During the cold winter months, all most of us want to do is to stay wrapped up warm and cosy. But one dedicated man has decided to do the exact opposite.
Sol Kosepinar, 42, has set himself the challenge of taking a dip in the sea on the North East coast every single day for 100 days.
Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, where he was a member of the Turkish Special Forces, Sol has lived on the North East coast for seven years.
He decided to set himself the ambitious challenge to head down to King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth each morning to brave the icy water as a way of improving his physical and mental health.
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Sol is more than halfway through his challenge so far, and the winter weather hasn’t deterred him from carrying out his daily dips. “Doesn’t matter [if it’s] cold, raining, snowing, storm - every morning I’m here,” he says.
While he also frequents the gym, Sol says that nothing quite compares to the feeling of being in the sea. “This ice cold water is something different and special,” he says. “It helps you to find strength in the deepest part of you, to be able to deal with all other challenges in your life.”
Sol credits the cold dips with helping him to cope with his own personal struggles. “Living in a different country, far away from your family, is stressful sometimes,” he admits.
“I finished my marriage, and lost my job in the past, and all that negative torture cuts you up sometimes,” he adds. “Makes you feel down - makes you feel you don’t want to do anything.”
After finding that his challenge has made him a “more positive person”, Sol is hoping that his story will help inspire others to give sea swimming a try and improve their own mental health in the process.
The benefits of taking a cold plunge have been widely publicised, including boosting your immune system, improving circulation and helping you sleep better, as well as reducing stress.
Sol lists his two must-haves for a swim as plenty of warm clothes - particularly thick socks - and a hot drink for afterwards.
The RNLI has advised anyone considering an icy dip in the sea to make sure they’re aware of the risks and recommend speaking to your GP first, particularly if you have any heart problems or other underlying health conditions.
The charity also recommends going with others for safety - and Sol is set to arrange the perfect opportunity for locals who want to give the challenge a go.
He has posted videos of his daily dips in a local Facebook group, and his incredible dedication has attracted the attention of hundreds of people living on the North East coast.
Sol hopes to organise a group dip in the near future, where anyone inspired by his story can head to King Edward’s Bay and brave the sea together.
Watch the video above to see Sol on day 65 of his challenge, and hear more about how the sea has helped him.
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