Polar Bear Club: Bermudian Takes Chilly Plunge
While Bermudians have endured record cold temperatures lately, one Bermudian took experiencing the ‘cold weather’ to a whole new level yesterday [Jan 1] swimming in chilly Canadian waters with the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club.
Bermudian Dale Hines of Hamilton Parish took the chilly plunge into the 42 degree fahrenheit waters of English Bay, Vancouver, Canada on New Years Day.
Mr. Hines, currently residing in British Columbia, brought the Bermuda flag along and joined over 2,200 hardy souls who braved the chilly waters for this annual event. With about 10,000 spectators at the 91st edition of the long-running event, the record number of participants eclipsed the old mark of 2,128 set in 2000.
When asked why he decided to take the plunge, Mr. Hines replied, “For the experience!”. The best part, he said, was the hot chocolate afterwards.
When asked if he will do it again next year, Mr. Hines said, “Maybe. It depends on how long it takes for my feet to thaw out.” What was the hardest part according to Mr Hines? Standing barefoot in the cold sand for fifteen minutes, waiting for the signal to enter the water.
A video of the event yesterday is below:
Is that a wetsuit behind the flag, I don’t see any BEAR skin at all. We need proof, Ha! Ha! Just kidding, well done! You’ll be ready to take the regiment recruits down at 6am in January.
Hope he had a piece of string tied around ‘it’ …. lol
So proud of my brother!!!! Well done must have been the shortest swim in history!
Good job Bird Man!! Pull the string now.
Very proud of my son-in-law! I myself have NEVER had the nerve to do this!