On hearing about a group of open-water swimmers who brave the waves once a week, rain or shine, I took the plunge and joined them on a beautiful October morning to find out how this group embodies community spirit, cold water, determination and, of course, … coffee!?
WORDS Sophie Sadler with help from Liz Hawkins
Arriving slightly late due to the school run, I didn’t have time to think about what I was doing as I ran into the waves off Dona Ana beach with the Piedade Plungers swimming group. I set off towards the rocks with 20 other swimmers to the east of one of Lagos’ famous and picturesque beaches.
Some had floats tied to their waist, while others just had goggles and a swim hat. I was cheerfully confident at joining in, being a regular ocean swimmer, but I soon realised they were on a different level. As I attempted front crawl in one of my children’s swimming masks and waves started splashing into my mouth, I adopted a more leisurely approach with the breaststroke and was left in the wake of most, whose swimming technique was impressive.
Luckily, the sea was very warm. As I started to feel slightly lost, the friendly face of Adam Parker swam toward me. He cheerfully told me he had just come for a splash around and to get into nature. It was more about the community spirit for him than the physical challenge. Group leader Kirsty passed me on her way back, explaining she wasn’t going all the way due to a shoulder injury and she encouraged me to reach the first rock, so I felt I had achieved something. I had a leisurely swim back, chatting with Mark, who mentioned he went at a more leisurely pace today. So I soon realised that this was an inclusive group for all levels.
When group organisers Alex and Kirsty arrived in the Algarve from the UK, they realised there were no regular swimming groups that operated consistently. As a result, they formed the Piedade Plungers in 2022. They chose Dona Ana partly because it’s a sheltered spot surrounded by the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, making it less prone to large waves. Kirsty explains, “Consistency is the key. We are always here, same time, same place. We have never had fewer than five people and on the rare occasions where we decide it’s too rough or dangerous, we just hang out together on the beach.”
Feeling exhausted by even my inadequate attempt at open water swimming, I was grateful to get back onto the shore, where the beautiful aroma of coffee floated around as Kirsty and Alex (Al), her partner of over 20 years, poured hot drinks for the group. But this wasn’t just any coffee. Kirsty and Al treat us to their expertly brewed Exhale brand coffee, which they sell online in the UK to promote health, sustainability and fairness in the coffee trade. A warm drink on the beach is incredibly welcome and gives the group time to chat and get to know each other. In fact, they believe the social element of sharing a cup of coffee is so important that they provide free coffee to other clubs to foster this sort of social bonding.
Everyone I chatted to said how special this group was to them, providing a sense of purpose, new friends, and a feeling of achievement. Ellie, who has lived in Lagos for five years and works in remote event management, explained to me, “I come for exercise and the social element. It’s like a community of support.”
Alex is also a keen surfer and an avid observer of the sea. Safety is a priority, with swimming floats provided to keep the group visible to tourist boats and kayaks. Liz explains, “Alex is an excellent shepherd, always keeping an eye on us – even when one member occasionally swims backstroke in the direction of Morocco (you know who you are). It’s all in good fun. We laugh, support each other, and leave the sea feeling invigorated. It’s like nature presses your reset button and reduces anxiety.”
In his thirties, keen sportsman Alex made a devastating discovery. He was developing an autoimmune condition made worse by the excesses of a poor diet and lifestyle. “The symptoms were stopping me from leading a normal life,” he recalls. His seven-year health battle led him to move to the Algarve and pursue a path of health, fitness and camaraderie.
Alex actually started open water swimming in the UK when he trained for a triathlon. He then trained as a coach to combat his fear of swimming in open water without his surfboard. Others like Julia and Sarah have used the group to train for triathlons and overcome their own anxiety of open water.
I was also relieved to hear that many people who join the group start out like me. Roger is a regular and now one of the strongest swimmers, but he struggled at first. And some take a year to reach the rock, which is a 450 metre round trip.
Mum of two Tina says, “It’s a great way to start the morning after I have dropped the children at school. It’s nice to do something for me and it really energises me for the rest of the day.”
Many also cited the sense of safety in numbers. Anne told me, “I had been swimming in Salema, but found it lonely, and I lacked confidence. It’s good to be in a group for safety and the social side. I find it boring on my own.”
Astrid agrees. “I have always gone surfing, but as a working mother, I found it hard to align my diary with other surfers and often went alone, so this suits me better and I still get to enjoy the ocean.”
Saskia is a local beauty therapist and agrees that having a set time in your weekly diary is essential to make it a habit. “I would never do this on my own once a week, but with the group I come without fail and am back in work by 11, feeling like I have achieved something for myself.”
Having joined the Piedade Plungers for one meeting, I can absolutely attest to everything the members told me. I left the beach feeling invigorated, uplifted and grateful for having been embraced and refreshed by the ocean waves.
As Liz told me, “Bring your coffee cup and towel, and leave with a smile.”
The Piedade Plungers meet at Dona Ana beach in Lagos every Wednesday at 9.15 am.
Instagram: @piedadeplungers
