Its time again for the 3rd annual Solstice Swim!
Where I come from - just north of Auckland, NZ - the Solstice (Matariki) Swim is one of my favourite traditions... and what a way to escape your comfort zone!
Come and join us for a stroll along the Williamstown Foreshore, from the beach around to the Timeball Tower and back with beautiful coastal and city views along the way. The path is paved or hard dirt the whole way. We'll also learn a little about both NZ and local stories about this time of year.
Then take the plunge!
The idea is a quick in & out of the water, a refreshing and symbolic way to welcome the turning of the sun and a return to longer days :)
If you don't want to swim, that's OK too you're more than welcome to join us just for the walk.
Hike Leader: Susan (she/her) - I'll be waiting at the end of the rock wall by the Kiosk at the western end of the beach.
I'll wear some sort of EYCZ merch (green or blue hoodie or a black or blue tshirt with EYCZ design).
Co-hosted with Clare (she/her)
Important COVID Information -
- Due to Victorian government health directives on community sport and recreation, all participants be fully vaccinated, or have a valid exemption.
- All participants are required to carry a mask.
- Carpooling is accepted, but please be respectful of other passengers. Masks may be required where requested by the driver.
- Please review the latest COVID information that applies to this hike
Hike Rating: Slow & Steady (refer to Hike Ratings for details)
- This hike is on wide, well-formed, pavements, mostly flat, with some undulations.
- The path has with some stairs, short hills, or small obstacles.
- We will walk for 1.5-2hrs in total, with tons of drink and breather stops.
- This hike is beginner friendly, for those without specific mobility concerns, and always paced at the slowest in the group, to ensure no one is left behind.
If you are wondering if you're fit enough for this hike, the answer is YES! If you're wondering if you're brave enough to take the plunge, the answer is also YES! I will be with you every step of the way. We all need to start somewhere and this is a great place to start - this is an excellent hike for beginners. Please contact me if you have any specific questions or concerns!
Kids: This event is not suitable for kids
Dogs: I would prefer not to have dogs on this walk, thank you.
Accessibility: This hike is not suitable for wheelchairs.
What to bring
- Properly fitting mask
- Hand sanitiser
- Water - at least 600ml. More if its hot.
- Wear comfortable exercise clothing, and layers are great as you can add and remove as you get hot or cold. Any comfortable shoes with laces will be fine.
- Bring a light, waterproof raincoat if you have one and rain is forecast.
- If you are swimming, bring your bathers/wetsuit/whatever you wish to swim in. Make sure you have a towel and something warm to put on when you get out of the water. I will try to park close by so we can store swimming gear while we're walking.
- First aid kit, including any medications you might need, such as asthma puffers and antihistamines. Your health is your responsibility. Please alert the leader to the location of your medication (if you are carrying any).
- Emergency Contact/Medical Details form Please print out and fill in a copy of this form before your attend any EYCZ event, and leave it in your pack. If you can't access a printer, please simply write the details on a plain piece of paper, and put it in a ziplock bag in the top of your pack. Any medications you are carrying should be stored in the same section of your pack.
Other key information:
- For safety reasons, we ask all participants to reverse park where possible, for easy exit in case of an emergency (and easy access in the event of a flat battery)
- There is a pay carpark at the western end of the beach, but there are also plenty of side streets with free parking where you can usually find a spot. Make sure you carefully check for signs noting parking restrictions.
- There are toilets and change rooms behind the kiosk (start/finish) as well as toilets at the Eastern end of the beach, and halfway along the trail to the Timeball tower.
- As it is important to go & get warm/dry after a winter swim I will not be suggesting a lunch stop, however there is food/drinks/coffee available to purchase at the kiosk.
- For safety reasons, I will cancel or postpone this event depending on weather conditions.
I look forward to seeing you join us!
Cheers
Susan (she/her) - 0411 956 353