We at Manapura were deeply honoured to be the official wellness partner for the Dawnstalkers Solstice Swim 2025, supporting the tribe with our UK-grown, high-potency tinctures of mushrooms – before and after their icy plunge.

A Ceremony of Science and Soul

The Dawnstalkers are no ordinary swim group. They are a passionate community of early risers, wellness warriors, and cold water enthusiasts committed to starting each day with energy, courage, and connection.

For this year’s Summer Solstice, the Dawnstalkers designed a deliberate cold water immersion protocol, guided by neurophysiological insights and functional mycology. In collaboration with Manapura, participants consumed our nootropic mushroom trio both before and after entering the water – optimising their physical, mental and emotional response to the cold.

Functional Mushrooms Meet Cold Water Therapy

Before sunrise, participants gathered for a brief mindfulness session, followed by a pre-activation protocol using Manapura’s signature mushroom tinctures. Each formula was selected based on its evidence-based mechanism of action:

• LION'S MANE – HERICIUM ERINACEUS
  Known to support neurogenesis and cognitive performance, Lion’s Mane helps sharpen focus and responsiveness – perfect for braving the cold and remaining present.
  
  
• CORDYCEPS – CORDYCEPS MILITARIS
  A natural ATP enhancer, Cordyceps supports cellular energy production, stamina and respiratory health – making it ideal for active, oxygen-demanding conditions like cold water swimming.
  
  
• REISHI – GANODERMA LUCIDUM
  A powerful adaptogen that promotes calm, immunity and homeostasis, Reishi helps soothe the nervous system and rebalance post-immersion.
  
  

These three mushrooms together create a synergistic stack, supporting both sympathetic arousal (fight-or-flight) and the parasympathetic recovery (rest-and-digest) that follows.

The Science Behind the Ritual

Cold exposure has been shown to profoundly stimulate the body’s neurochemical landscape. Scientific research indicates that cold immersion can boost:

• NOREPINEPHRINE – UP TO 530%
  
  
• DOPAMINE – UP TO 250%
  
  

These surges are linked to increased alertness, elevated mood, mental clarity, and metabolic flexibility. When paired with our mycological nootropics, the effects are amplified – supporting faster adaptation, improved circulation, and sustained wellbeing beyond the swim.

Cold Exposure is known to activate AMPK (just as our Berberine supplement), a cellular energy sensor that improves insulin sensitivity, supports fat metabolism, and mimics the effects of fasting. A berberine capsule post-plunge extends the metabolic benefits of the cold.

Cold water also triggers autophagy, but Manapura's Spermidine supercharges that process. Taking Manapura’s Spermidine after your plunge helps your body clear damaged cells and regenerate from within – deep cellular renewal.

This activation wasn’t just about thrill – it was a real-world application of integrative neurobiology and mycotherapeutic science. A living, breathing example of how ancient natural intelligence can harmonise with modern biohacking.

From Sunrise to Stillness: A Full-Spectrum Experience

As swimmers entered the sea under the golden solstice light, there was a collective sense of reverence. Some described the water as “electric,” others “peaceful,” but all emerged transformed – invigorated, present, and connected.

After the swim, warm drinks were shared, blankets wrapped, and second doses of Manapura’s tinctures were taken. This post-immersion ritual was designed to support nervous system recovery, reduce inflammation, and aid the return to homeostasis.

We were humbled to hear how many participants felt “clearer,” “more grounded,” and “deeply alive” after pairing their swim with the support of functional mushrooms.

Words from the Founder: Grant Zehetmayr

We were thrilled to partner with Grant Zehetmayr, founder of the Dawnstalkers movement, whose passion for cold water therapy has inspired thousands across Wales and beyond.

Here’s what Grant and other swimmers had to say about the collaboration:

“Dawnstalkers began as a reaction to something we weren’t used to: a kind of enforced stillness and repression. Living in the UK, in the western world, we couldn’t complain too much - but our systems weren’t used to it. There was this deep need to break out, to feel something different, to reconnect.

For me, community is about finding what you need - connection. Doing something social at what feels like the “wrong” end of the day compared to the norm is a beautiful way to shape your day differently. Gyms, runners, surfers - they’ve always known the power of early mornings. For us, the sea became the anchor. Cold water and first light are so accessible, and together they lift you up.

There’s plenty of science behind what started as a happy accident for me. Penarth has this perfect sunrise aspect, and I loved using mornings for reflection. Around the same time, I was on a sobriety journey - walking, grabbing coffee - and during Dry January I added daily sea dips. It quickly became a powerful substitute. The low-angle sunlight helps set your circadian rhythm, so early rising feeds itself. Add in the dopamine and oxytocin boost, and it’s hard not to love it - and want to keep coming back for more.”

– Grant Zehetmayr, 2025

“I’ve done dozens of cold swims, but this one was different. The Lion’s Mane beforehand gave me insane clarity. I felt more present in the water than ever before.”

– Dawnstalker Swimmer, 2025

“Reishi after the swim helped me settle down so beautifully. I usually get shaky and cold for hours, but I felt so centred.”

– Dawnstalker Swimmer, 2025

“Loved the ritual of taking the tinctures. It made the whole experience feel intentional, almost sacred. Can’t wait to try these at home.”

– Dawnstalker Swimmer, 2025

Our Heartfelt Thanks to the Dawnstalkers

This event wasn’t just about immersion in the sea – it was about immersion in life. At Manapura, we believe wellness should be holistic, evidence-based, and rooted in nature. Whether it’s dawn swims, yoga retreats or daily rituals at home, our mushroom tinctures offer an elegant and effective way to support mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality.

Our heartfelt thanks to @dawnstalkers and the entire community in Penarth for welcoming us into such a magical moment in time. The Solstice Swim was a profound reminder of the strength in simplicity - the power of community, nature, and conscious intention.

This was far more than an event. It was a ritual of resilience, a celebration of the human spirit, and a joyful demonstration of how ancient natural compounds can elevate modern wellness practices. Whether you joined us in the sea or are reading this from afar, we hope this inspires you to rise with the sun, face the cold, and fuel your journey with purpose.

At Manapura, we’re always looking to partner with aligned individuals, communities and experiences rooted in intention, wellbeing, and nature’s intelligence. If you're hosting an event, retreat or project and feel Manapura could be a fit, we’d love to chat. Please get in touch at hello@manapura.co.

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