[entheosfog]

This was the first time I've checked out the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim and no, I did not jump in the ocean. I'm not insane
The Vancouver swim is one of the oldest (93rd year) and largest in the world. The weather was about 6 degrees Celsius today and the water temp was 7.
Enjoy!

A couple vintage pics to start, courtesy of the Vancouver Archives:
http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/

1930:


1957:


1960:


This was before the swam began and I suspect alcohol played a factor here:


Spectators from up high:




You could spot potential swimmers a mile away:


The area was very busy:








































My foot got wet. I was not impressed:


Bewildered:








































































There's also a competetive swim that takes place, this was the female winner:








*lens envy*


Parting shot: this is how Vancouverites play outdoor hockey in the winter. On rollerblades!