Polar Bear Swims

Cold water swimming, or "polar bear swimming" as they are known in the United States, has a small but loyal following in the United States. Humans have made winter swimming a part of our lives for as long as we have lived in cold climates. Both Nordic and Russian cultures have a rich history of winter swimming, complete with saunas near the water both to aid in recovery and increase the effect of the swim. Some swimmers tout the practice as extremely healthy, claiming that it reduces the incidence of colds and flues, improves circulation, and strengthens the immune system. A few naysayers claim the exact opposite, pointing out that the shock of the near freezing water may weaken the body. Most medical professionals fall somewhere in the middle, and it seems likely that the practice does little to no harm, at the very least. Whether you decide to check out a polar bear swim for health, out of curiosity, or just for the novelty of the practice, it will be an experience that you won't soon forget.

While you can engage in winter swimming just about anywhere you can gain access to water, I recommend that you take your first plunge with a group. Once you're standing in your bathing suit on the edge of the freezing water, the presence of others will provide most welcome encouragement. On the ocean, the group will likely use a public beach, and inland, it's not uncommon for folks to cut a big hole in the ice specifically for swimming events. There are groups that gather regularly - even several times a week - for a dip and some social time, and a number of charity events every year where folks raise money by sacrificing themselves to the elements. These events are often quite large and can be a whole lot of fun.

In preparation of your first swim, you'll want to collect some essentials. Make sure to bring several large towels, and some clothing that you can get into quickly after the swim. It's rare for polar bear swimmers to suffer from hypothermia, and a big reason for this is preparation. You'll want to be dry and bundled quickly after your swim. Wear layers, and be prepared for the inner ones to be a bit damp. It's highly recommended that you get a pair of water shoes, as well - neoprene shoes made for scuba diving and surfing are ideal, as they are tough and warm, but a simple pair of aqua socks with a rubber sole will be fine. It's important to protect your feet, as they will be numb during your swim, and you could cut or scrape them without knowing it. Do not, under any circumstances, wear a wetsuit - that's cheating. I also like to bring a thermos of some warm beverage or another, and a little nip of the good stuff can help to warm you up quickly.

Where to go:
A simple web search will help you to find a group near you, but here in the northeast, I have turned up a few leads to get you started.

Annual Portsmouth Rotary Polar Bear Swim - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
http://www.portsmouthrotary.org/PolarBearSwim.cfm
This is an annual fundraising event for the rotary, and apparently, it's quite the event. Help these do-gooders to do good by taking a cold, cold swim!

Newport Polar Bears - Newport, Rhode Island
http://users.ids.net/~cwwright/
The Newport Polar Bears have organized a weekly winter swim in Newport. They hit the water at noon every Sunday. Just show up, and in you go.

Coney Island Polar Bear Club - Coney Island, New York
http://www.polarbearclub.org/
For reasons defying explanation, this Coney Island club has decided to go exclusive. They've claimed rights to the ocean, and are accepting no new swimmers. Any group that would make a move like this is probably best avoided anyway.

It takes a special kind of person to want to go for a swim up here in the middle of the winter. If you have what it takes, though, you can join us for a dip. Whether you're in it once for bragging rights, or long-term for health and social reasons, it's an experience you're likely to remember forever.