Category: polar bear swim

Polar Bear Swim – January 1, 2013

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Happy New Year!  I’ve come to enjoy a New Year’s tradition…sleeping in (one of my favourite pastimes) and making our way to a Polar Bear Swim.  I haven’t felt the need to actually be the person in the water, but I love to cheer on the brave souls who start the year with a splash.   This year, we cheered on the polar bears at Armour’s Beach in Gibsons.

It was a beautiful crisp, clear morning and temperatures just above freezing.  Plenty of sunshine and a fresh dusting of snow on the mountains…just low enough to touch the highest point on Bowen Island.  A large group that included all ages plunged into the water.  I love to watch the kids…they are very excited about the prospect of swimming.  Then there is this point once they are in the water when they realize, “Hey, this is really cold!”

After the plunge of excitement we took a nice stroll along the beach in Gibsons Landing.  It’s a good start to the year when you can take a refreshing walk along the ocean.  Thank you to those who organize the Polar Bear Swim…a festive and energetic way to start the year.

New Year’s Day – Jan 1, 2012

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Happy New Year 2012! It is a beautiful day to start the year. After a delicious breakfast of blueberry crepes, we headed down for the annual Gibsons Polar Boar Swim.

Fresh snow on the North Shore Mountains makes for a great view. As you can see from the waves, it was quite windy on Howe Sound today. It really wasn’t that cold, but the wind made it feel cold.
Unfortunately the Polar Boars conflicted with high tide, so there wasn’t room along the beach for everyone to line up at the same time.

Instead it was a quick dart down the old stairs and into the water. A few brave souls were out today…but not near as many as last year when the weather was just gorgeous.
I love this New Year’s tradition. Start the year off with a BLAST. Take up the challenge. I love to cheer on those who put themselves out there.
Maybe one day I’ll do it too. But for now, I’ll raise a glass and salute those who put it all out there, including one very brave little girl who received the most cheers for her efforts.

Here’s to a great 2012!

Happy New Year 2011!

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Happy New Year and welcome 2011! It is a gorgeous sunny day looking out over snow-capped mountains here in Gibsons BC. No wind, not too cold with positive temps, and an all-around pleasant way to start the new year.

The New Year tradition in Gibsons is the Polar Boar Plunge on Armours Beach. Yes, most communities have a Polar Bear Plunge, but in Gibsons it is sponsored by the local rugby club known as the Pigs. Therefore, we have a Polar Boar instead of a Polar Bear.

Lots of brave souls made it out today to enjoy the sunshine and dip their toes in the ocean. Look at the energy of the front runners as they dive into the water.

I always admire the variety of characters who take part in this event. Little kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors gather together and dive in. Everyone is welcome and equal as they line up on the beach for the challenge. Family and friends cheer them on from the safety of the beach and dock. After the swim, the participants gather for soup and hot chocolate while the onlookers take a stroll down the beach.


Maybe some day I will take on this challenge. For now, I prefer to watch and cheer on everyone else.
Here’s to a great year ahead. I don’t usually make new year’s resolutions, but this year I want to do a better job of taking time to value the natural world around me. I want to share all the great hikes, the great days at the beach, and the never ending supply of local festivals. It can all go by so fast if you don’t take time to think about all that has happened.

Best of luck and welcome 2011.

Polar Bear Swim – Jan 1, 2010

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I started off 2010 with a goal of taking in as many Sunshine Coast festivals as possible this year. First up, the annual Polar Bear Swim at Davis Bay on New Year’s Day. No ice and snow in sight this year, just a little wind and light rain. Too warm for any hypothermia but still a fun time for all involved.

The event kicked of with a few brave soles under the age of 12.

They were soon followed by a crowd of adults of all ages who braved the high tide and cool waters.

I think I will wait until summer to dip my toes in the ocean. Davis Bay is the largest public beach on the Sunshine Coast and a very popular destination. It sits at the mouth of Chapman Creek making it great for salmon fishing.