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Edinburgh Blue Balls<\/strong><\/h3>

Est 2021<\/p>

What we do<\/strong><\/p>

The Edinburgh Blue Balls is a weekly men's mental health and cold water dipping group located in Portobello, Edinburgh. Our group meets twice a week for a refreshing dip in the cold waters of Portobello, with a social aspect to the experience. Before the dip, we usually gather up to 30 minutes early to catch up with each other, and then head down to the beach at a designated time. The beach serves as our changing room, and we wait for each other to arrive so that we can take a group photo (optional) and enter the water together as a supportive group. You are welcome to spend as much time as you like in the water; there's no competition or pressure. Please be sure to read our safety advice before dipping with us. After the dip, we quickly change into warm clothes and enjoy a hot drink. To add to the social element, we head for a meet up The Porty Tap on Thursdays, and on Sunday mornings, we all gather around The Little Green van for a hot drink and a pastry.<\/p>

In addition to our twice-weekly dips, we also organize a 5K every Monday night, open to runners, joggers, walkers, and even dogs! There's no need to worry about competition, as everyone is a winner just for showing up. It's a great opportunity to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and meet other members of our community.<\/p>

Why we do it<\/strong><\/p>

Dipping is the common denominator in the group but defiantly not the most important aspect. Of course there are loads of benefits from cold water dipping.\u00a0 It boosts your immune system, it improves your circulation, It increases your libido, burns calories, and It reduces stress and most importantly it is a great way of socialising and making new friends.<\/p>

There is a great sense of support, community and camaraderie amongst the Edinburgh Blue Balls.\u00a0 Leave your ego at the door, come down for a dip and meet some new people. To have a group of men, who do not give a fuck about your sexuality, your job, your body shape or clothes - everyone is just there for some good company.\u00a0 After the group photo and going into the water as one -\u00a0 You can usually hear a bit of swearing and some high pitched yelps as we all enter the water. This way everyone forgets about past, present and future anxieties and you are completely in the moment.\u00a0 Surprisingly easy to get into a cold body of water as part of a group knowing the only thing on everyones mind is how are you going to get your balls in the freezing water. This is where you will find yourself talking to complete random strangers about everything and nothing and mostly about how bloody cold it is. You meet different people each week and make some beautiful connections. Spend as much time in the water as you want there is no competition - always read our safety advice before dipping with us. You can be as open as you want during the swim sometimes it is so cold you have no idea what you are talking about but given time you will make connections, make new friends. We have chat groups for a bit more banter and support online if needed. There is also quite a few socials with wild swimming and camping trips, outdoor spa breaks and socials.<\/p>

Where we do it<\/strong><\/p>

Check Edinburgh Blue Balls Facebook events page for updates every Monday.<\/p>

Wednesday 7.30pm Longniddry Car park 1 (Summer only) <\/p>

Thursday 6.30pm John street Portobello. 7.30pm in Summer. <\/p>

Sunday 9.30am John street Portobello<\/p>

Once you have been to a few dips, join some of the online socials and you can always post up if you need a swim buddy. Lot more smaller dips organised between members.<\/p>

What we wear<\/strong><\/p>

Anything you want, most of the group use \u201cswimming skins' which simply means wearing normal swimwear. Budgy smugglers has caught on within the group.\u00a0 Some guys wear shorts, some wet suits - there is no judgement. Neoprene socks and gloves highly recommended for winter dips.<\/p>

What we don\u2019t do<\/strong><\/p>

This is a free and non profit weekly event - these dips are \u2018social dips\u2019 which means that we do not provide safety cover or insurance of those taking part.<\/p>

All participants are responsible for their own safety and go in the water at their own risk.<\/p>

What to bring<\/strong><\/p>