Into the Ice: I Took the Polar Bear Plunge

The author (on the right) and a friend (left) pose with a polar bear (middle), holding certified proof of their willpower.

By XIANA BADIOLA

My body was stiff from head to toe as the announcer began counting down. I made my way through the pile of people at the entrance like a car cutting through traffic until I got to the sand. The “Theme From New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra blared from the loudspeakers.

An older lady in front of me turned and said, “Come on and sing with me.” Suddenly I found myself interlocking arms with her, singing, “I want to be a part of it – New York, New York!”

It was the coldest polar bear swim in years; the winds were strong and it was a freezing 25 degrees. Goosebumps arose all over my body, and my toes gripped the sand with every step I took.

Running into the water, all that I could think of was, “How did I convince myself this was a good idea?”

Truly, who in their right mind would voluntarily choose to swim in 25 degree weather? Well, the Polar Bears do. No, not actual polar bears, but the Coney Island Polar Bear Club…and me. While the actual group meets every Sunday for their weekly swim, there is an annual New Year’s plunge open to anyone brave enough to try.

So, what makes these Polar Bears want to do this? Taking a dip in the freezing cold water can symbolize a fresh start and washing away past troubles. It’s said to be good for your health. And the event also builds community and raises funds for local charities.

Over 4,000 people signed up to start their new year with a splash. Located near the Luna Park Scream Zone, people checked in to get their wristband. Among them were families, clowns, superheroes, and more oddly dressed grown adults, all with their own reasons for coming.

Jennifer Wilson, 40, attends the New Year's plunge year after year, making 2026 her 13th time. “I started this when I was 27 and it seemed fun. You know, I used to be out,” she said.

AJ, 42, initially went to support a friend but became enchanted by the thrill of the event. “It's a tradition now,” he said. “It was warm the first year I did it, and I was like, oh, that was great, and it has not been warm here thereafter, but something keeps making me want to come back.”

Kevin Smith, 28, came with his wife Layla and daughter Sage, wearing headbands with spikes on them, like sea urchins. “My daughter did it last year, so I said ‘I’ll do it with you this year,’ and here I am,” he said.

While aiming to support his daughter, Smith was hesitant to truly commit to the bit. I mean, who wouldn't be nervous in the cold air, to inevitably be in even colder water? I was definitely scared. In fact, you could say I almost got cold feet. But in all seriousness, my feet were very cold, and I ended up purchasing socks at the merch stand.

As I got to the shore, the wind pierced my skin like cold needles all over my body as people ran into the water left and right. I brushed off the hint of anxiety I had and burst forward. The sand slowed me down with every step as I approached the water until, finally… splash!

The cold was numbing, but everyone was laughing and cheering. I couldn't help but smile.

The Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge is more than an event for fundraising – it’s an opportunity for people to get out of their comfort zones, start traditions, and truly enjoy the thrill of life. At the start, I didn't understand the fun of going in the ocean during the winter, but now that I have, it’s safe to say I will be doing it again next year. Just know that I'll be dressed to impress.