Dippy Ambassador and Dorset Coast cold water dipper Nikki shares what led her to the open water, why she finds solace in the waves and how she gives back to mother nature with her leave no trace efforts.
What does the sea mean to you?
Hi, I'm Nikki from Bournemouth, Dorset. I live close to the sea, so the coast has always been a huge part of my life. Some of my favourite childhood memories are from the beach — having picnics, going on coastal walks and simply spending time by the water. Now that I’m a mum myself, I spend a lot of time at the beach with my children, so it continues to be a really important part of our lives.
How did you first get into cold water dipping?
I originally got into cold water dipping as a form of therapy. I was going through a really dark period in my life and my mental health was suffering. It started with postnatal depression, which went undiagnosed, and over time my life spiralled into chaos. Eventually, I hit a brick wall. I felt like I had nowhere to turn and became suicidal. The sea saved my life — quite literally.
What difference did cold water make for you?
In the open water, I noticed a difference almost straight away. Cold water immersion can trigger responses in the body that can boost your mood, reduce stress and help ease symptoms of depression, and for me, being in the sea became a really important part of my routine. It gave me something to focus on and helped me reconnect with myself. I became a new person.
Dipping also introduced me to so many other passions. I started exploring new places to swim, beachcombing, spending more time in nature, fossil hunting and paddleboarding.
Has it changed the way you see the world?
Definitely. It opened my world up to so many new experiences. I discovered things like grounding, full moon rituals and following the sun to find the best sunrises and sunsets.
I see the world very differently now. I suppose that's because I was given a second chance, and I don't take that for granted.
Where is your favourite place to dip?
Without a doubt, along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. There are so many beautiful beaches to explore, and I love that you can find fossils there too.
Places like Durdle Door are so iconic that it's hard not to feel a bit of magic when you're there.
Has spending so much time along the coast changed the way you think about the environment?
Absolutely. One thing I started noticing was the amount of rubbish that gets washed up along the coast. There are areas that are really difficult to access, and there isn't always a local council team that can get in and clean them up.
As I fell more in love with beaches and outdoor spaces, I also felt a stronger responsibility to look after them. That's when I started promoting the idea of “leave no trace.”
What do you do to help care for the places you love?
I take part in group litter picks and I litter pick wherever I go. I like to leave places better than I found them. I've also become much more eco-conscious in my everyday life. I've started reducing the amount of plastic I use and shopping more preloved. I think we can always keep striving to do more to help our planet.
I also work closely with Project Planet Earth, a charity that protects wildlife and restores the environment by reducing plastic pollution, raising awareness and inspiring communities to take action.
What would you say to someone who wants to spend more time outdoors but doesn't know where to start?
Just get outside. It doesn't have to be complicated or adventurous. Go for a walk, sit by the sea, watch a sunrise, explore somewhere you've never been before.
I love encouraging and inspiring people to get outside and connect with nature. I truly believe that if people fall in love with a place, or with nature itself, they will want to look after it.
What has nature taught you about yourself?
Falling in love with nature has helped me fall in love with myself again too. Because, really, we are nature.
I've learnt to slow down and listen to my body and what it needs. I've started accepting my body with all its flaws and celebrating the fact that I'm able to do the things I love.
I think we could all be a little kinder — to ourselves, to other people and to the environment.
As a Dippy Ambassador, Nikki receives 20% off our swim gear. You are welcome to use Nikki's discount code - NIKBYTHESEA at the website check out.