Polar Bear Plunge 2007

A dream was realized today. A dream that one day... one day, I would join the ranks of those who have braved the icy waters of Lake Michigan on the first day of the new year; joined the ranks of the polar bear club.

I know, I know... I'm a nerd. But who cares? We all know that I love Milwaukee and the fact that I hadn't done the polar bear plunge - one of the most famous events this city is known for - was slightly embarrassing. An embarrassing fact, my friends, that no longer exists.

Now I must say, waking up this morning and getting ready to do the plunge was no easy feat. After all, last night was New Years Eve. I'd tell you about it but I'm sure you understand. Point is, my bed was damn comfortable at 11 this morning and forcing myself out of it to go swimming on the first day of January - in Wisconsin nonetheless - didn't exactly fall into the sane category with regard to rationale.

But alas, I got dressed, picked up a towel and a camera or two, assembled my support team (Todd & Ashley) and headed down to Bradford Beach.

Now like I said, I had never done this before but I always knew that this was a big event. Just how big though was a bit of a question. I've got to say, when we reached the top of St. Mary's hill and peered over the edge toward the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, I was completely blown away by how many people where down at the beach. Thousands. Thousands upon thousands of onlookers and crazy soon-to-be polar bear swimmers alike.

Now if I wasn't already excited - and believe me, I was excited - the adrenaline rush that came over me while looking at all those people put my brain on overload. I simply couldn't get down there fast enough.

Once there, I felt like we were part of some primeval ritual of sorts. There were giant flags and banners, people in kilts, others in outrageous costumes, circles of grown men bellowing chants, and an energy I can only describe as anticipatory madness.

I checked the time... there was five minutes left before noon - the official start time of the plunge. I stripped down to my swimming suit, eyed my route to the water and reveled in the knowledge that I was about to take part in my first ever polar bear plunge. I was ready. I was doing this.

WAAAAAA!! The blow horn went off. In every direction there were screams, cries and droves of people with one goal in mind - get in the water. It was one of those classic moments of organized chaos and I was loving every second of it.

When I hit the water, it bit into me without the slightest bit of comfort that's usually associated with a swim. This water was cold. Real cold. I didn't care though, I was having the time of my life. Hell, we all were.


I can't say with any certainty how long I was in the water but I'm sure I was in there for quite a while. Despite the cold January air and the persistent sting of near-freezing water, I was quite comfortable. I even went back for a second round after I dove in the first time. With good reason though... I wanted to have some more pictures of me in the water.

Sadly though, all good things come to an end. Eventually play time was over and my goal of being in the water had changed to a goal of getting dry. I draped myself with my sandy towel and slowly got dressed - a process that was no doubt hampered by numbness in all of my extremities. Needless to say, my level of excitement had dissipated to a level more along the lines of "whew, I'm glad that's over."

So that's that... I've done the polar bear plunge and damn, it feels good. I have no doubt that today has sparked a tradition and surely I'll be back in 2008, ready to go... and you should too!

Here's a little somethin to convince you... enjoy: