North East Skinny Dip 2021

North East Skinny Dip is an established and popular annual mass skinny dip which takes place on Druridge Bay in Northumberland. It is a celebration of life! Of nature! And of our own, unique, physical bodies! It's about taking a risk and embracing a moment of pure joy and freedom! It also provides a rare opportunity to step into our vulnerability, confront shame and challenge the beauty myth!

NESD is not just a skinny dip. It's an experience! There is no better way of marking the Autumn Equinox than stripping down to skin and running wild and free into the North Sea with hundreds of other humans!!!

Following the cancellation of NESD2020 we are ever more inspired to bring you NESD2021!!!

So listen up.

- NESD2021 will take place with the sun rise at 6.46am on Sunday 19th September*

- Since our first dip in 2012 we have raised over £70,000 to strengthen the work of Mind - The Mental Health Charity. All proceeds from your pledges and every single penny of your fundraising will go towards improving LOCAL mental health services and LOCAL mental health!

- At NESD2019 a record 719 skinny dippers took to the North Sea!!!

*This depends entirely on the success of the government's roadmap out of coronavirus. I am progressing planning as usual. Should there be a reason to cancel NESD2021 you will be entitled to a FULL refund upon request. Refunds will NOT be given automatically. Should you forgo a refund, proceeds from your pledge will go directly to Tyneside and Northumberland MIND.

Commit to this unique event today! Every 'body' welcome. NO exceptions!

Thank you so much for your interest and we look forward, with hope in our hearts, to seeing you in September...

Please read the FAQ below before contacting HQ...

NESD FAQ

Do I need a ticket for NESD?

Yes! NESD is now a ticketed event to comply with health and safety requirements. You can make your pledge at www.northeastskinnydip.co.uk. Upon arrival head straight for the welcome table to check in. Please have your QR code ready for scanning on your mobile device. We can also check you in with your name. There is no need to print anything off!

Tickets are non-transferable. Refunds at the discretion of the organiser.

How do I get to Druridge Bay Country Park?

By car:

Druridge Bay Country Park can be found off the A1068, 30 miles north of Newcastle and 3 miles south of Amble. It is WELL signposted! Take the turning opposite the Hadston Junction. On entering the grounds you will need to follow the road for almost a mile before you reach the Visitor Centre car parks.

By public transport:

The nearby village of Hadston is well connected. The X18 and the X20 services will drop you within walking distance of Druridge Bay Country Park. Please check the Arriva website for more detailed information. There is no public transport to arrive on Sunday morning. I recommend you find a friend with a car and fill it with NESDippers!

Please join the official NESDippers group on Facebook to arrange lift-shares.

What about Covid?

NESD2021 is an outdoor event and is therefore considered low risk. There will be no vaccine passport nor will we ask for evidence of a negative test. If you, or someone from your household, is experiencing Covid-19 symptoms you must NOT take part. You should self-isolate as per government guidelines. If you, or someone from your household, is clinically vulnerable, you should NOT take part. Please stay at home.

We will be encouraging these advisory best practices, throughout the event, where possible: - Exercise physical distancing - Use a face covering in indoor spaces - Employ routine hand hygiene and sanitisation - Make contactless payments

I have a disability. Can I still join in?

I do hope so! Beach Access North East have been promoting social inclusion and independence with a free loan service of all terrain wheelchair equipment since 2017 and will be glad to loan you a chair for our event. Please contact them directly to discuss your options at www.beachaccessnortheast.org

Can I camp over the night before NESD?

Yes! There are limited spaces available for NESDippers to camp on site at Druridge Bay Country Park the night before the dip. You may only purchase a camping ticket alongside a pledge to dip. Camping for NESD2021 has SOLD OUT! Please check out the alternatives below and remember, camping on the beach is prohibited by Northumberland County Council.

Alnwick Youth Hostel

The Railway Inn, Morpeth

Cresswell Towers Holiday Park

Hemscott Hill Farm

Can I bring my caravan/campervan to the event?

