It's nine years since a hardy group of 'southerners' decided to take the time-honoured tradition of jumping in the sea on News Year's Day a few steps further.
Since then, the challenge has gone from strength to strength, with a steadily growing number of Southern Dippers raising money for their annual nominated charity by tackling not one but three or four dips in a row.
This New Year's Day, the largest army of Dippers to date braved the icy waters at Chapel Bay, Port St Mary Inner Harbour, Gansey Beach and Port Erin Bay. They were matched by a considerable number of warmly-wrapped spectators and supporters at each location, with the biggest crowd gathering for the final throes at Port Erin.
Founding Southern Dipper Lenny Conroy describes the day: "It was another chilly start to a new decade but a very special day.
"What started off nine years ago as a bit of fun, is still fun to a degree - but only about 4-5 degrees! Seven friends started it as a bit of a laugh and this year became something of a phenomena.
"We had approximately 60 hardy swimmers in at Chapel Beach, where two dippers, Liz Corlett and Gordon Wilshire, had already completed Peel and Castletown. So we were not quite as crazy as first thought.
"A round of applause was awarded to the 'Official' photographer and Mankini wearer Ean Brewis and rightly so! A few more joined at Port St Mary Inner Harbour, including some more great fancy dress and another Mankini! The dip was followed by soup and warmth at the Albert Hotel.
"I suspect that around 75 went in at Gansey, which in the past has always proved to be the difficult one but was calm enough. The hot chocolate and cling-filmed seats were appreciated at the Shore Hotel!
"The biggest surprise was the sheer numbers both supporting and joining the final swim at Port Erin. One photo shows at least 120 people, with a few more running into view. I will be very pleased to confirm the highest-by-far number for a single swim in our history.
"The fancy dress theme was 'colours' and First Prize of ?100 went to Master Oliver Brown, who was over visiting from Scotland, while Second Prize went to Smurf Sarah Hudson (pictured), who won ?50 cash for her efforts.
"There were literally dozens of great fundraising efforts and they keep coming in but we now have over ?4,000 with the promise of much more. We're proud to say that we have now raised over ?20,000 in nine years for 12 charities.
"This year's Rebecca House appeal is likely to be the largest so far, which we are very very pleased with. Our special thanks go to Pokerstars, for supporting us a second year; Kay, Pat and John at the Albert Hotel; Paddy, Tim and Ian at Paddy's Market; Ricky at Quine and Cubbon; Debbie and Andy (who did his first dip this year!) at the Shore Hotel; Debbie, Martin, Jane and Kev at the Bay Hotel; Trudi Crellin and Jane Looney on the buckets and t-shirt stall; Tim Croft, Louise Shaw and Mike, who helped arrange the 'Dance before you Dip' (at the Falcon's Nest Hotel) and will donate the proceeds to the fund; Ian and Ray at Friends Provident for an amazing amount of cash raised between them; and finally, everyone who donated, turned up to watch the suffering or actually went in.
"Many people have said it looked so much fun that they will either do more or at very least take part in the final swim, so we have something going now. Next year will be the Dips' 10th year, so we will have to try and plan something special or at least heat the water up!"
Pictured: Aquatic superhero Mark Gorry with sea-smurf Sarah Hudson on Port Erin Beach.
