Embracing the Chill: The Magic of a Winter Solstice Swim

Why We Do It

• Seasonal renewal – people have marked this natural milestone for thousands of years. Ritual bathing on the solstice symbolises reflection and rebirth, a universal gesture linking through from ancient cultures to modern-day Aussies.
• Health & wellbeing – cold-water swims are known to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, increase mental resilience and leave you riding a wave of endorphins.
• Community connection – whether you’re swimming with your friends or amongst a much bigger crowd, there’s a unique camaraderie that comes from getting in together when the water’s at its coldest.

Tips for a Top Solstice Dip

1. Layer up before and after: don’t forget your Pursuit Lightweight Change Jacket or EVO Pro Change Robe to make that post-swim feeling warm, dry and cosy.
2. Warm-up routine: do some gentle exercise (jumping, arm circles) before the swim to get your blood circulating.
3. Time your plunge: a quick dip is fine – long enough to feel the chill, short enough to stay comfortable. Don’t stay in for any longer than you’re used to.
4. Bring your mates: a shared hustle to the water melts the cold away – it’s fun to chill out with friends, right? Groups like Sea Gals are a great way to find your swim tribe.
5. Post-swim reset: sip something warming, use a changing robe to dry off and warm up, and enjoy the glow of accomplishment.

Take the Plunge with Red

Midwinter swims are classic solstice celebrations – simple, raw, and deeply atmospheric. When you dive in, you’re taking part in that pulse of renewal. So gear up, get in there, and show winter what you’re made of. Then when you get out, Red’s trusted winter swimming gear is designed to help you keep comfortable and linger longer at the shore – because life’s better by the water…

Manly’s Ice Cold Classic

• What: 1km ocean swim at Manly Beach, Sydney, celebrating the winter solstice.
• When: 10am, Sunday 22 June 2025.
• Why: all profits go to One Meal, which delivers over 20,000 meals a week to those in crisis – families affected by domestic violence, those experiencing homelessness, or illness.
• Organisers: the Cole Classic team at Manly Life Saving Club.
• Post-swim vibe: One Meal volunteers serve hot soup – just BYO mug!

Red Equipment are proud to support this year’s sold-out inaugural Ice Cold Classic – a brand-new event created off the back of the success and spirit of the Manly Cole Classic.

Born from a desire to keep the community connected over winter and provide a fresh challenge in support of One Meal, the Ice Cold Classic offers a powerful mix of courage, compassion and camaraderie. It takes place the morning after the winter solstice – and we’ll be there with open arms (and warm robes).

As a prize sponsor and community supporter, Red will be onsite with demo changing robes, including our market-leading EVO Pro – designed to keep you warm, dry and windproof after cold-water dips. Come see us for a chat, try a robe on, and even score 20% off!

After the swim, join the post-event gathering at the surf club: One Meal volunteers will be serving hot soup (just bring your mug), plus there’ll be ice baths for cold-water addicts.

We’re really looking forward to it – so we asked the event organisers about the ethos behind their midwinter swim…

What inspired the creation of the Ice Cold Classic?

A conscious effort to bring all of the tribes on the beach together in support of an incredible charity in One Meal. With an overall mission to “have a crack at giving back”, individual mission to get people active and off the couch, and a social mission to do good as a community and raise funds for those in need.

Manly Beach – what an incredibly beautiful place to celebrate life and bring out the very best in people. Manly LSC has built an incredible brand in Cole Classic that people want to be a part of. Being able to leverage the feel-good vibes of the Cole Classic created by the hard-working team has helped us create a new winter swim event that will hopefully become an annual part of Manly’s calendar – the broader ocean swimming calendar too.

Who’s behind the Ice Cold Classic?

John ‘Thommo’ Thomson is the driving force. He will be absolutely mortified with us singling him out for praise, but without him the Ice Cold Classic wouldn’t be happening. He’s that incredibly rare combination of ‘dreamer and doer’ who inspires those around him to go above and beyond. He has liaised with Council, secured the support of Manly LSC, ensured that we are legally compliant, built the team of volunteers and helped everyone get organised and heading in the same direction by empowering those around him. It’s a massive team effort – but Thommo has been the key to unlocking the power of this community for what will become a great annual event. Thanks Thommo from all of us. Also a special shout out to Andrew ‘Drinky’ Drinkwater (who actually doesn't drink – go figure!)