Did you know that thousands of dare devils start the new year by plunging into an icy cold North Sea at Scheveningen at exactly midday on Monday 1 January 2018?
History
The first New Year’s Dip (‘Nieuwjaarsduik’ in Dutch) took place on 1 January 1960 in Zandvoort. In 1965 the late Jan van Scheijndel, professional marathon swimmer and Channel swimmer, initiated a dip on New Year’s Day. Seven daring dippers plunged into the cold water of the North Sea. In the course of time the traditional New Year’s Day Dip grew from a few eccentric enthusiasts to an annual event with 10,000 brave hearts running collectively into the icy cold water at Scheveningen.
Temperature
On New Year’s Day the average temperature of the sea water is around 5°C. Participants are advised to bring warm clothes, to wear a hat and to join the warming-up prior to the plunge.
Participate in the New Year’s Day Dip
Those who want to take part; be on time! A maximum of 10,000 people can participate. It is not possible to register in advance. Registration starts at 10.30 and costs €3 which you pay on the spot. Part of the proceeds are donated to a good cause. The charity for 2018 is the Dutch food bank.
After the dip, participants are rewarded with hot split pea soup from sponsor Unox. All participants can collect a goodie bag with orange Unox hat, souvenir pennant and a limited edition can of split pea soup.
Too cold for you?
Even when you are not courageous enough to take the plunge yourself, this is a perfect day out in Scheveningen. The spectacle of shivering people in swimsuits and fancy dresses attracts large crowds to cheer them on.
Schedule New Year’s Day Dip in Scheveningen
10.30 start of registration
11.45 collective warming up with music
12.00 plunge into the sea
Location in Scheveningen
The traditional New Year’s Day Dip in Scheveningen takes place on the beach near the Pier and the fancy Kurhaus hotel.
Scheveningen beach is easily accessible by public transport. From The Hague Central Station it is only a 10 to 15 minutes tram ride away. If you go by car there are plenty of parking garages in Scheveningen. However, with a large crowd expected it is advised to go by public transport or by bicycle.
Stay overnight in Scheveningen or The Hague
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Other locations in the Netherlands
Besides the famous New Year’s Day Dip in Scheveningen there are many other places all over the Netherlands with more than 40,000 daring dippers running into the sea and lakes on 1 January. Click here for a list of locations.
