Look at us now.
Why Would You Do THAT? Every year thousands of North Americans flock to the beach on New Year’s Day to dive into freezing water … polar bear style. Some call it the plunge, others a dip and some even go so far as to call it a swim. I, however, call it madness! When I think of the beach and the ocean, my mind immediately conjures up the feeling of sun on my skin, the smell of suntan lotion and I can almost taste the margarita. I don’t want my trip to the beach to involve chattering teeth, goose bumps and hot chocolate! But, in almost every major city in Canada, there is an annual Polar Pear Swim and most have been occurring for many years. Vancouver’s Polar Bear Swim Club will be celebrating its 92nd swim in 2012! And it’s not just a few brave souls who venture forth … Vancouver can see over 1,000 people take the plunge! But why? Some believe these freezing dips are good for the system, and that the cold water induces a type of shock that kills the harmful bacteria in the body and leaves the beneficial, and hardy, bacteria alive. They believe there's no need for a flu shot. One dip on the first and you’ll be healthy for the rest of the year. Others feel winter swimming reduces the effects of aging … but I highly doubt we've found the fountain of youth in the Pacific Ocean. There are those who say it's all worth it for the feeling of euphoria one feels once acclimated to the water: like a perfect warm-cold balance. I would venture to guess that it takes several minutes of gasping and yelling obscenities before that bliss is reached.
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In the end, I think it’s about fun. Doing something a little crazy brings delight to your life, especially when you're doing it with others who feel that jumping out of their comfort zone and into the icy cold waters of the ocean is just what they need to kick-start a new year. In every photo you see of a polar bear swim, literally everyone is laughing. So in that case, maybe it does achieve all of the above. Having fun keeps us healthy, keeps us young and gives us a feeling of euphoria. I think I just talked myself into doing it … see you all on January 1st, 2012! The 2012 PCS Polar Bear Swim begins at 11:30 a.m. on January 1st at Lochside Drive just past Tulista Park.
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by Lisa Makar, vice-president, Peninsula Celebrations Society. www.seasidetimes.ca
december 2011
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