Sunrise Skinny Dip Hundreds Strip-Off For Dawn Druridge Bay World Record Attempt

September 22, 2013. Originally published on Sky Tyne and Wear.

Hundreds of skinny-dippers have started their Sunday by plunging into a shimmering, sun-drenched North Sea at Druridge Bay in Northumberland.

The second annual mass naked dip at the National Trust beach saw 180 people get their kit off in an attempt to break the world record for most people skinny-dipping at the same time.

The event, held on the Autumn Equinox which signifies the day of transition from Autumn to Winter, is also raising money for National Trust conservation work and for charity Mind.

Though there were not enough skinny-dippers to break the record, which stands at 506, organiser Jax Higginson was thrilled with the turnout.

She said: “It was perfect. The sea was like a mill pond and the sky was very clear. It wasn’t cold at all. People stayed in for ages, most people were in the water for ten to 15 minutes – I was in there for nearly half an hour.

“A gentleman that came last year had his 72nd birthday yesterday and he took part again this year – I think it’s now his birthday celebration.

“There was children aged five and six going in their with their parents. Everybody was just really feeling alive and being part of nature. Nobody was shy – everyone just took part fully. The atmosphere was really warm, there was a lot of love.”

The event has already raised £2000 in registration fees for both charity Mind and the National Trust, where it will be used for conservation work along the Northumberland Coast.