Newport Beach's Pier Club Celebrates Community Through Cold Ocean Plunges

The weekly gathering brings together a diverse group of locals for a bracing swim and post-dip breakfast.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:49pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph showing the silhouettes of swimmers in the ocean, with warm, glowing light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene.The Pier Club's weekly cold-water swims foster a sense of community and shared adventure among Newport Beach residents.Newport Beach Today

In Newport Beach, a group called the Pier Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:45 a.m. to take a plunge into the chilly Pacific Ocean. Around 40 to 50 people, ranging from experienced swimmers to those just learning, join together for the ritual swim around the Newport Beach Pier, followed by breakfast and camaraderie at a local deli.

Why it matters

The Pier Club provides a unique opportunity for a diverse group of Newport Beach residents to build community and connect with their local environment. The shared experience of overcoming the initial discomfort of the cold water helps forge bonds between members, many of whom may not have otherwise crossed paths.

The details

The Pier Club was started in 2013 by Dougie Mann and his friend Ross Sinclair, and has grown steadily over the years, especially in the past year. The group includes past and current lifeguards, as well as swimmers of all skill levels. After their weekly swim, the members gather at Dory Deli for breakfast burritos, coffee, and beer, where they catch up on each other's lives and welcome new faces. The group has even attracted the occasional celebrity appearance, with Finnish F1 driver Valtteri Bottas and Olympic gold medalist Aaron Peirsol joining in.

  • The Pier Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:45 a.m.
  • The group was started in November 2013.

The players

Dougie Mann

One of the founders of the Pier Club, which he started in 2013 with his friend Ross Sinclair.

Ross Sinclair

Dougie Mann's friend and co-founder of the Pier Club.

Lisa Schultz

A regular member of the Pier Club who has been part of the group for years.

Kyle Senicola

A lifeguard who is a member of the Pier Club and finds the weekly swim helps him mentally prepare for the challenges of the week ahead.

Valtteri Bottas

A Finnish F1 driver who has joined the Pier Club for a swim.

Aaron Peirsol

An Olympic gold medalist who has occasionally joined the Pier Club for their weekly swim.

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What they’re saying

“As you approach the water you're like, 'Oh brother, this is cold!' But then the initial dive through the waves is pure bliss.”

— Lisa Schultz

“You see these people every Wednesday, and it seems like you just saw them but it's been a whole week. So there's something weird that happens. It slows down time a little bit.”

— Dougie Mann

“If you're in California and you're not getting in the Pacific Ocean, you're really doing yourself a disservice.”

— Dougie Mann

What’s next

The Pier Club plans to continue their weekly swims throughout the year, welcoming new members and celebrating their growing community.

The takeaway

The Pier Club's dedication to their weekly cold ocean plunge and post-swim community building exemplifies the power of shared experiences to bring people together, even in a bustling coastal city like Newport Beach. Their inclusive, multigenerational group shows how a simple ritual can foster meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment.