Gosport man starts early morning sea dips groups to help mental health in Stokes Bay, Southsea and Hayling Island
A 5.30AM start, a two-mile walk along the coast, a dip in the sea finished off with a hot cup of tea is how more than a hundred people are starting off their Friday mornings thanks to a new event.
Win the Morning, Win the Day was set up a month ago by Chris Reeves after he was inspired by a podcast featuring MMA fighter Mark Scanlon about challenging yourself every day and being positive.
The 37-year-old, who lives in Gosport, is now joined by more than 100 people every week at events in Stokes Bay, Southsea and Hayling Island.
Chris, a Royal Navy physical training instructor, said: ‘I think lockdown has been a horrible time for everyone and I have mental health struggles so I have been listening to podcasts and reading.
‘I spoke to Mark Scanlon after hearing him on a podcast and it really inspired me to start free events where you get out early, do some exercise and have a chat with people.
‘I have had so many people say it has helped them and I have said if anyone still feels rubbish afterwards that the following week I will carry them the two miles.’
After launching his first session in Stokes Bay, Chris now has Dan Appleby and Freddie O’Toole on board to help run sessions in Southsea and Hayling Island.
Chris, originally from Liverpool, said: ‘I had 110 people come to Stokes Bay and more people were saying they would come if there was one in Portsmouth and it has grown from there.
‘It is such a mix of people who come, couples in their 70s and young mums with their children, and I think they are inspirational. But there is no pressure to swim if you don’t want to or even walk. If you just want to come and have a chat and cup of tea then that is great.’
He added: ‘We are looking to do online meditation this week as well and I would love to get office groups and sports teams coming for team bonding after what has been a rubbish year for everyone.
‘But I think we also have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and get into a positive head. In life you surround yourself by nine idiots slagging everything off and moaning then you will be that 10th idiot.
‘If you surround yourself with nine positive people who challenge themselves then you will be that 10th positive person.’
Each event starts at 5.20am and participants should bring a towel, swimming costume / trunks, warm clothes, torch and hot flask.
The Stokes Bay group meets at Bayside Cafe, the Southsea group meets outside the Pyramids and the Hayling Island group meets outside the Ferryboat Inn.
For more information visit Win the Morning, Win the Day on Facebook.