Around 50 women braved the cold at the launch event of new wild swimming community

Around 50 women braved the cold at the launch of a new sea swimming community group in Southsea on October 4.

Women’s Tribe Southsea gathered on the beach early on Sunday morning to take a dip in the Solent, before warming back up with tea, coffee and cake.

“It was a really special launch,” said Hilary Stoughton, who helped to establish the new group.

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“We had about 50 people show up which was absolutely sensational.”

The women’s group was set up following the success of Tribe Southsea, an all-men’s cold plunge event, which started over three years ago.

“The guys held a mixed session and there was a lot of interest,” said Ms Stoughton.

“We wanted to set up a safe space for women, mothers, sisters and daughters, a place to be yourself without any expectation.

“Yesterday morning we did a guided meditation for about five minutes before getting into the sea

“There was a warm atmosphere, ironically! It was a warm and friendly space where women who didn’t know each other all became friends, it went without a hitch.

“The community is mainly to help combat things like loneliness, and you don’t have to dip if you don’t want to. But we had various people who are in recovery for things like alcoholism, and going in the sea helps support that. Cold water can be a huge help for things like mental health.”

Women’s Tribe Southsea will continue to meet up every Sunday “come rain or shine”, and will meet at Southsea Beach, opposite The Rose Gardens at 8am each week.