Make a splash: at this location near Zoetermeer you can do a New Year’s dive

Do you want to start the new year fresh? Start with a New Year’s Dive! The nearest and most famous location is in Scheveningen. Read all the information about this below.

Do you dare to jump into ice cold water on January 1? Unfortunately, since January 1, 2019 there is no New Year’s dive at the North Aa beach. That is why some Zoetermeer residents jump into the Zoetermeerse Plas on their own, or take the tram or train to The Hague.

Scheveningen

Being in Scheveningen two locations where the New Year’s dive will be organized on January 1, 2023: At the Pier and in the Zuiderhaven. Below you will find all practical information about the New Year’s dive opposite the Pier of Scheveningen.

times

You can register on Sunday 1 January from 10.30 am at the beach, near De Pier and the Kurhaus. Be on time because there is ‘only’ room for 10,000 participants and you cannot reserve a ticket in advance.

Subsequently, at 11.30 am, the warming up starts at the stage in the form of a Unox hat. The Ko Brothers ensure that you are well awake. At noon, all heroes dive into the sea.

Cost

Participation in the Unox New Year’s Dive in Scheveningen costs 4 euros, which you pay when registering on the spot. It is therefore not possible to book in advance. The proceeds of the New Year’s Dive go to a good cause every year. Participants also receive a goodie bag with the orange Unox hat, a commemorative pennant and a can of pea soup.

Temperature of the sea

Usually the sea is around 5 degrees at the end of December, the predictions are that it will be slightly warmer this year; around 8 degrees. That’s not a nice temperature to swim in, really those hards can stay in the water for five to ten minutes, but after that it’s really done. So just dive and back into the warm tent.

Valuables

The organization advises not to bring any valuables, because there are no lockers. You can change in a large tent and leave your belongings there. Do put them in a recognizable place, because it is very annoying if you can’t find your warm clothes afterwards. Or bring a fan who watches from the side and can keep your things.

Scheveningen accessibility and parking

Every year thousands of people drive to Scheveningen to participate in the dive and to watch. We therefore recommend that you leave the car at home. You can easily get to Scheveningen by public transport, for example with tram 9 or bus 21 from The Hague Central Station. View on htm.nl For more information. Do you really want to go by car? Then you can park here:

  • Scheveningen Boulevard, Strandweg 179
  • Scheveningen Bath, Zwolsestraat 426
  • Kurhaus, Gevers Deynootplein 189
  • New Parklaan 248
  • Havenkwartier, dr. Lelykade 220

Furthermore, there is a handy website where you can see if there is still room in those garages. Otherwise you will soon be stuck in traffic for nothing. You can also use Park + Beach. For 5 euros you can park your car at parking garage Q-park Central station/New Babylon and then take the tram. Tram 9 takes you to the beach within fifteen minutes. You can use the Park+Beach on Sunday from 07:00 to 02:00. You have to book in advance, you can do that via www.parkandbeach.nl

Source: in the neighborhood of The Hague

How did the New Year’s Dive come about?

In 1920, Peter Pantages organized the very first ‘New Year’s DipinCanada. Only 5 people participated, but every year that number increased. Forty years later, this idea flew over to the Netherlands.

The very first Dutch New Year’s Dive was organized in 1960 by Ok van Batenburg in Zandvoort. Five years later, ex-Canal swimmer Jan van Scheijndel also organized an annual New Year’s Dive in Scheveningen. What started with just seven swimmers has now become a massive event with around 10,000 participants. In addition to the big dive in Scheveningen, many more people throughout the country are participating!

Source: nu.nl

To all New Year’s divers: good luck!

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