Perfect October sunrise greets lake swimmers at Dip of Hope in memory of Christopher Hope
By SAM HEFFER
A little before the sun rose on Sunday, Oct. 19, the sky was a stunning mixture of golden, lavender light, while white-capped waves surged and crashed on the beach at the bottom of Silverbirch Avenue. This is where a group of individuals gathered for the Third Annual Christopher Hope Memorial Dip.
Chris was an inspiring adventurer and cold-water enthusiast who passed away in 2023 at the age of 85 while dipping in the ocean out west. He remains an inspiration for those of us who choose to embrace cold plunging and swimming in the lake year-round as Christopher did.
Chris’ long-time friend, Carlos Yu, organized the informal event once again this year.
He described how we continue to honour Chris’ remarkable spirit and legendary legacy with our annual Dip of Hope.
“For those who didn’t know him – Chris was in his eighties and dipped in Lake Ontario every single day – ice, snow, storm or shine — 365 days a year,” said Carlos. “His secret? He once told me: ‘Carlos, you’re meeting the happiest man in the world…because this moment is the happiest moment of my life.’”
Shortly after sunrise, the group headed into Lake Ontario, eager to enjoy the sunshine and the surf — bobbing, body-surfing and laughing. One can only imagine that Chris would be smiling at this joie de vivre in the lake.
Carlos was full of gratitude: “This is the spirit that we carry forward: presence, courage, connection and joy. Thank you to everyone who came out to honour Christopher and to keep that spark alive this morning in the cool, pastel light of a perfect October sunrise.”
