Polar Bear Plunge Day on January 1 is not for the faint of heart or the very timid. Ice swimming is for the bold and daring. Plunging into January’s frigid waters is nothing short of the most insane yet invigorating way to celebrate the first day of every new year. Those courageous – some might say foolish – souls who don swim trunks and bikinis to splash their way into icy cold winter waters claim they are ‘freezin’ for a reason’ — usually to raise money for a good cause. Then again, there are polar-bear swimmers who just like the idea of doing something wild and crazy that doesn’t involve alcohol to kick off the New Year. Show
History of Polar Bear Plunge DayA polar bear plunge, also known as a polar bear swim or ice swimming, is a cold-weather winter event. Participants gather at a designated time on the edge of a local body of water where they all plunge into the water at the same time, usually at the shrill blast of a starter whistle. Most plungers rush to make their way in and out of the bone-chilling water quickly. Others try easing their way in. A few daredevils throw themselves into the icy wetness with abandon, usually the first-timers. Regardless of the speed at which they enter, everyone is eager to leave the water and escape the effects of the biting cold on their naked skin. Polar bear swim clubs have been around in the United States for more than a century. The oldest-documented New Year’s Day polar bear plunge event took place in 1904 when the L Street Brownies, a swim club founded in 1902 in South Boston, Massachusetts, took their first icy cold plunge together into Dorchester Bay. They’ve been celebrating the arrival of each New Year with a polar bear plunge ever since. Long before the L Street Brownies discovered the thrill of a New Year’s Day polar bear swim, Scandinavians were enjoying ice swimming. It may seem bizarre, but ice swimming is common in Nordic cultures, and not just on New Year’s Day. Ice-hole swimming — yes, as in cutting a hole in frozen lakes and dropping in for an icy dip — is a traditional Finnish outdoor activity. Denmark has more than 20,000 registered ‘icebreakers’ in more than 75 winter swim clubs. And the Danes, in particular, enjoy plunging naked. But why? There are both mental and physical benefits said to be derived from cold-water swimming. Some studies confirm that even taking a cold shower can elevate blood levels of the body’s own mood-regulating- and painkilling hormones. These naturally occurring chemicals are essential in combating depression. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a mood disorder common in the most northern latitudes where sunlight can be scarce for extended months, may be the reason why ice swimming has been practiced for many generations in Nordic cultures. Wellness spas around the world have embraced the very Nordic practice of a hot sauna followed by an ice-water plunge ritual on their menu of wellness treatments. Regular ice water swimmers say the thrill of the chill increases energy levels and sharpens the mind. And although there seem to be some actual health benefits to skinny dipping in cold water, we’ve heard you can achieve the same result just by getting a good night’s sleep. But then, where is the thrill in that? Polar Bear Plunge Day timeline1902 The Oldest Polar Bear Swim Club The L Street Brownies, the oldest polar bear swim club in the U.S. is formed. 1904 The First Plunge The first annual New Year’s Day plunge by the L Street Brownies takes place. 2007 Money is Raised In Maryland, Sandy Point State Park’s Plungapalooza raises $2.2 million for the Special Olympics. 2008 Record-Breaking Event The largest annual Polar Bear Plunge in the U.S., the Plungapalooza, attracts 12,000 participants. Can you die from a polar bear plunge?The short answer is yes. Plunging into icy cold water can be deadly, especially for anyone with a heart condition. Within minutes, immersion into icy cold water can cause a heart attack or drowning because of the enormous stress cold water places on the body. In fact, the body begins a natural response called ‘cold shock’. And submerging the head into frigid water causes heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. Why do people do the polar bear plunge?Some do it purely for the thrill or challenge of doing something eccentric to celebrate the New Year, but polar bear plunge events on New Year’s Day in America are usually fundraisers for charity. In Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Finland, ice swimming is not just for New Year’s Day. The practice of ice swimming in these colder climate countries has more to do with traditional health and wellness regimen and is often practiced throughout the year. How do you prepare for a polar bear plunge?Under no circumstances should you attempt to ice swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, nor should you ice swim if you have an alcohol hangover. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and water shoes to enter the water. Bring several towels for drying and warm clothes, socks, and shoes or boots that are easy to get into after your plunge. Bring a plastic bag for your wetsuit, too. Having someone waiting on the shore ready with towels, blankets, a warm beverage, and a warm car is best practice. Polar Bear Plunge Day Activities
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Polar Bear Plunge Day dates
Where is the annual polar bear plunge?2023 Super Plunge
The Polar Bear Plunge is part of Maryland's history. For the past 25 years, thousands of plungers have jumped into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay all in support of Special Olympics Maryland.
Where is the Polar Plunge in MN?In its 16-year history, 50,000 people have raised over $15 million at the Minneapolis Plunge. As more and more Plungers join in the fun, we have been slowly but surely outgrowing Thomas Beach on Bde Maka Ska. A Plunge at Lake Nokomis will offer everything we love about Bde Maka Ska—and then some!
What time is the Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach?Polar Plunge Virginia Beach. What is the polar bear plunge Maryland?The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge is a fundraising event in which individuals pledge $100.00 or more for the chance to plunge into the Chesapeake Bay in February in support of 4,340 Special Olympics athletes who train and compete year-round throughout Maryland.
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