After two corona years, the bravest among us can ring in the new year as usual with the New Year’s Dive in Egmond aan Zee. After a swinging warm-up and a quick jump into the cold water, participants can then traditionally warm up with a fresh bowl of chowder from local entrepreneurs and a drink is allowed. “After two years of absence, we are working hard to make it a fantastic experience,” the organization shares.
With 6,000 visitors and around 2,500 participants, the New Year’s Dive in Egmond aan Zee is one of the largest in the Netherlands. With the purchase of a ticket for 7.50 euros you will receive the ‘exclusive’ Egmond hat, a bowl of pea soup and you will also support a good cause: 1 euro will go to the ALS foundation.
After the start of the live music at 12:00, the warm-up starts at 13:45 under the expert guidance of coach Renate de Goede. At 2 p.m. the participants dive into the new year. Once the waves have been defied, a cup of hot soup will be ready and you can toast the new year in various catering tents.
Eighth graders do not cry
For eighth graders at De Kiem primary school in Egmond aan den Hoef, the New Year’s Dive has also become a regular event, in addition to camp and the final musical. Tom Valkering challenged all students of group 8, including teacher Tess and teacher Jordy, on the day before the Christmas holidays. “Miss Tess, who was visibly doubting, had to be convinced. When the students sang loudly: ‘Miss Tess is going to dive!’ all she could do was promise not to oversleep and to join the class.”
After the New Year’s dive, all children receive a medal and can choose from a cup of pea soup from an Egmond restaurant or hot chocolate, says the organization. For every student who participates, co-organizer Tom Valkering donates one euro to the ALS Foundation.
In addition, the organization has also donated a large number of spare hats from previous editions to families in Eastern Europe and the Netherlands. “Via Finder, one of the main sponsors, we came into contact with StreetSmart. That is an organization that collects items and distributes them in places where they are needed.”
NH News will be there on 1 January and will broadcast the New Year’s dive in Egmond aan Zee live from 13:45 to 14:15.