Jess, from Sprout Sydney
“Genuine connection is a fundamental human need”
With a Tommy’s marg and “absolutely nowhere else to be” on her Salty’s order, Jess is our sorta person.
Combine that with her desire to fuel human connection, create space for people to feel grounded, and a deep love of Bondi – we feel a whole lotta luck to have her in our community.
Below is our Local Legends chat with Jess from Sprout Sydney. She lets us in on how and why this community group came to be, what Wednesday mornings really look like (spoiler: they’re even better in real life), as well as a local legend on her own radar.
Jess, you’re completing a Masters of Clinical Psychology, have a Graduate Certificate in Sexology, spend time as a pilates instructor, and have also recently built Sprout Sydney – a Bondi Beach community group which dips every Wednesday morning. We have many questions!
First, how did Sprout Sydney come to be?
Sprout Sydney actually ‘sprouted’ from the community I previously led, ‘Cold-Nips Sydney’ (which was born from ‘Cold Nips’ in WA). So it has been an ever-evolving space! However, through that evolution, the undercurrent has remained the same – connection. It’s a fundamental human need, and yet modern society so often lacks the spaces that make genuine connection feel easy and natural.
So really, Sprout Sydney came about because myself, along with my two good friends Archie and Rosie, decided we wanted to hold a space that allows people to experience that connection, gratitude, and growth (as well as beautiful sunrises, warm coffees, and the fresh ocean)!
You tie each weekly dip to a theme – resilience, connection, and joy to name a few. Through Sprout’s socials, you share the psychology behind each theme, along with how Sprout connects to that theme. It’s awesome. How does the group engage with each theme on the day?
The theme is really just a way of understanding something we’re all already experiencing. Psychology, at its core, is human – it gives language to feelings we often don’t stop to name. Personally, I love learning, and it’s even better to get to share that learning in a way which feels accessible and grounded.
On Wednesday mornings, the theme is introduced simply as a lens, not a task. It’s used as the basis for our connection question where you have the chance to meet someone new, but really it’s often felt more than spoken about – people take from it what they need.
“I love learning, and it’s even better to get to share that learning in a way which feels accessible and grounded.”
What advice do you have for anyone who’s been thinking of joining Sprout Swim for a Wednesday dip, but the fear of rocking up on their own is holding them back?
You’re not alone! Most people arrive solo. There’s no expectation to explain yourself or perform. Just come meet us, give us a hug (if you’re comfy), and share a dip. Showing up is enough and there’s a whole bunch of cool people here who can’t wait to meet you! <3
Bondi Beach. What does it mean to you? What feeling does it give you?
Bondi for me means home in the truest sense. It’s where I feel grounded and calm (even amongst the morning chaos ha). Whenever I’ve left Sydney and lived elsewhere, coming back to Bondi has always felt like a place to reset (with a constant flux of beautiful new faces to meet, amongst the familiar). I find so much comfort in that continuity.
Although I’m an early bird, there’s something so special about Bondi in the evening too. That warm glow after a long day, people drifting along the promenade or laughing together on the sand. Watching everyone simply be – it’s my favourite.
“Bondi has always felt like a place to reset — with a constant flux of beautiful new faces to meet, amongst the familiar.”
If you could have a bite and a yarn with any Bondi local (past or present), who would you love to pick?
Oooo this is a good question! There are SO many Bondi legends but probably a long-time local who’s watched Bondi change over decades. Someone who has seen it all, watched the shops change and the trends come and go, and still rocks up every morning for a swim. I feel like those are the legends who really understand the heart and soul of Bondi.
One that came to mind is Cedric. He’s wonderful. Often wandering Bondi picking up rubbish and chatting with everyone he shares a smile with. He always reminds me to do good, be good, and slow down to take it in and have a chat (even in busy Bondi).
It’s Friday arvo and you’re grabbing a marg at Salty’s. What are we ordering?
Definitely a Tommy’s Marg and absolutely nowhere else to be <3
Ready for the ideal midweek tonic?
Get involved with Jess and the Sprout Sydney crew.
