Polar plunge
Less is more. That’s the organizing principle of this year’s Polar Bear Plunge, according to the event’s coordinator.
“In years past I’ve gone way overboard in doing stuff, so now we’re just getting back to basics and having a good time,” said Bill Hopkins, who has pulled the event together in Powell River for the past nine years and has participated for the past 20 or more. “It’s all about ringing in the new year,” he said.
“If you leave it simple it can stay simple,” he added. People come, jump in the water and then leave. “It doesn’t have to be long or complicated.”
In previous years, Hopkins estimated that about 100 people would brave the chilly, January water at Willingdon Beach for the family-friendly frolic.
Hopkins said he used to rent patio heaters to keep participants warm while awards for best costumes were handed out. However, this year, in the vein of keeping things simple, he will just have a beach bonfire to warm plungers up. “Call it a greener polar bear swim,” he added. “Simpler.” Hopkins is thankful for all his social media friends’ support of donated firewood for the event.
Participants will also be able to warm up with donated hot chocolate waiting on the beach.
BC Ambulance Service will be on site, and a Canadian Coast Guard diver will be in the water to ensure that the event goes smoothly. “It’s not a contest to see who can stay in the water longest,” he said.
The event is open to people of all ages and abilities and people should feel free to dress up in whatever way they see fit. Hopkins said that he has seen children as young as six years old and as old as 70 take the plunge.
“We have had people in their wheelchairs come in,” said Hopkins. “Come on out and have fun.”
Participants should bring a towel and something to stand on. Hopkins said that most people start arriving at around 11:30 am and the plunge is scheduled to happen at noon.
