Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Looking no further than the polar dip, the popular annual tradition of dunking yourself in ice cold water with fellow weirdos to welcome the New Year.
We give the newness of the next calendar year a lot of weight. Expectations are high, resolutions are at the ready and we’re all set for a fresh start – a feeling perhaps no better symbolized than by a polar dip. For the unfamiliar, a polar dip or polar swim is the act of submerging oneself into a body of water during the height of winter purely for that carpe diem, you-only-live-once, why-the-hell-not feeling, much to the delight (or horror) of nearby spectators. The payoff? Bragging rights, and hopefully, a warm towel.
Sound crazy? Hear us out. It’s a perfectly exciting answer to the inevitable “what did you do for New Year’s?” question back in the office next week and certainly the flip side to the nightclub/house party/staying in and having whisky and a burrito alone option. Plus, you aren’t forfeiting over what hasn’t already been gouged from your bank account over the holidays. But, if you do plan on burning the midnight oil, there’s no better next-day wake up than canon-balling in -5 degree (or colder) weather. So either way, the polar dip is for you!
Before you change your mind, here are some places to get your swim on:
British Columbia: Vancouver, North Vancouver
Ontario: Barrie, Ottawa, Toronto
Nova Scotia: Halifax
Have any others? Post the link on our Facebook page to share with our community.
Five post-dip warm-ups:
1. Travel Flask – nothing says “we did it!” than a celebratory swig.
2. Chili & Spice Hot Chocolate – picante!
3. Thick socks – because, warmth.
4. Travel towel – this baby will have you dry in no time and stashes easily in your bag.
5. Toque – because there’s nothing more Canadian than rocking a bathing suit and toque at the same time.
Photo via @xmaskat.