Powell River’s annual polar bear swim is in new paws this year as Pow!Town Roller Derby take charge of rolling out the fun New Year’s dip.
With as many as 200 people showing up to watch or participate in the plunge in previous years, this year’s polar bear swim promises to be a refreshing and fun way to ring in 2016.
“It’s like a fresh new beginning,” said Pow! Town board member Amanda Johnson. “You dunk in and it is refreshing and cleansing.”
In many countries such as Scandinavia, Sweden and Denmark, a cold water dip during the winter months is thought to promote good health. In Eastern Europe and Russia, swimmers dive into cold water in celebration of the epiphany.
For community organizer Bill Hopkins, who has planned the swim for the last 10 years, handing over responsibility to the event will allow him to just participate and enjoy the spirit of the day.
“I can just go and and do the swim,” he said. “The derby ladies will be sure to put a good spin on things.”
Although next year there are tentative plans to include more derby-themed costumes, Johnson said because this is Pow! Town’s first time organizing they will be keeping things nice and simple.
“We are arranging for a bonfire as well as coffee and hot chocolate,” said Johnson.
Canadian Coast Guard will also be at the event to make sure people are safe. Officer in charge Eric Green estimates the water will be a brisk eight degrees celsius on the day of the event.
“The swim will be pretty quick and you wouldn’t want to be in there for very long,” said Green. “Just get out and warm yourself up with blankets and a hot drink.”
Although not exactly a fan of cold water herself, Johnson, also known by her derby name Manda-tori Kaos, said she is thinking about taking the plunge in her first polar bear swim this year.
Organizers will be at Willingdon Beach at 11 am on Friday, January 1, and the coast guard will blow the horn for all who dare to jump in the water at the strike of noon.
