Sisterhood of the sea

As the sun rises over South Beach in Mount Martha, a group of women and nonbinary folk gather on the shore, their mirthful banter carried on the sea breeze. They call themselves the Sea Wolves, named after the wild creatures that roam the Pacific Northwest coast in North America. Ranging in age from their early-30s to mid-80s, they come together every morning at 8 o’clock to start their day with a refreshing dip in Port Phillip come rain, hail or shine.

"I joined about 14 months ago," says Pam Major, one of the Sea Wolves in her mid-70s. "My 84-year-old friend Helen nagged me until I went. I hate cold water so I kept saying no, but I eventually went and it's been the best thing I've ever done."

Despite her initial reservations, Pam now looks forward to her daily swim. "It’s definitely been beneficial for my mental health. I probably go five days a week, and I miss it when I don’t go. It’s an amazing group; they're kind and welcoming. If anyone gets sick or anything happens, they're all there."

The Sea Wolves started during the lockdowns of 2020 when locals Noa Fletcher, Lisa Dinale and Sharalyn Marchant met up, and has grown into a community of more than 50. Each morning, they walk out into the cold water, holding hands and forming a circle. They count down from three to one before submerging themselves in the icy water, howling in unison.

When they emerge, shivering and exhilarated, they share stories and laughter over coffee at a nearby café. And while their morning swim is a powerful physical and mental boost, it is the sense of camaraderie and support that truly sets the Sea Wolves apart.

"We're a family," says Pam. "We laugh together, cry together, share triumphs and tragedies. It's a beautiful way to start the day, feeling connected to the ocean and each other. It's a lovely way to spend our mornings.”

SARAH HALFPENNY