It’s 6 a.m. at Middle Beach in Biddeford in February and there’s nary a soul in sight. The glow of sunrise, the crashing of waves, the quiet calm of morning are grounding, the wind a reminder that the temperature is not quite 30 degrees.

Mackenzie Hartung is dressed like a sensible Mainer – long coat, gloves, hat, boots - but soon she’ll peel away layers and run to the water in her swimsuit.

Hartung, the owner of Recycle, a spin studio in Biddeford, has been leading twice-weekly “cold dips” since August. Participants go into the water, typically for a few minutes. Some get their whole bodies wet, others may just dip their feet in.

“We don’t time ourselves. There’s no competition. People do what feels right for them. Just being here is what matters,” said Hartung.

She started the dips, which take place at 6 a.m. on Monday and Thursday, because she heard of reported health benefits of cold plunges, which include improved immune system, enhanced mood, improved circulation, and decreased muscle soreness.

Hartung said she’s noticed a reduction in anxiety since she started cold dipping, and she has also been less susceptible to colds and flu. There’s also the indirect benefit of the sense of community that has grown between those who come regularly for the dips into the ocean.

Recycle instructor Willow Ross has been cold dipping for many years.

“Cold plunging is potent and efficient. It has been proven to have innumerable benefits yet without looking at any research one can feel the positive effect almost immediately. Despite all of those ‘important’ benefits; my top reasons for the cold are that it cleanses my energy, refreshes my soul and empowers and motivates me from the inside out,” said Ross.

 

Cold dippers head to the water 6 a.m. on Monday at Middle Beach in Biddeford. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

On Tuesday, dippers made a few concessions for the cold weather. They kept their heads above water and didn’t take off their winter hats, and they put on swim shoes or other foot gear.

“The ground is really cold,” said Hartung.

She said that starting the practice in August and continuing into winter has helped her gradually acclimate to the colder weather.

“At this point it’s an act of fortitude,” said Chris Nickerson, a regular cold dipper with the group. He added that the beauty of the beach in the early morning is also a nice perk.

On Sunday, March 3, Recycle is hosting a sauna and cold dip event at Middle Beach. Participants can reserve a 30-minute slot in a wood-fired sauna before taking a plunge into a cold tank or the ocean. Reservations can be made online.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.

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