It’s a tradition that’s 88 years in the making. On January 1st thousands of brave souls across the Lower Mainland will flock to English Bay ^[1] to take a dunk in the chilly Pacific Ocean for Vancouver’s Polar Bear Swim ^[2].

…the swim takes place at 2:30pm on the first day of each new year. Costumes and the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race are the highlights of this event.

To be a club member you must register before the swim. Registration takes place in front of the English Bay Bathhouse from 12:30pm – 2:30pm each New Year’s Day. You may also register by clipping out the coupon in the Province Newspaper and presenting it at the registration desk the day of the swim. [Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club ^[2]]

Did you know there was a woman who participated in the swim for 77 years?

January 1, 1928: 16-year-old Ivy Granstrom made her first entry into the chilly waters of English Bay in the Polar Bear Swim. Ms. Granstrom, blind from birth, will go on to appear at 77 consecutive Polar Bear events. [Vancouver History ^[3]]

Last year 1,601 people braved the rain and 8 degree temperatures to make the plunge – that’s 8 degrees celcius for the air AND in the water (which is 46F). I have yet to muster up the courage to attempt this but I think 2008 may be the year. Good luck everyone!!