2021 Polar Bear Dip Challenge Vancouver, Canada
The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920 when a small number of swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year’s Day. Led by their founder, Peter Pantages, the swim has grown from around 10 swimmers to the new record of 2,550 official entries set in 2014.
When Peter Pantages was not able to swim in the ocean he found other ways to make sure that he had a cool ‘dip’, every day. He even had an agreement with the Pacific Steamship Company, when he was traveling on an ocean liner, for the ship to stop every day so he could take a dip. When it was unsafe he would draw a salted chilled bath instead.
How to participate in the 2021 Digital Dip
- On January 1, 2021, fill a tub, kiddie pool, anything with cold water (44°F or 7°C), and take a cold dip. Get creative!
- Share your video and photo online with #PBPolarBearDip2021
- Register to receive a commemorative certificate
- Send your photo or video to polarbearswim@vancouver.ca to receive a Polar Bear Swim Club button (for Canadian residents only)
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/YMXMohtBDKA
- https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/polar-bear-swim.aspx
- https://www.kitsilano.ca/2019/12/29/vancouver-polar-bear-swim-in-back-on-january-1st/
About Author
