Taking an icy dip in cold ocean waters may seem like complete and utter madness. However, cold water swimming is reportedly beneficial to the body and mind from boosting your immune system and reducing stress to improving circulation and enhancing the mood.
Thanks to a passionate somatology therapist and breathwork facilitator, local women can experience all the extreme activity has to offer during the ideal winter months which lie ahead.
Resident Chantelle Rabe is hosting a women’s cold water swim in Strand waters opposite the Strand Surf Lifesaving Club at least three times a week on Fridays (07:30), Saturdays (08:00) and Mondays (07:30).
The next session will be held this Saturday (30 April) and interested women of all ages are invited to join the get-together where breathwork and somatic body movements will be exercised as tools that will help them face life’s pressures with calmness and clarity.
The opportunity also offers a safe space within the gathered community of women where emotions, which may easily come up through the process, can be expressed and released from the body. For this reason, Rabe has decided to offer the activity exclusively to the fairer sex.
When asked what inspired the cold water swim, she shared her own experience of the camaraderie and friendship which naturally comes from facing the water challenge with somebody there to help you get through it.
“I moved back to South Africa in 2020 and coming from the Caribbean and Bali ocean environment, going into Cape waters was a shock to my body. Although I knew the benefits, it took all of my self-motivation to go into the ocean. I started to use my breathwork and body movement tools that I use on a daily basis and found that after a 20-minute session, going in was easier. One morning I wanted to go in, but for some reason I struggled until another lady came and sat nearby me. I could see she was also hesitant to go in. But, together we both braved the water and had a great time.”
Rabe further shared she championed starting the cold water swimming after the woman suggested the activity would probably be easier to try if interested individuals find themselves among a group. “So I knew I could provide what they needed and my entire body said, ‘Yes, let’s do this.’”
She explained every session entails using body movements to wake up the consciousness of individual body parts (such as the muscles, organs and bones) granting the body freedom to move and be as it desires.
Followed by preparing the body and mind for going into the cold water by practising focused and concentrated breathwork aimed at calming and regulating the nervous system which, according to Rabe, is perfect for helping anyone facing fight, flight, freeze or fawn survival mode.
“This sends oxygen to vital areas, expanding the space within the body to allow energy to move through, increasing circulation, and improving mental clarity,” Rabe further explained.
“Once in the water, women found they were naturally breathing more slowly and calmer after the session, allowing them to enjoy the water and feel the clarity and liberating freedom it provides. Hopefully, they will learn how to use these tools for anything they want to achieve in life.”
The 30-year-old, who is also a Reiki master, further said the group of swimmers enter the water until they can sit fully submerged up to the neck. “Of course having fun means normally catching a few waves, if there are any. But it all depends on the individual and her level of comfort.”
On why locals should give it a try, Rabe motivated: “Reconnecting with your body is powerful and I wish that for every women. Most women feel so alive and awake after the session, they respond with wanting to learn more body movement work,” she related.
“Since few have done breathwork, it is something they want to learn about in a deeper sense. This is great for repeat clients, as I adapt to add more to each session. This leads me to my in-progress event of a 60-minute somatic body movement workshop I will host soon as requested by the women.”
In a world of patriarchy, the Reiki master strives to help women unleash their inner goddess. “I love seeing the shift in women when they return to their centre and let go of what doesn’t serve their purpose in this life,” Rabe pointed out.
Those interested can join via the free application called Meet Up, which finds events all over the world, online and in-person; or contact Rabe on 079 584 6525.
“You are worth the try, even if you do two minutes in the water, you came, you did it, you will have learnt something new, your body, mind and soul will love you for it, and I am excited to see a beautiful group of strong empowered women taking on the world.
“Come join the safe space to be you, to clear your mind, let go of what worries you and reconnect with yourself.”
