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Crackling log fire...twinkling tree...glass of port...turkey in the oven...freezing cold dip in the sea... sound tempting? I haven't done it (yet!) but talking to the fearless few whose Christmas swim is the favourite part of their day, I wonder if I may have been missing out on something.

Once the seasonal pastime of a stalwart few, the Christmas Day swim has become a social tradition which attracts hundreds to many beaches around Cornwall's coast. Whether taking part or cheering on from dry land there are families who have made this a regular part of their Christmas for years. Julia Bird explains her reasons for taking to the icy waters "We often get a big group of family and friends together on a beach called Lansallos. We always have lots of champagne and more often than not it rains, but it is a thrilling and brilliant way to start the day. Last year we joined a bigger group tradition on the beach at Polkerris - where there is the convenience of a pub and lots of swift brandies after!"

However, with Cornwall's waters chilly at the best of times, I wonder if a dose of hearty cheer and a swift nip of brandy is enough to get me into my bikini on Christmas morning. To give a comparison, in August the sea temperature around Cornwall can creep to a reasonable 20c, in December it drops below a numbing 10c. Fine if you are dressed in your neoprene but not if it's just your speedo's keeping you warm.

Described by one perplexed spectator as 'those with no feeling', the Christmas Day swimmers are bold indeed for there are no wetsuits allowed at most gatherings. Sheila Jackson, wife of Roger who started the Sennen swim tradition in 1958, says "there are no rules but really, wetsuits are for wimps..."

Staying in for anything from twenty seconds to twenty minutes, the idea is to gather at a prearranged time, get your cozzie on, make a mad dash down the beach, dive into the sea, splash about, holler and scream a bit then all dash back to where those who are dry will be waiting with towels and good nip of something strong. Once clothed the next trick is to be first to the bar for it seems there are few swims that take place far from a pint and a log fire!

Tim Bawden landlord of The Taphouse in St Agnes has been swimming at Trevaunance Cove for the past fifteen years. Attracting in the region of 100 swimmers this is a really popular gathering. Describing it as a fantastic community get together Tim says: "Everyone meets on the beach, greeting each other to say Happy Christmas. We then have a count down before we all run down the beach and dive into the sea. Even the surfers get out of their wetsuits and into the spirit. It's become a really fantastic event that gathers a great many people to enjoy the sea on a special day; it is also a brilliant way to cure Christmas Eve hangovers, which there are always quite a few of!"

Phil Pring who swims at Sennen agrees, he says: "People always say how crazy you have to be to do things like that but it's actually a lot of fun to do something so invigorating in an amazing environment with a group of people who really appreciate where they live."

With few of the swims officially advertised, most started with a core group of dedicated friends and through word of mouth the occasions have grown. Whether it is locals, visitors, friends or family the importance for those taking part seems to lie in camaraderie. Sharing a love for the sea and the outdoors there is no better way to celebrate than with a swift dip followed by a social pint round the fire on Christmas morning. For Tim, regardless of the temperature he will be swimming and celebrating. In fact the worse the weather the better he feels. He says: "This is no fair weather event, we go in whatever the weather - the worse it is the bigger the challenge!"

There are some events that also have a charitable incentive. The Charlestown swim has raised a total of £13,000 for local charities over the years and at Coverack, the figure reached in the events thirty eight year history stands at a remarkable £50,249 with one year taking a massive £6,295 on Christmas Day alone. Organised by Cancer Research UK, up to 90 swimmers and 600 spectators turn up to enjoy the big chill. Having a penchant for fancy dress, the spectacle here is not only benevolent but very colourful. Started in 1968 by local GP Ian Wort who went in as a bit of a dare, the event is now one of the biggest of all the Cornish swims.

Sennen too do their bit of fundraising. Paying for the icy pleasure, each swimmer contributes a pound to the pot which is then donated to a local cause. Sennen can also boast the most senior swimmer with Alan Griffiths still taking the plunge at a dignified and impressive 87yrs.

With other events taking place at Bude, Portreath and Falmouth and a hooter signalling the two minute Boxing Day dash at Charlestown there are swims happening all over Cornwall this Christmas.

Hearing the truly sincere pleasure people take from their chilly Christmas dips I must say it is something I am tempted to do. Surrounded by friends, family, brandy, a bunch of hearty swimmers and an essential nearby pub, it could well be a Christmas tradition I take to.

Chloe Wild

Trevaunance Cove Swim by Mike Greenslade Web: www.mikegreenslade.com

Sennen Swim by Phil Pring

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