I did it!
9 months ago
This year I had no excuse so I decided to suck it up and do it. I was the only girl from my school who did this, and there were only a few guys. I felt so intense for going through with it.
How to do the Polar Bear Plunge
It made me
Love it! 
"Mind erasing. Nothing like just-above-freezing water to clear your mind for the new year!"
How I did it: I did it once as part of a radio stunt in college, then found out about the ones for Special Olympics starting in 2000. I've gone every year since then and managed to get a lot of my friends and family to join in. It's become something of a family holiday to have everyone over after the plunge for hot showers and hot food.
Lessons & tips: Do it with a group. It's more fun to have someone to talk to before and after, you can watch out for each other in the water and it helps to group your towels and gear together.
Resources: I say no to alcohol. Not only will you need every last brain cell to command your legs to get out of the water, the water is so cold it simply numbs you to everything (except getting out!). Save the hooch for the after parties!
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Refreshing!!
22 months ago
I participated in the 17th annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge (for Special Olympics) for the first time today – and loved it! Can’t wait until next year!!
Air temp- 53
Water temp- 43
(Which is pretty warm, compared to most plunges)
Misty is researching ecovolunteer and international volunteer opportunities.
Brrrrrrrrrrr..................
22 months ago
Accomplished today! Participated in the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge in support of Special Olympics.
Since I finally regained the feeling in my body, I can now type and recommend it to all.
Air Temp – 32 degrees.
H2O Temp – 37 degrees.
Untitled
23 months ago
I actually did this on Christmas eve a few years back, so I don’t know if it really counts, but I figure the water was just as cold, so I’m going to count it. In any case, it was amazing. Freezing- but fun.
Yow!
2 years ago
My resolution for 2007 is to get out of my comfort zone once a month. Being in a bathing suit in Lake Washington on January 1st entirely qualifies. The worst part? Being barefoot. The best part? The way I felt afterward, like I’d been re-born. The patch I got for participating is cool, too!
Unbelievable!
3 years ago
I did this on New Year’s day 1996 in Jamestown, RI with my husband and various friends and family (and a few hundred other nuts). We stood on the sunny beach in slush puddles, and ran and threw ourselves into the ocean when the horn blew. The water was 34 degrees that morning, and it literally took my breath away when I went under. It was a chilly walk back up the hill to my brother’s house, but all in all it was a good time!
