Meet Jasmine: The Little Duck Who Just Kept Paddling

Jasmine at Kirra Beach after one of her many ocean ducks

Jasmine Glaister began her Ducktober journey in 2021 because she wanted to give back to the ocean (a place that made her feel calm) and do something positive for her mental health. After 31 days of cold water ducks she decided to keep going. And going. And going. At around day 100 the team at WOW said, well…. “wow”… there’s something magical happening here and we want to know more. We got in touch with Jasmine from the Gold Coast to see what makes her “quack” and find out why she kept up the cold water challenge (at last check she had clocked over 400 consecutive days).

This is Jasmine’s story…

“Throughout my life, there have been many ups and downs.  Like riding the waves – sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s gnarly (and not in a good way!). There was a period of my life a few years back where I almost did not survive.  It was a very dark place, and I could not see the light.  The ‘demons’ had full control and it felt like there was no way out.  I had the combo – crippling anxiety, and depression. 

“A few years on, a lot of work, a solid support network, access to services such as counselling and talk therapy, and a lot more work – life is pretty good. I won’t lie - there are still challenging periods – that’s what life is, and I continue to ride the waves of life. 

“One thing that always made me feel even a little bit better and a little calmer, was the ocean.”

After seeing the WOW programs in action down at her local beach (Kirra on the Gold Coast), Jasmine wanted to learn more and found out about Ducktober via WOW’s Instagram. For the uninitiated, Ducktober is WOW’s annual cold water fundraising campaign where we challenge people to immerse in cold water and raise funds for WOW's mental health surf therapy programs which support those in our community who are struggling the most.

Because mental health is close to her heart Jasmine decided to raise money for WOW so that other people struggling can have access to innovative support.

“In signing up for Ducktober, I wanted to make a difference. I know what it is like to be in a hard place and I know how important programs such as these are and the difference it can make in someone’s life.  I love that I can see that I am making a difference with supporting the WOW charity.  I see people taking part in the programs on the beach and know that I have contributed towards potentially changing someone’s life.”

Not only was Jasmine giving back to others, she quickly found that the cold water commitment was making a difference to her own mental health too.

“I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.  Swimming in the ocean every day for a month for Ducktober – a huge step out of my comfort zone and quite scary.  I must admit, I was more of a beach walker, yet 400 days (and counting!) of Ducktober later… you could say that this challenge has changed my life.”

Jasmine currently works in Human Resources on the Gold Coast and while she’s grateful for the life it’s given her, she feels that there is more she has to offer the world. She wants to share her own mental health journey in the hope that it will help others open up about their own struggles.

“To let people know that it’s okay to reach out and be vulnerable. To let people know that things will always get better even if you can’t see it.”

By participating in Ducktober, Jasmine made a commitment to herself to prioritise her mental health even when there were days when she didn’t feel like it.

“Ducktober has given me something to get out of bed for – even on the days when I didn’t feel like getting up and facing the world. There have been days where I did not want to swim and I could have found any excuse – I don’t feel great, the weather isn’t good, it’s too cold, the water is bad, etc etc… But, every single day, I have made a commitment.  A commitment to myself, a commitment to my mental health, and a commitment to jumping in the ocean, no matter the conditions (internal or external). 

“I have never once regretted a swim - not one!”

Through Ducktober and ocean swimming Jasmine feels more calm, present and accomplished every day. Not only are the WOW team incredibly proud of her, she is proud of herself too! She admits that Ducktober has changed the course of her life for the better.

“I always come out feeling amazing, and proud of myself. It [Ducktober] has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has made a difference in my life, and in the lives of others. I have made new friends and new connections. I have encouraged others to get in the ocean and the cold water, helping them out of their comfort zones and to experience the benefits of the ocean.”

We couldn’t be more proud of you Jasmine! Just how long will this little duck go?

You can donate to Jasmine’s Ducktober campaign here.