By VaNessa VerLee

In the fall of 2022, Sachi Cunningham, Amber Cady and a few friends were enjoying a rare hot day in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset District and an impromptu cold plunge in the ocean. Cunningham, renowned for her extensive work with big wave surf photography and ocean advocacy, was pleasantly surprised at how eager her non-sea-legged friends were to join – and to keep going.

Cady and Cunningham committed to plunging into the famously harrowing waters of Ocean Beach daily for 100 days, sans wetsuits. Friends who had spent little to no time in this part of the ocean committed to join and spread the word. Two weeks later, Lehua Ho’opai Sparrow and many others joined by invitation from the founding members. Soon after, the group outgrew the confines of a group text chain and moved to a WhatsApp group.

The “OBCP: Ocean Beach Cold Plunge” group is still going strong more than two years later, now with 120 members spanning every generation. They meet at all times of the day, simply based on when a member puts out the call. Sometimes there are two women, sometimes 20. They often share photos and stories of their joyful post-plunge experiences for the rest of the group to enjoy. Occasionally, they share other events and community offerings. Sparrow, who continues to plunge nearly daily, shared how the practice connects her to her Hawaiian roots.

“It reminds me I can do hard things, especially in community,” she said.

Katina Papson-Rigby, an artist and teacher from Glen Park, was initially intimidated by the Pacific Ocean but found solace in the group.

“As a full-time working mother, the stress was unbearable,” Papson-Rigby said. “When I’m too exhausted to socialize, a plunge with vibrant women is the perfect medicine.

“This group has embraced me. We share stories about life, family, politics and work, and it reminds me I’m not alone in this wild moment in history.”

Olivia VanDamme, a surfer who lives in the Outer Sunset, joined earlier this year. “Cold plunging has been incredible for supporting my mental health. I’ve connected with amazing women across generations and backgrounds.”

Although the women are encouraged to listen to their bodies and not push beyond what feels safe, the group usually stays in for about 10 minutes. Many members emphasize the mental health benefits.

“It’s like nature’s Adderall,” Cunningham joked.

Sarah McCarthy Grimm of the Outer Sunset began plunging alone three years ago on her own as a birthday present to herself and started plunging with the group six months ago.

“I noticed a significant difference in my anxiety and outlook,” she said. “After my first plunge with the group, laughter came easily. That’s only possible after 10 minutes in cold water and with this camaraderie.”

Elizabeth Boyarsky comes from the Inner Sunset to plunge two to five times a week and likened the experience to “having the best cup of coffee.”

“I’ve noticed a reduction in inflammation and a boost in my mood,” she added,

Boyarsky described feeling calm, clear-headed and blissed out after every plunge.

“As an educator, (doing this practice with this precious community) is the perfect way to recalibrate and keep my energy going throughout the week.”

Despite the intensity of Ocean Beach and challenges like poor water quality after storms, the group remains dedicated. They check water quality maps to find safe spots and look out for each other’s safety. There is no commitment for how often to join, and no one is ever pressured to go further than they are comfortable. Part of the draw is the intensity and power of the ocean.

“Ocean Beach is one of the most dangerous breaks in the world,” Cunningham said. “If you feel like you’re in danger, assume you are. But I think being a woman brings a different kind of connection to our wildness and intelligence about risk. Maybe that’s part of the joy – to be in that energy, to survive that energy, to know you can access that energy and not be in danger or be in danger and survive.”

When it comes to safety, whether plunging with a group or solo, it is important to follow key guidelines. Lifeguard Jacqueline Racich, who works in the area with Ocean Rescue for the National Parks Department, emphasizes observation as the first step.

“Before plunging anywhere, research the beach and take time to observe conditions like currents or waves, as the ocean can change moods quickly,” Racich advises.

She also stresses that Ocean Beach is not a swimming beach and advises against these plunges.

“We do not recommend swimming at Ocean Beach due to the dangerous and changing conditions,” Racich said. “If people choose to plunge anyway, staying knee deep or in more shallow water is advised. Only go past your knees if you have proper gear such as swim fins or a surfboard.”

Ocean Beach is notorious for its unpredictable currents, and even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard. Racich reminds swimmers at any beach to avoid fighting a rip current and instead swim parallel to the shore to escape. She also suggests using onshore landmarks to monitor your position and prevent unintended drifting. Racich recommends choosing safer spots like Baker Beach, China Beach or Aquatic Park, where the risks are lower.

And while the OBCP continues to grow, by word of mouth and personal invites, several members shared their deep love of and reverence for the power of the ocean, particularly at this break, where the open waters create such strong currents. The group looks out for one another’s safety, sending messages on days with less safe conditions or poor water quality.

To learn more, go to webapps.sfpuc.org/sapps/beachesandbay.html.