Polar Bear Swim

It's more of a crazed splashy wading frenzy than it is a swim... I mean, some people actually do commit to the full, head in, face down, fully submerged paddle to a sea buoy. Others do some amount of frolicking. But for the most part, it's a mass of costume clad civilians sprinting to the water's edge...and perhaps slightly beyond.

This obviously being a "first", I really had on no idea what to expect. Turns out it was like a mini pride parade. Complete with rainbow speedos, elaborate costumes, gawking crowds and lots of cheering! 

For some reason I had imagined it would be more of a calm, finding of one's inner strength and courage, with a side of self-congratulations for taking such a brave step outside of an everyday norm.  

(The Newby)

(The Vet)

Instead it was full mob mentality. Heaving crowds of swimmers jacked-up on sleep deprivation, showmanship and  cold arctic air....sort of. It was 8 degrees centigrade. Regardless!! No time to think, it was all adrenaline and nervous energy! 

(Getting ready to go in! Thanks Maureen for braving it with me!)

Next thing you know, the bullpen is open, swimmers get into place and it's a mad dash into the water. 

What is normally a brownish, murky, calm  coastline is transformed into a surprisingly appealing sea of white water, spraying all over the place as thousands of people jump into 15degrees of crazy. 

(Making our way back out!)

It was actually quite electric and exciting. For a dunk that probably lasted no more than 5 seconds (and they say don't stay in for longer than 40 minutes!!! Say whaaaaaaa?), I had the most fun I'd had all year....badum-bum!

But seriously, the anticipation, the camaraderie and the simply act of doing something sort of silly, surprisingly, made the swim the cherry and not the cake.

And look, we even got buttons!