Wild swimmers in Nairn take on challenge to swim under every full moon of 2025
Nairn sea swimmers have been embracing a new challenge for 2025.
Local dippers are coming together at Nairn beach to swim under each full moon of the year, which started with the Wolf Moon on January 12.
Swimmers arrived at the cold beach to overcast skies and by the time they got to the water the moon made its appearance revealing the “most incredible sight”, according to attendees.
The most recent full moon was the Snow Moon, on February 12, which stayed hidden behind the clouds but had almost 40 wild swimmers in attendance including groups the Buckie Selkies some of the Highland Otters.
This year’s moon challenge is being coordinated by Kirstin Grant through her business KG Scotland.
She started up in July 2024 to support others who wanted to get into open-water swimming.
Kirstin said: “As an open water swimmer myself I would always get asked questions like ‘are you not scared?’ ‘what do you need?’.
“So, I created a session that teaches people about the risks and the benefits of cold water immersion including the kit we use, and why we use it.
“Once we have covered all the theory we then hit the beach for the practical and participants get to try cold water dipping in a safe and supported environment.
“Following the session they are given signposting to other opportunities with the hope of them continuing on with their own cold water journey.
“The moon dips are an example of the signposted swims. The impact has been incredible! Not only on the uptake but also on the reported benefits from participants.”
Kirstin is now an NHS social prescriber, which means if someone feels that cold water immersion could benefit them, they can contact medical professionals in Nairn.
Medical professionals will then submit a referral on the patient’s behalf which goes to Kirstin, and she will get in touch to provide either a 1:1 or a group session.
She said: “February was just as beautiful and although the moon stayed hidden behind the clouds we couldn't miss the feeling of the Snow Moon's energy and the excitement of dipping in the dark.
“The experience was shared far and wide and we were joined by other local swimming groups such as the Buckie Selkies, Highland Otters and dippers who travelled as far as Muir of Ord to join us.
Swimmer Kemi Gordon who attended said of the full moon bathing: “It’s up there with one of the best experiences I’ve ever done! LOVED IT!”
Another swimmer Nikki McClenaghan added: “What a gorgeous sight of colour and smiling faces!”
Kirstin concluded: “The social connection from wild swimming is incredible and I’ve seen so many new friendships and swim groups form; all through the power of cold water.”
The next moon-lit dip is the Worm Moon on March 14.