Yes, do! Caravans and campervans are very welcome to park up overnight in the designated car park. Please be aware there is no electric or water hook up on site.

Will there be food available at the campsite?

There will NOT be any food available to buy at the campsite. There are several local pubs in the area accessible by car and The Golden Chippy about a mile away on Hadston Road. Please make arrangements accordingly. Alternatively, bring enough food with you for the evening.

Do I have to take ALL my clothes off though?

There is no obligation to be naked at NESD. However, it IS encouraged. NESD provides a rare and unique opportunity to be naked in nature! I invite you to sign up and turn up without any expectation. Trust yourself to know what is right for you. And remember! You are allowed to change your mind at any time. Your body! Your choice!

I have sensitive feet? Am I allowed to wear shoes?

Yes you are! Or a hat. Or a wig. Or body paint. Do please be aware that North East Skinny Dip is not a clothed dip.

What do I do with my stuff whilst I swim?

You will leave it on the sand! There will be numbered posts to help you locate your clothes post-dip. Your belongings will be left at your own risk. Leave your valuables at home. Rest assured, not once has there been a reported theft at NESD.

Are there safety people around?

Of course! There will be safety cover onsite between 6.30am and 7.30am. There will only be safety cover between these times. Please do not enter the water at any other time. If you do, you do so at your own risk and against advice.

Can my children dip with me?

The North East Skinny Dip is and always will be wholly inclusive. There is no minimum or maximum age limit. Our youngest dipper was 5 months and our oldest over eighty! NESD strives to bring a sense of freedom and provide relief from constant judgement and sexualisation! The decision to include your children (or your granny!) in this event is your choice and your choice only. The safety and well-being of your dependants is your responsibility.

Is my dog welcome?

Well behaved dogs are welcome. Keep them on a lead and within your control.

Am I allowed to take pictures?

I strongly urge you to consider the privacy of others when taking film and photos to capture your NESD experience. Refrain from uploading any footage to social media without the permission of those featured. Some dippers, for whatever reason, simply cannot afford to have their naked body displayed on the internet. Thank you for respecting others!

What if my bare bum ends up on the telly?

The North East Skinny Dip is a hugely popular, mass naked event that gets national and international coverage as standard. The media WILL be present! The only sure-fire way to guarantee your bare bum does not end up on the telly is to NOT take your clothes off on a public beach at a public event. Please be mindful of your choice and accountable for the consequences.

(For perspective, most dippers will scour the web for weeks after the dip trying to locate that one picture of their bare bum. So…)

Why do I have to pay?

Primarily, your registration fee is a pledge to charity. A small part of it helps to cover the essential costs in making NESD happen. All proceeds go directly to Tyneside and Northumberland Mind to support local mental health services and local mental health. Together we have raised over £65,000 for mental health awareness! Besides, NESD truly is a unique experience.

Can I come and watch the North East Skinny Dip?

Absolutely not. The North East Skinny Dip is NOT a spectator event! Due to the sensitive nature of NESD and the subsequent vulnerability of those taking part you will not be permitted to watch the event. Wanna be there? Commit, make your pledge and join us!

Can I help on the day?

Yes, of course! Please do! We are a small team. Extra hands (and brain cells) are welcomed and appreciated. We will gather on Saturday 18th September at 2pm to organise, problem solve and assign responsibilities. If you are able to commit to volunteering at NESD please email northeastskinnydip@gmail.com

But, but, but….?

~ NESD takes place in September to mark the Autumn Equinox. The transition between summer and winter. No, the water would not be warmer in June!

~ You can go in up to your ankles or immerse your whole being. Embrace your freedom to choose.

~ Yes, it’s cold! No, you will probably not die!

~ NESD will still take place if it rains. NESD is a bona fide celebration of the weather! We would only abandon NESD if there was an electrical storm.

~ Yes! It will be dark before sunrise. Bring a torch.

~ Yes you need to bring your own tent to sleep in.....etc etc etc