Upcoming Polar Bear Swims:
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL
Thursday, January 1st, 2009
12:00noon
Ring in the New Year with a splash and set an adventurous tone for the upcoming year.
We meet at North Avenue Beach near the north end of the beach house just prior to Noon for pictures. Wear your swimsuit under your warm clothing. We'll all disrobe together and take group pictures in swimsuits before going in the water. Then we'll run in together, get wet, run back out and get dressed quickly. You'll be really cold for about 5 minutes total, probably spending less than 30 seconds actually in the water, unless you want more. Spectators are always welcome.
Rules:
1. Swimsuits only. No nudity (it's a family event) and no wetsuits (that's cheating).
2. Swimmers must go all the way under the water before coming out to be "official."
3. No whining!
Once you’re dressed you can head home to your warm shower.
Parking: There are two very convenient options. There is parking at North Avenue Beach and also a larger lot on the east side of the Lincoln Park Zoo (enter on Fullerton just west of Lake Shore Drive and then cross the pedestrian overpass to access the beach area).
Fine Print: While some participants or spectators who are medical professionals, there is no official medical support on site. Participate only if you are willing and able. Like anything, there is probably some risk so if you have medical considerations please check with your doctor before participating. The Chicago Polar Bear Club a group of adventurous friends, not a formal organization and thus there isn’t anyone to sue if you don’t like being cold! The founder for the New Years Eve Swim is Leesa Drake .
No need to sign up, just show up at noon on New Year's Day!
http://tinyurl.com/ypyw2x
bigcatpolarbearclub@yahoo.com
Big Cat Polar Bear Club New Years Day Swim
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL
Thursday, January 1st, 2009
8:15am
"You'll Freeze Your Paws Off"
Lakeview Polar Bear Club
Celebration of Shrinkage - 2009
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL
Saturday, February 7th, 2009
Noon (arrive at 11:45am)
http://www.lakeviewpolarbearclub.com/
lakeviewpolarbearclub@gmail.com
While
there are many fantastic charities that raise money for good causes,
the LPBC raises money for a specific family because it allows us to
truly make a difference in one family’s life each year. This year, they
will be helping the Cunningham family.
http://www.chicagopolarplunge.org/Home_Page.htm
scc@sochicago.org
9th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL
Sunday, March 1st, 2009
9:30am - Registration/Check in
Whether
you go waist high or take the full plunge, we invite you to join us and
support Special Olympics programs enjoyed throughout the year by our
5,000 Chicago athletes. Last year 1,200 participants enjoyed a very
memorable day. Grab your friends and participate as a team! They ask
all participants to raise a minimum of $100. Great prizes awarded for
top three individual fundraisers.
Schedule of events:
9:30am - Registration/Check in
10:00am - Plunge begins - runners enter the water in waves
11:00am-2:00pm
- "Melt Down Party" in expanded heated tent! Free admission for all.
Music, refreshments, cash bar and more! Not to be missed!
Some additional sites/threads about various Chicago polar bear plunges can be found:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/260779/index.html
http://www.43things.com/entries/view/1466551?new_comment=1370615&page=0#comment1370615
http://www.erikandtheanimals.com/blog/2006/12/2007-new-years-day-chicago-polar-bear.html
http://centerstagechicago.com/recreation/articles/be-outside.html
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/holidayhappenings/34942,0,1456520.event
http://feeds.feedburner.com/OutsideTheLoopRadio (Episode 15 Radio Interview Podcast)