What does it take to be a Salty? The answer to that is quite simple.
Just show up.
For those that aren’t aware of what a Salty is, it’s a member of the Salty Bitches who are a collective of amazing people that get up each morning to take the plunge into Port Phillip Bay across the Bellarine Peninsula.
Within the Salty Bitches there is also a sub-group called the Numb Nuts, male equivalent of a Salty Bitch, and this is where I fit in.
I have always enjoyed swimming and would often swim alone near my house in the Lower Bluff section of St Leonards. Colder winter months would usually prove too much for me and I would pack up my bathers and goggles waiting for a glimpse of summer sunshine once again.
After coming across a post in a community Facebook group advertising what would be described as a ‘come and try day’ I decided to join the Salty Bitches for my first swim. Not wanting to step on anyone’s toes and realising it was a women’s group, or started that way, I reached out to organisers to make sure they wanted me there. Thankfully they did.
What I have found since joining this group is that I am not the only Numb Nut as there are other men who swim as well. But for me the most wonderful thing and something which has been a blessing since joining, are the amazing women who accept everyone into their space that wants to connect regardless of gender or background.
As many of you would know and it has been something which I have documented numerous times across my writing, I have always struggled to find my place in social settings and different aspects of society. I see life through a different lens to most people and if I am being honest, my sexuality and who I am often stopped me from really opening up and being my true self. This could be within a sporting club, at work or even a swimming group like the Salty Bitches.
But they have really helped me in this space as there is no judgement or fear of being treated different, just love and acceptance for who you are.
Every weekend the alarm goes off at 7:00am and I get myself ready to head down to Point Lonsdale or Indented Head depending on how I am feeling to take the cold water plunge. Caps and goggles on as I head off with others who want to do a bit of swimming to keep warm and test ourselves, sometimes I just bob about with the others if I am feeling tired.
Then we have the famous pole swim, a swim which really shows that Salty spirit as we all encourage and support each other when many thought it was never possible. It really is a great feeling to make this swim and share the journey together with everyone.
The group ranges in age and abilities but that is the beauty of this entire concept, there can be an age difference of 30–40 years between people and you wouldn’t know it. But I have always believed you get back what you put out in life and the Salty Bitches is no different.
My first swim was December 3, 2022, and now I feel like I am becoming part of the furniture within the Salty Bitches. I rarely miss a weekend swim, the connections I have made have been terrific, my mental health is better for being part of this swimming group and it has helped me continue to be myself in a world that often judges you.
I don’t think this group realises how much their support has helped me on my life journey.
Love being a Numb Nut, but even prouder to be a Salty Bitch.
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