Brave souls across the globe are defying icy temperatures in the name of good health. Leave your wetsuits behind and join Robyn Simpson as she uncovers the magic that keeps Cape Town’s Waterblommetjies plunging into icy waters.
Picture: Florence Poretti
In the face of bone-chilling conditions, there exists a valiant sisterhood that is unafraid, refusing to cower behind closed doors and beneath cosy blankets. Instead, they charge forth into the frosty abyss, armed not with swords but with floral swimming caps and buoyant pool noodles, embarking on a quest for holistic wellness.
The Waterblommetjies (water flowers) came to fruition amid the pandemic, when public gyms stood locked but Cape Town’s tidal pools became open for business. It was aqua instructor Florence Poretti who proposed the idea of utilising nature’s swimming pools as a means of restoring joy and physical activity to people’s lives. The ceremony has since stuck, and the close-knit group continues to meet twice a week, every week, at Camps Bay Tidal Pool.
Picture: Florence Poretti
Cold-water swimming requires a resolute spirit. Only those who have dared to venture into the Cape’s frigid seas during summer can fathom the fortitude required to take the plunge during the colder months. But these ladies don’t just endure the cold; they relish it, crave it, and come back for more. ‘It’s utterly addictive,’ says Waterblommetjie Lindy van Hasselt (62). ‘It brings everything into sharp focus and makes you feel like you can conquer the world.’
Indeed, Cape Town celebrates a healthy cold-plunge culture, with various groups and individuals consistently making the most of tidal pools dotted along the coastline. But these folk don’t merely have ice in their veins. There’s more to this method than meets the eye.
The Rise of The Wim Hof Method
Wim Hof, otherwise known as the ‘Iceman,’ is regarded for his radical theories using cold conditions to foster mental and physical well-being. His breakthrough came in the early 2000s, when he achieved a series of extraordinary feats, including prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, and immersing himself in ice baths for extended periods without experiencing hypothermia or adverse effects. Arguably, his appearance on Gwyneth Paltrow’s controversial The Goop Lab series on Netflix reinforced the widespread growth of his methods, which include breathing exercises and focused meditation.
More than a wishy-washy health fad, scientific research has linked exposure to extreme cold with a plethora of benefits, such as increased energy, improved focus, enhanced resilience and strengthened immune function. According to the Wim Hof Method, achieving this is linked to humanity’s return to the wild. Online (wimhofmethod.com), Hof talks of phones exhausting our brains while the rest of our bodies waste away as we sit desk-bound and comfortable in toasty rooms. What he has discovered ‘in his long and intimate dance with the cold’ is that our age-old natural defence system is still in place – all we have to do is ignite it.
Waterblommetjies newcomer Catherine Hermans (54) says that since joining the group, ‘the physical changes are insane’. ‘The muscling up, the breathing, my skin, my aches… the list is long.’ Jennifer Yuill (56) adds that she is consistently amazed by ‘the body’s ability to acclimatise within minutes to cold conditions, and the mind’s ability to transcend its own limitations’. Ladies, listen up: Linda May (63) mentioned that she has been fortunate enough to escape a few menopause symptoms.
ALSO SEE: Discover the Wim Hof breathing method
Picture: Florence Poretti
Friends that freeze together
What Florence has created exceeds a splash-and-dash workout (and a workout this certainly is, combining water aerobics with the body’s fight to keep warm). This is a sisterhood characterised by abundant laughter and feelings of absolute acceptance.
Lise Day (79) recalls bobbing around the middle of the pool while serious swimmers lapped around the circumference. Lynn Stacey (71) adds that ‘the laughter and camaraderie is wonderful. It’s the perfect way to start the week. It really is just mind over matter.’ Of Florence, she says that ‘Flo absolutely makes it. She’s the most inspiring, fun and quirky instructor ever’.
Accompanying the good vibes is Cape Town’s spectacular scenery. ‘Apart from the well-documented effects of swimming in cold water, this pool is in such a beautiful setting. It’s good for the soul as well as the body,’ Lise says. ‘Some mornings we are shrouded in mist, which swirls around us, making the rest of the world disappear. On bright sunny days, the pool sparkles so clearly and we can see tiny fish and anemones below.’
Take the plunge
If you’re keen on starting an icy endeavour, all are welcome to join the Waterblommetjies on Mondays (8am) and Fridays (10:30am) at Camps Bay tidal pool. Contact Florence on 073 352 0994 for more information or to let her know that you’ll be joining.
Speaking to the group, the ladies emphasise that all bodies are beautifully celebrated and that there’s no need to feel shy. And as for the water, ‘Just jump in and be exhilarated,’ says Elisabeth Dostal (75).
Picture: Florence Poretti
More pools to play in
Dalebrook Tidal Pool is a favourite among cold-water swimming enthusiasts. You’ll find it off Main Road in Kalk Bay. Head under the railway, where ‘Be Happy’ has been painted on the tunnel wall above. Once through, the pool awaits on your left, while a neat stretch of beach unveils itself to your right. Chardonnay Deli Kalk Bay (formerly Dalebrook Café) is conveniently located just opposite the entrance on the other side of the road – a perfect pit stop for a warm cuppa after your plunge. Main Road, Kalk Bay.
Saunders’ Rock Tidal Pool, located on the Atlantic Seaboard, is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Its accessibility and position make it perfect for a quick swim or leisurely sunbathing session, and it is the ultimate spot to watch the sunset on cloudless days. The pool, a small, almost hexagonal shape, is encased with robust boulders, perfect for keeping the wind at bay. There’s a narrow strip of beach on which you can lie your towel down or you can do a bit of climbing and set up on the rocks, offering an almost bird’s-eye view of the pool below. Beach Road, Sea Point Promenade.
St James Tidal Pool, seen on all the postcards with its iconic colourful huts that cast rainbow-coloured shadows across the water on clear days, is located along the railway between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. Yes, there is more than one set of huts, with the ‘main’ ones situated along Muizenberg Beach. You can walk to them from the tidal pool, following the St James walkway. You’ll pass The Beach Co-op’s ‘Meet the Locals’ mural along the way. The walk is easy and wheelchair-friendly, with lots of benches to rest on and soak up the view along the way. On days when the ocean is rough, you might be doused by spontaneous sea spray. Main Road, St James.
Wooley’s Tidal Pool is a true hidden gem, tucked away between Kalk Bay and Clovelly. Look out for the staircase that goes under the railway line, opposite 222 Main Road. This secluded oasis is ideal for peaceful swims and uninterrupted quiet time, a great alternative to St James Tidal Pool which, in summer, is known to be overcrowded on weekends and public holidays. When you arrive, you’ll discover a smaller, shallow pool within a big, deeper pool – the best of both worlds for youngsters and adults alike. There is no sandy beach here and the rocks are notoriously slippery. Take care when walking and consider packing a few extra towels for cushioning. Off Main Road, Kalk Bay.
Miller’s Point Tidal Pool, located discretely between Rumbly Bay’s boat-launching sites, is a hidden treasure for the observant few. With a history tracing back almost two centuries, when it served as a whaling site under Mr Miller, this spot remains a sought-after sanctuary to witness the migration of southern right whales and their calves. While children revel in the delights of a water slide, adults seeking solace from salty water can enjoy a ‘braai’ (barbecue) on the grassy lawns. Boasting a vibrant ecosystem, this aquatic haven offers remarkable snorkelling encounters, accompanied by splendid ocean views. Simon’s Town, South Peninsula.
Written by Robyn Simpson for Cape Town ETC.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @florenceporetti
