The Star: July 15, 2021

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The Star Thursday July 15 2021 26 OUR PEOPLE ‘Seagulls sometimes dive bomb us’ • From page 25 What do you talk about? Are the teeth chattering? We have all sorts of conversations out there. You tend to find that while you’re in the water it’s not too bad. Maybe about 10 minutes after you get out your body temperature actually cools down, that’s the danger of staying in too long. That’s why you’ve got to know your own body and not stay out there too long. What’s the temperature variance during July? ‘Hypothermic’ to ‘penguins wouldn’t swim in this?’ In the past it has been as low as 8 deg C, at the moment it’s about 10. Has anyone ever got out of their depth with the likes of hypothermia? So far we’ve been lucky. You will notice your fingertips are white and things like that. So far we haven’t had anything extreme happen but now we’re more numbers we have to be a little bit careful getting in if it’s rough. The benefit of Scarborough is it’s normally pretty okay. When it’s high tide and if there’s a wind blowing and you’re getting down the steps … sometimes we might say it’s a bit rough here, let’s go down the beach a bit. We have to be careful with the age range and the people that we’ve got. How far do you venture from shore? We go out until we’re waistdeep. Our loose rules are we’ve got to get our head under. By the end of it we’ve kind of had to dive under, be fully immersed, then we get out. Do you encounter much marine life? We often get bitten by crabs. We’ve seen hector’s dolphins a few times, at the moment there are quite a few seals about. It’s dark when we get in so often we won’t see things . . . then a shag will pop its head up amongst the group. If we wake the seagulls up sometimes they dive bomb us. Is there a frantic dash for the towels and puffer jackets when time is up? How do you HARDY SOULS: Members of the Scarborough Dippers brace themselves for another chilly Wet July exercise. ward off the cold? We have hot water bottles, buckets of hot water to put our feet in for a couple of minutes. The beauty of it now is the cafe at Scarborough Fare opens at seven o’clock. It didn’t use to open until eight. We don’t go in there every day but they put the heat pump on for us and we’re all in there with the buckets (of hot water). What happens if a committed dipper can’t make it to Scarborough for a day or two? Is there a degree of flexibility built in? I’m a prime example, I’ve just been up in the North Island for a few days. I had to go dipping up there. There was a swim race at Waiheke Island, a few of us were competing in that so we had the luxury of dipping in about 15 degrees. We’ve got this facebook page and every day we have a group photo of what day number we’re up to and anybody that’s not there, they have to do dipping somewhere else and provide a photo. You might have to find a lake or a river. It’s quite interesting where people end up. The other day a couple had an early yoga class so they had to dip in an ice bath. Basically it’s 7am every morning, but on the weekend we dip (or float) a bit later. Do dippers try to bend the rules. Do the hot pools at Hanmer Springs or Waiwera count? WEEKEND WARRIORS: The dippers often take the plunge when the sun is up during the weekend. No, we can’t have cheating. What about wetsuits? Do they fit the Wet July image or are they a bad look? We haven’t had anyone one yet that’s gone to that extreme. We wouldn’t not let them wear one. We’re just happy to wear togs. What organisations have benefited from the dippers’ fortitude? Project Jonah was the first, they basically rescue whales. The second year we raised funds for the Sumner Lifeboat Club, they bought a defibrillator. In 2019 we raised money for solar lights to be put up at Cave Rock, unfortunately that project hasn’t really happened. The money’s still sitting there. Last year the funds were split between the Sumner Surf Club (binoculars and equipment) and Taylors Mistake Surf Club (landscaping at new headquarters). This year we’re spreading the donations around: The Sumner Kindergarten needs some new equipment, there’s a surfboard library starting up – they’re making surfboards for people to use. We’re also contributing to life vests for disabled surfers. The first year we raised $1000 – there were only four of us – last year we raised $6000. How is the money raised? Are the dippers sponsored like the whiskered men of Movember? When I set this challenge I decided I’m going to donate $10 a day for every day I dip, so its $310 at the end of the month. If I miss a day I’m going to have to put $50 in. To date I’ve never had to put $50 in. Other people donate whatever or they might get friends to donate to the challenge. We haven’t actively asked for sponsorship, it’s just amongst ourselves. We don’t force anyone to put money in. Money is not the only bottom line is it? Dipping can be enriching in other ways can’t it? The other good thing I’ve enjoyed about it is a lot of people haven’t been confident in the water before and after they’ve mucked around with us, they’re now taking swimming lessons. Some of them have done swimming races. It’s been really great to see their love of the water and being able to then continue to improve themselves and really be able to swim. There are also perceived health benefits from cold water dipping aren’t there? It’s meant to help your immune system. The shock of the cold water is meant to do good things. Plus, it’s meant to be good for mental health. There’s been quite a few stories of people that have had depression and things like that, they immerse themselves in the cold water and they’ve managed to get off their antidepressants. Pay-asyou-warm. 24 Months interest free on heat pumps Winter is well and truly upon us. But there’s no need to sit around shivering. Save up for that heat pump, while it keeps you warm. With our interest free finance, you can spread the cost over 24 months. And the bonus — when you get to summer, your cooling system will already be in place. Some products on display in selected stores only – please call 0800 764 847 to check availability. Personal shoppers only. *Apple, selected computers, game consoles, gift cards, clearance items and some promotional items are not available in conjunction with interest free offers. Flooring available on a maximum of 18 months interest free. Exclusions, fees, terms, conditions, and credit criteria apply. Available in-store only. Equal instalment amounts include one-off booking fee of $45.00, annual fees of $45.00 p.a. and security registration fee of $8.05, and exclude insurance. Current interest rate of 23.95% applies to any unpaid balance after expiry of (any) interest free period. See in-store or visit smithscity.co.nz/interest-free for details.
Thursday July 15 2021 The Star 27 Serviced apartments, the best of both worlds The best of both worlds: Independent retirement living with support on hand Our serviced apartments are some of the largest available in the Christchurch market, offering light and spacious open plan living, a kitchenette and separate double bedroom with a large ensuite. Located in the heart of the village, Summerset serviced apartments are designed to create the perfect balance between independence and services to suit your needs. Our homes are low maintenance, free from all the hassles of upkeep. It’s all about stress-free living, where time is yours to live the life you choose. Think this sounds like you or someone you love? Take a tour of our stunning show homes and learn more about serviced apartment living at our Open Day! Open Day Sunday 18 July 10am - 4pm Summerset at Avonhead 120 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead Give Anne or Grace a call on 03 357 3202 to find out more *Licence to occupy. Serviced apartments pre-selling now!* SUM3183_37X8
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The Star: July 15, 2021

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