Daring dippers take part in the Polar Bear Swim
Posted January 1, 2013 7:15 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WHITE ROCK (NEWS1130) – It’s bone-chilling… yet, refreshing!
We caught up with Jen after she took the daring dip at White Rock’s annual Polar Bear Swim. She says it’s all about feeling the rush of the cold water as it hits your skin for the first time.
“[I feel] freezing and rejuvenated, all at the same time. It relaxes the muscles, too!”
She and her best friend Samantha take part in the event every year. Jen tells us it’s become a highlight of her holiday season.
“It’s a family tradition. We always go to my dad’s house and then come down… do the dip and head back for a chilli and soup and buns… and hot tea.”
It’s estimated that more than 1,500 lined the shore to watch the action. The White Rock event is billed as BC’s longest-running polar bear swim and second in size only to Vancouver’s English Bay event.
Annual Polar Bear Swim at English Bay draws thousands
In front of roughly 20,000 spectators, more than 2,000 brave souls took part in the annual Polar Bear Swim at English Bay.
The tradition started by Peter Pantages has been going strong for 93 years.
The temperature this afternoon in the water was a chilly 7 degrees and the air slightly higher, sitting at 4 degrees.
Many came dressed in costumes, everything from penguins, Santa to even Godzilla.
People have all sorts of reasons for taking the plunge, many say it’s “exhilarating” and just a fun way to kick-start 2013.
“My buddy and I have done it for 12 years now, so if we don’t do it, something bad is going to happen,” says one man.
It’s a really good hangover cure,” says one woman.
Don came out of the water with his Superman outfit all soaking wet. This was the year he wasn’t going to miss out.
“I came down here when I was 19 years old but I chickened out, but now at 53 it all doesn’t matter,” says Don.
He feels like he managed to take off a few years.
“With a body of an 18 year old, how can you not feel young?” he adds.
Others say it’s a good way to spend the day with their entire family.
