A true community event, Powell River Polar Bear Swim returns to Willingdon Beach with Pow! Town Roller Derby team at the helm again this year. Now in its third year organizing the event, the local roller derby team invites anyone with thick skin and a brave heart to plunge into the cold January waters on New Year’s Day.
“When I go in, I can’t believe it is happening and I can’t wait to get out, and it’s just really, really cold,” says third-year participant and Pow! Town team member Donna Blower. “It was way colder than I expected, yet somehow doable. When you get out it’s not so bad and you warm up pretty quick.”
Blower has been with the roller derby team for four years and said the first year she attended the polar bear swim she just sat back and observed. Two years ago, when the team began organizing the event, the pressure was on.
“I liked the challenge,” she says. “I went the first year just to watch, and then I realized I could probably join in the next year, and that’s the year roller derby took it over, so it made sense for me to participate.”
Those not willing to submerge themselves in the frigid ocean waters are welcome to come and cheer on the participants, says Pow! Town president Nicki Lister. The event runs from 11 am-1 pm and the whistle for the swim blows at 12 pm sharp.
A bonfire and hot drinks will be available for swimmers and onlookers, fun costumes are encouraged and everyone is welcome. Donations to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank are accepted at the event.
“Pow! Town Roller Derby loves sponsoring this event for Powell River, bringing the community together to celebrate,” says Lister. “It's an exciting, fun and refreshing way to start the new year.”
Blower says even before she became a participant in the swim, the event was an entertaining way to celebrate New Year’s Day.
“It’s such a community thing,” says Blower. “Everyone is having such a good time and there’s a very friendly, welcoming vibe.”
Powell River Polar Bear Swim
When: 11 am-1 pm (swim at 12 pm), Monday, January 1
Where: Willingdon Beach
Price: Free
Info: facebook.com/powtownrollerderby, 604.483.1315
