By Melisse Reichman

Homer Independent Press

If this were Hawaii, a scene of friends walking into the ocean would not be of note, much less newsworthy. But here in Homer, this group of hearty folks celebrated New Year’s Day 2026 doing what they do year-round, every Sunday at high tide — immerse themselves in the chilly, clean, enticing waters of Kachemak Bay. The water temp was 29 degrees F, warmer than the 10-degree air temperature.


When I first learned of this group, I told Kammi Matson, the initiator and catalyst of this practice, “I would love to love this, but I know I can’t.” On Summer Solstice 2023, she invited me to just come along. With zero pressure on me to get in, a promise to save me if “my heart stopped or I had sudden hypothermia” and with my swimsuit on, I decided to give it a whirl. Here was the trick: the group all held hands. Who knew that would make such a profound difference. But it did then. And it does, for me at least, every time I go.

This group of people, whose common denominator is cold dipping each week, rejoice
and bond over each individual gaining personal strength from the group support to do
something really challenging. The practice is this: we (I join in on less challenging days
than these very cold recent ones) gather at high tide, what ever time that is, strip down
to our swim suits, line up along the shore and proceed to yell, screen, howl, jump and
jiggle for 60 seconds. Then we all hold hands and proceed to walk into the bay.

It’s the support of being together, walking lock-step, being part of the critical mass of
momentum that gets me and others to keep walking forward. There is a beautiful
balance of individuality and group energy. Every person is highly encouraged to listen
to their own body, to go in as far as they want, to stay in as long as it feels right. There is
truly no judgment. Yet the group energy is so supportive that it makes it really fun and extremely invigorating to surmount this physical and mental/emotional challenge.


Cold dipping, as we do, has its differences to cold plunging. Walking in, step by step, is
different from jumping suddenly into cold water. There’s a sense of control, conscious
decision and progressive triumph as you journey into progressively deeper water.
Either way, there are important physiological benefits that have been studied and
documented. Wim Hoff is a source of information if you’re interested to learn about that
aspect.


I asked members of the group what motivates them to continue this practice. Here are
some replies:


“It’s invigorating, life affirming, rejuvenating, fun and I really enjoy the other crazy
plungers. The discomfort of walking into the cold water, for me, symbolizes the
discomfort sometimes required to make changes in my life.” – Sue Christiansen


“This is a wonderful outlet for some wild enthusiasm in the company of some spirited,
loving people. Our ocean immersions are a meaningful spiritual experience. I immerse
myself in the ocean and it may be stinging cold but I feel cleansed, renewed and part
of something far larger than myself.” – Ruth Dickerson


Speaking for myself, I appreciate the practice of learning to be OK with discomfort, a
skill that’s important in life. I find that cold dipping makes me feel really brave and
gleefully happy. For a while after I get out I enjoy the delusion that all is right in the
world. We all need a bit of that these day.


All are welcome to join. Check out Kachemak Bay Cold Water Crew on Facebook or
wander down to the kayak launch or Salt Company on the Spit on Sundays at high
tide.