Busy professionals with a lust for adventure have been shaking off the Covid-blues and exploring the Suffolk coast.

Ipswich Star: Connecting with people is one of the key aims of the group Picture: ALEXANDER WARDConnecting with people is one of the key aims of the group Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)

The group from Outdoorsy Type Suffolk took the plunge at Felixstowe beach to enjoy a sea swimming session.

Outdoorsy Type Suffolk was set up in June by Helen Dawson and Nicola Last after the period of lockdown left them with a burning desire to be outdoors and connect with people.

As the group came together to take on the turbulent waves and currents of the sea, they were joined by Alexander Ward, an award-winning photographer who moved from Manchester to Ipswich at the tail end of 2019.

Taking his usual candid approach, he took a series of photos documenting the day and is hoping to present them as part of a larger body of work about the day-to-day of Suffolk life.

Ipswich Star: Photographer Alexander Ward is planning to use his candid shots as part of a project capturing day-to-day life in Suffolk Picture: ALEXANDER WARDPhotographer Alexander Ward is planning to use his candid shots as part of a project capturing day-to-day life in Suffolk Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)

He said: “The heartland of my work is people and I’m fascinated by passion and adventure. It was an honour to join the swimmers as they took to the water to wash off the difficulties of the lockdown.

“I’m always looking for interesting people to work with and capture what they tackle and overcome.”

He has been exhibited internationally and shot for Essex Police, Essex County Council, Manchester Metropolitan University and Channel 4.

Outdoorsy Type Suffolk’s next meet-up is paddle boarding with local trainer Zenith Kiting, and future meet-ups may include beach yoga sessions, BBQs and long walks.

Ipswich Star: Members of Outdoorsy Type Suffolk get ready for their swim in the sea at Felixstowe Picture: ALEXANDER WARDMembers of Outdoorsy Type Suffolk get ready for their swim in the sea at Felixstowe Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)

See more of Alexander’s work here and to join in future meet-ups visit the Outdoorsy Type Suffolk website.

Ipswich Star: The group have a post-lockdown burning design to get outdoors and connect with people Picture: ALEXANDER WARDThe group have a post-lockdown burning design to get outdoors and connect with people Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Members of Outdoorsy Type Suffolk head for the beach at Felixstowe Picture: ALEXANDER WARDMembers of Outdoorsy Type Suffolk head for the beach at Felixstowe Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Enjoying the coast at Felixstowe at an Outdoorsy Type Suffolk event Picture: ALEXANDER WARDEnjoying the coast at Felixstowe at an Outdoorsy Type Suffolk event Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Braving the waves - members of Outdoorsy Type Suffolk at Felixstowe Picture: ALEXANDER WARDBraving the waves - members of Outdoorsy Type Suffolk at Felixstowe Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Celebrating the joy if life - and the great outdoors Picture: ALEXANDER WARDCelebrating the joy if life - and the great outdoors Picture: ALEXANDER WARD (Image: Archant)