two friends going for an early-morning ocean swim has exploded into a rite-of-passage for hundreds of young people craving human connection away from social media.

Every Wednesday morning, hundreds of people gather on the shore of an otherwise deserted Perth beach just before the sun peaks above the horizon.

The bleary-eyed group huddles together chatting excitedly before they sprint across the sand in unison and plunge into the icy cold water.

It may seem insignificant, but for the enthusiastic members of the Cold Nips crew, their weekly sunrise swims are hugely meaningful.

“I feel like I’ve finally found my tribe,” said Amie Thompson, who felt isolated from her friend group after moving to Perth from Sydney.

She said the appeal was more than just the morning swim.

“A big thing about it is the discomfort of getting up early and getting into the cold water,” Ms Thompson said.

“But then [it’s really about] the comfort of community.

“A lot of people come by themselves and a lot of people come in twos or threes … but it’s all about meeting new people.

“We always hug, everyone hugs to say hello.

“I have made my best friends through Cold Nips.”

Key points

• Cold Nips attracts hundreds of sunrise swimmers every week
• The event is forging real-life connections between young people
• The Perth-based crew plan to take their new not-for-profit national

Source
Gian De Poloni and Kate Leaver
ABC News