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Polar Bears Plunge into '09
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 2, 2009
Modified Jan 2, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 2, 2009
Modified Jan 2, 2009
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Yesterday afternoon, as the air temperature was around the 20-degree mark, the Polar Bear Club celebrated New Year's Day in their traditional style: in the freezing cold waters off Coney Island. TIME Magazine takes a look at the tradition and talked to the club's head honcho. They note that the annual plunge has been going on since 1903, and that this year, nearly 700 were expected to take a dip while thousands watched from land.
The AP and NewYorkology have some video, and there's more footage here and here—though it all has us wondering if the people who don't fully submerge themselves in the frosty water are truly worthy of their "I Did It" certificates.
Tagged
coney island
freezing
new year's day
polar bear club
tradition
water
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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