Juan’s January Dips Are Nearly Done

Juan Callister is almost at the end of his icy January challenge, and frankly, he’s earned a lie down and a hot drink.

After spending every single day this month deliberately getting into freezing cold water, Juan is set to wrap up his cold water exposure ladder challenge on Saturday, raising money and awareness for Isle Stand Up to Suicide along the way.

And with just a couple of dips left, the Kirk Michael man admits he can hardly believe he’s made it this far.

‘I can’t believe I’ve been going for so long and can’t believe how my body has adapted and I can control how I react to the cold,’ Juan said, reflecting on a challenge that started with serious doubts just minutes into his first dip in Douglas Bay.

You might remember Juan from July last year, he got involved in the downhill skateboarding championship, and this year he’s swapped speed and ramps for rivers, tubs and the Manx Sea, adding an extra minute in icy water every single day of January.

The idea was simple (on paper): one minute on New Year’s Day, building all the way up to more than half an hour by the end of the month. The reality? Less simple. And much colder.

As the days have gone on, Juan says the physical toll has definitely made itself known, earlier nights, extra hunger, and a noticeable drop in gym time that didn’t exactly help his mood.

‘Coming towards the end I just find myself tired, in bed at 9 every night and cuddled up in my pyjamas and slippers a lot more, and cranky,’ he admitted.

‘These last couple of days I’ve been like a bear with a sore paw,’ adding that getting back to the gym quickly reminded him how important movement is for mental health.

But there have been unexpected bonuses too.

Despite January bugs doing the rounds, Juan says he’s made it through the month without getting properly ill, and more importantly, the conversations sparked along the way have made it all worthwhile.

While dipping around the island, Juan’s spoken to people affected by suicide, received messages from strangers thanking him, and had moments where people opened up in ways they maybe wouldn’t have otherwise.

‘Hopefully I make a difference and your money does some real good,’ he said.

Juan’s final public dip will take place at Peel Bay this Saturday at 10am, where supporters are invited to come along, cheer him on, or finally donate if they’ve been meaning to.

And after that, Juan reckons he might just treat himself.

‘I might treat myself to a sauna tomorrow,’ he added. Sensible.

If you’d like to sponsor Juan and support Isle Stand Up to Suicide, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/juan-callister-1

And just a reminder, if you or someone you know needs support, a range of free services are available on the Isle of Man and can be found here: https://www.gov.im/wellbeingsupport