Polar Plunge

       Taking a cold plunge in a body of water on New Year's Day has long been a tradition in many parts of the world. I've not had many opportunities to participate, but have always wanted to give it a try. The early-winter weather in Tennessee sometimes gives you a 65-degree day for New Year's so it doesn't always make for a big challenge as the water around is not always cold yet. I've never had access to a big body of water to try the plunge anyway. We had a pool, but my Mom always drained it and covered it with a tarp long before it ever got cold enough for anything to be considered "polar."

     The only time I considered doing any sort of Polar Plunge was three years ago in Hendersonville, TN at the YMCA. They had an outdoor pool that was still full. I ended up not doing it because the temp was in the 60s that day and had been warm all week so the water would not be very cold. I couldn't justify paying a $25 entry fee to jump in a semi-cold pool with a bunch of people. So the plan was put on hold for a while.

    This year I got the perfect opportunity since we now have a pond behind the house. It's a nice-sized pond, but I had no idea how deep it was. There's a dock, but did the water have the depth for swimming? I joked around prior to Christmas about jumping off the dock. Everybody told me I was crazy because it has been rather cold here lately. Dina was the only one that seemed somewhat interested. I wanted her to put on her waders and wade out through the pond to check depth and for any obstacles hidden below the surface. She agreed to do so, but I wasn't sure if it was a real deal or not.

    The last few days of the year were frigid. We got some sleet and snow. The nights were down in the low-20s and the highs during the day hit only the mid-30s. Two days before the plunge, the shallow corner of the pond had ice on top. This was surely the year to try it if you want it cold!

     New Year's Day arrived with a gloomy, cold day. The temp was in the upper-20s early with some fog floating around. I still was unsure if anyone was really coming over or not. My whole family and a few neighbors said they were coming to watch. I still wasn't sure how serious I was about doing this either.

     A little after lunch, the crew began to arrive. Dina brought her waders and my dad brought a pole to stick out from the dock to sweep for underwater obstructions. I knew then that this was about to happen whether I wanted to do it or not. You can't back down once everyone is there waiting for you.

     I was surprised to see Dina brought her swim gear. She said she would do it if I did. We headed down to the dock to do our pre-swim inspections. Dina suited up while my Dad and I walked out on the dock to sweep the water. The dock broke as we climbed on and my Dad nearly floated away. I had to run up to the house for some boards and screws to patch the dock up. We made the necessary repairs to the dock then began checking the water. It was plenty deep for jumping, measuring almost 6 feet deep at the edge of the dock. Dina waded out, but quickly turned back as the water was too deep even for her tall waders.

On our way down to the pond

Dina wading out into the water

She needed a little assistance as it was really deep and the bottom was really slick.

Fixing the broken dock

     Once we were sure there were no logs or fence posts hiding beneath the surface, we headed back to the house to change. I was shocked when my Dad pulled off his pants to reveal swim trunks. He was going to do it too! He couldn't let the kids outdo him. Despite being a little worried about his still-healing shoulder, he was going to swim at least for a few seconds.

    After we changed, we headed down the backyard and down the gravel road back to the dock. We only had on swim gear, which made for a chilly walk in the 36-degree air. We took a quick measurement of the water. The thermometer showed 40.6 degrees, but we didn't leave it in the water long enough to fully cool so it was probably colder. I was cold, but not too bad considering. I took off my shoes on the dock and quickly got really cold. It's amazing how getting cold feet will make your whole body cold.

Walking down to the pond again...this time it was for real!

Contemplating my decision

Dina brought a tutu

     We waited longer than I had hoped. Our neighbors, Steve and June, wanted to watch so we had to wait for them to arrive. As soon as we saw them, we got into position. My Dad and Dina were arguing about how we should go in. I got tired of waiting and just jumped. Somebody had to get this thing started!

Still thinking...

Spectators on the hill

Going or not?

     It was cold, but not as much of a shock as I expected. Maybe the cold air numbed my body before I got to the water. My Dad and Dina were quick to follow me off the dock. I was fast getting back out of the water as I wanted to jump in again and then do a quick swim around before getting out and heading straight for the warmth of the house. The second jump was MUCH colder! The water went in my ears and it felt like my brain was frozen. The thought of swimming around was quickly gone and I went straight for the dock. I could barely pull myself up out of the water this time. It was like my arms and legs were no longer communicating with my brain. My Dad and Dina were also out quickly and did not go for a second plunge. My Dad struggled to get out onto the dock too, kicking me in the head as he flopped around.

In the air on my second jump

Dad and Dina crawl out while I feel the cold of the second jump

My Dad kicks me in the head as he tries to get out

     Once on land, I put my shoes on and started running for the warm house. Dina was right behind me, while my Dad decided to dry off at the pond and walk back before changing. I was unsure how my body would react so I planned for the worst and went for the house. I was almost dry and already warming up when I reached the house. I dried off fully and put on some clothes. I was totally warm just 10 minutes after the jump. It was fun, but not near as challenging as I expected. Still, I plan to make this a tradition and do it again next year! Look below for a video of the day's events.