By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are thinking about jumping into freezing-cold ocean waters. That is quite a feat. The Polar Bear Plunge has been a Jersey-Shore staple for almost one hundred years. On January 1st of every year, millions of Americans bring a sense of adventure into their next era and ring in the New Year with fun and community connection.
You’ll want to do a little preparation before the big day to ensure safety and well-being. No one wants to be soaking wet, shivering and stranded on the beach. Here are a couple tips to help you have the best Polar Bear Plunge ever:
Dress Appropriately
You’ll wanna put some thought into your plunging outfit. Focus on function, meaning that you’d be better off choosing a swimsuit with more coverage than a skimpy bikini. Remember that you’ll likely be running! Make sure to pack a change of dry, warm clothes for after the plunge to help your body readjust. Lots of plunge veterans wear silly costumes, so if you’re an experienced polar bear, try something silly!
Bring a Buddy
Buddies are very important for the Polar Bear Plunge. A friend on the sidelines can hold your belongings, take pictures, and care for you in case of an emergency. Offer to buy your girlfriend a warm coffee if she accompanies you, but the whole beach feels like a party, so she might be down either way!
Watch Others Before Plunging
If this is your first time, you won’t know how your body will react until you’ve tested the waters, literally. Let the champions sprint to the ocean when the whistle blows, and pay attention to any drop offs or sandbars, and how deep each participant goes. There is no shame in waiting for a minute before joining in on the fun!
Pack It All
Make sure to bring a change of warm clothes, a towel, and a warm drink to help your body recover. A pair of shoes like Crocs or Sanuks will make getting on and off the beach easy. If you have one, bring a GoPro camera to capture the shenanigans in and out of the water.
Know Yourself
Experts suggest that if it’s your first polar bear plunge, try a cold shower before the big day to see how you react to cold water. Athletes have been practicing cold exposure therapy and swear by its benefits. If you are not a polar bear through-and-through, set a goal to jump in the ocean up to your waist, then run out. If you aren’t afraid, consider even dipping your head underwater. Do not spend more than two minutes in the water to avoid hypothermia.
Have Fun!
The Polar Bear Plunge has become a coastal tradition because it’s an adventure! It’s a great way to take a risk and get a little uncomfortable. Don’t get too caught up in the details and try to live in the moment. What a great start to the new year!
