Sometimes what your brain and body need is a winter dunk in the icy waters of the Pacific. So imagine this, you get up after New Year's Eve partying- or at least with a hangover from the champagne if you decided to have a quiet evening- you grab your bathing suit, a towel, and whatever else you need then head over to the beach in sub-zero temperature, if you're lucky. The colder the better with some snow on the ground. You're going to jump into the ocean! YES!
This is the tradition in this part of Canuck land. I haven't and won't ever do this myself because contrary to what you may have heard, I'm a sane individual. But some inhabitants of this fine city sure love being uncomfortable and every year, they gather on the beach to celebrate swimming like a polar bear in frigid waters (without the thick warm coat to protect them when they jump in). And who doesn't love a good party?
Gifts from the tides and storms
In the old days, it used to be an intimate gathering. Friends and families came to enjoy the plunge on New Year's Day not only to get over the celebratory hangover but demonstrate determination and comradery in the face of environmental adversity.
Now, things are a little different at the gathering.
There I was jumping in the crowd pumping my fist. I didn't know who this band was but they sounded pretty good, and as people around me had raised their fists and begun pumping them in the air, I figure I'd do the same. Rock N' Roll! ✊
I was hoping to catch the spectacle of the swim, but there were so many people in the crowd that I didn't really see anyone take the plunge. I was expecting the masses on the beach all run into the water at the same time, but that's not what happened. A few participants at the front seemed to have jumped in the water, but if they did, I couldn't see them through the mass of bodies.
Then it was over.
So, I bought a crepe, and it was delicious.😋
!discovery shots
!PIZZA
Thank you, @jlinaresp!
Haha that would be quite challenging to do. I enjoy cold weather.. but not so much cold water!
I have my limits when it comes to cold weather, and diving into the ocean in the middle of winter is definitely one of those limits. I admire the bravery (and a little foolishness) of the participants.
😆
So much for a polar bear swim :)
I agree with you. I could never be drunk enough (I don't get drunk anyway) to jump in icy water.
Nice pics.
It was still cold on that hill where I was eating the crepe, but not as cold as the water. Some people shouldn't really be doing this, but they keep paramedics around just in case anyone has heart problems.
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$PIZZA slices delivered:
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