Weekly ocean dips unite strangers into a tight-knit Newport Beach crew

Every Wednesday at dawn, a rotating cast of about 40 locals gathers under the Newport Beach Pier. They don’t just dip their toes—they dive straight into the Pacific without wetsuits. First come the shivers and the grumbles, but once they break through the waves, the cold turns into something almost addictive. Among them is Kyle Senicola, a lifeguard who treats the weekly plunge as a mental reset before work. Studies do link cold-water swimming to sharper moods and less muscle pain, though some participants admit the science isn’t why they keep coming back. The real draw is the conversation that follows. After shaking off the chill, the group heads to a nearby deli for burritos, coffee, or a beer. Dougie Mann, one of the founders, calls it a “random little snowball” of people who somehow feel like family. Weekly meetups stretch time in a way that’s hard to explain. People leave for months—sometimes years—but often return with stories to share, like new babies or fresh tans.Pier Club started in 2013 as a small idea between friends, including water polo coach Ross Sinclair. What began as a casual hangout grew slowly until recently, when participation exploded. Now, the crowd includes kids learning to swim and seasoned athletes, all standing side by side in the same cold water. Mann points out how strange it is that neighbors living just miles apart might never cross paths without this ritual. The group isn’t just about the swim. When Lisa Schultz couldn’t join due to an injury, members visited her regularly to keep her spirits up. Senicola and his partner even met through the club. It’s a space where everyone watches out for each other, no matter their skill level. Even celebrities like F1 driver Valtteri Bottas and Olympic swimmer Aaron Peirsol have joined the mix. At its core, Pier Club is less about athletic achievement and more about belonging. Mann sums it up: if you live near the ocean and never take the plunge, you’re missing out on one of Southern California’s best experiences.