The Chosen Frozen

"Many were called, but few were frozen" at this year's 7th Annual Lake Tahoe Polar Bear Swim! Our numbers actually didn't increase this year even with the extra persuading of a FREE hamburger lunch to the challenger. And of course the excuses were high once again:

"Can't you DIE from something like that?"
"What is it that you find so enjoyable about doing this?"
"Hey at least you guys are consistent!"
"I have been healthy all year, I don't want to jeopardize getting sick!"
"I am going to be out of town that day again this year....what day did you say you were going to go?"
"My heart is stopping just thinking about that water."
And the common favorite once again is - "You guys are CRAZY!"

This years participants included several first year "greenies" (or maybe we should call them "blueies"): Rod Ollinger, Todd Tuttle, Jen & Emily Kelly (photographer & future polar bearist), Adam Tuttle, Andrew Hansen, Spencer Johnson, Ian Binks, Matt Greenlees (ski team buddy that needed a ride home :-) ), and Darren Thompson. We also had a few veterans: myself (returning for the 7th year), Bryce Barker (returning for the 3rd year), Calvin Kelly (2nd year - made it up to his waist) and Devon Kelly (2nd year - made it up to his knees).
Note: Calvin and Devon have taken several cold showers for the past year building up for this event.

After several schedule changes the day finally came, Presidents Day, Monday February 16th, a "perfect" day for swimming! "Are you SURE you want to do this today?" was one early morning response as the reports came in that there was a blizzard up on top of Mount Rose. "Of course today is the day, the weather is perfect" came the response.

We headed out at about 10:30 AM to give the ski team participants (Todd, Adam, Ian and Matt) time to finish up with their races and join us at Tahoe. As we sat waiting in the parking lot of the Mount Rose Ski area, with our cars being rained and snowed on and the winds increasing, the questions came once again "Are you sure this weather is ok to do this in?" with the response of "It doesn't get any better than this!"

Then we drove up the "Snow Tires or Chains Required" pass with very little visibility, and the excitement continued to build! What beautiful weather! As we arrived at the Sand Harbor boat dock beach a snowman was waiting for us and looking on.

How cold is the water?

• I forgot the thermometer again this year, but the water temp near the surface generally cools to 40 F during Feb and March, and warms to 65 F to 70 F in Aug and Sept.
• Below 600-700 feet, the temp remains a constant 39 F.

Finally, as we stood in the wind and rain, and after much stalling, came the death count of 3...2................1, followed by the annual scream as the participants scurried to exit as quickly as they entered.

Was anyone crazy enough to beat polar bear Kelly for a FREE Awful, Awful Hamburger? Well "before" getting into the water there were many boasting challenges, but those ideas were quickly changed by the numbing 40 degree water. The closest this year was Andrew Hansen and Bryce Barker, with a time of about 55 seconds each according to the video.

So, for the sensation of not being able to feel your clothing, or to take on this years challenge of 9 minutes, join "The Chosen Frozen" next year as we break the ice and take the 8th annual Lake Tahoe Polar Bear plunge!

The Polar Bear recruiter,
Colin Kelly

P.S. For the record, the controversial booties came off in the water, but if you think that is all you need to take on the challenge, I would be more than happy to let you borrow them next year.

P.S.S. So what is possible? Upon searching for this answer I came across another Guinness Record - "In 2002, Wim Hof swam more than 188 feet beneath three feet of ice in sub-zero water wearing only a bathing suit and goggles to clinch a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Why goggles? Because in an earlier record-setting swim, Hof had almost died after having difficulty finding the exit hole - because his retinas had frozen solid.