It’s 7am at Port Noarlunga Beach on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. The 300-metre jetty is dotted with gnarly fishermen, seagulls and a motley crew of wine folk.
They gather at the end of the wooden structure, where waves nip at the natural reef.
Makers, growers and industry tagalongs (that’s me) strip down to their boardies and prepare to submerge themselves in a 300-litre VC full of ice before jetty jumping into the azure abyss below.
Just your average masochist’s start to the day in god’s country.
At approximately 12°C, an ice bath is no typical morning dip, but the health benefits are said to aid muscle recovery, support immune system function, and enhance mental health.
We’re here for the latter.
Anyone is welcome to ‘enjoy’ the monthly frozen H2O event and our fearless leader Duggie is all about facing fear.
During his career, he worked as a winemaker at the likes of Wirra Wirra and The Lane, gathering mates as he went.
His ‘Stoke, Mental Health Fridays’ have been a regular in our calendars since February 2024.
“It was something fun to do and just so needed,” he says as he dumps bags of ice and sea water in the steel tank.
Earlier, a wine industry peer turned up early and collapsed in Duggie’s arms in a flood of tears.
It’s rough out there and there’s more need for solidarity and trust than ever.
Personally, I’m more terrified about sharks than chilly pink bits but to his credit, Duggie is an outstanding listener and team player.
He launches off the jetty with me in silent camaraderie.
Turns out conquering a fear is thrilling.
The 40-year-old surfer and father of two recently weathered a storm of his own: stage three bowel cancer.
• Read Katie Spain’s full nine-page feature story in WBM – Australia’s Wine Business Magazine. Now available in print or digital.
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