Updated: In 20+ MPH winds on a cold, rainy day, dozens of Ballard residents took the plunge at Golden Gardens. And of course, we shot some video:
Sometimes, one photo says at all.
Officially, the water temperature was 49 degrees, and the wind was blowing at full tilt. And some folks, believe it or not, went back for a second plunge.
But most couldn’t wait to get out of the water and stand by the fire.
It wasn’t the only polar bear plunge in Seattle: our friends at the West Seattle Blog videotaped a similar event at Alki today, and over a thousand people made the plunge into Lake Washington at Magnuson Park.
Earlier: Need a little jolt to kick the year off right? Head on down to Golden Gardens at noon on New Years Day for a polar bear plunge. There will be a bon fire, hot chocolate and costumes are encouraged. Some of the events include “Dive For It” and the “Goin’ Long Football Catch” as well as “Ooops, I Forgot My Bathing Suit.” And after the festivities, participants can down a free drink at the Lock & Keel to warm up (5144 Ballard Ave NW.)
We’ll be there snapping photos, and we’ll post them here on My Ballard.
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
lol @ oops I forgot my bathing suit ;-)
Banya5 had an event scheduled on FB, but it has apparently been cancelled…? (still visible via Google cache though)
what time do the festivities start and end?
Yes, what time?
You people are *insane*!!
If I didn't have to work, I'd be down there watching the craziness. Take lots of pictures!
If I'm back in the neighborhood at noon I am so going to this! I dig me some polar bear'ness (even if the water isnt that cold)
I understand this is all in good fun, but this type of event always seems to attract voyeurs and perverts :-/
NEIGHBoR – you say that like it's a bad thing!
SHRINKAGE!!!
Speaking of that, where has Mondoman gotten to?
So the time is noon?
Don't go to a coffee stand where a gal might show some cleavage. Oh no. But “oops I forgot my bathing suit” is fine? Do we really want to see naked people from this site? Is being naked something new? I do smell a double standard. But go ahead and post ALL pix. We need to see everything. This is special. NOT.
Well Happy effing New Year, Mr. Crabby Pants!
I don't care if they all get naked, as long as they have fun!
Sheesh! We're not Bellevue. We like our bikini baristas!
Thank goodness there's more to life than what anyone else sees.
Does “Opps i forgot my bathing suit” mean naked? This isn't Fremont. I though it meant going in with street clothes or a funny outfit.
Refreshing Video ! Looks like a fun time…..might need to try it next year ….364 days to work up the courage. :o)
I'm famous! hehe.
Here are some more photos…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smooshy/sets/72157…
Looks like they all had a blast! :-)
I am so doing this next year! How fun!
it's not that bad, really.
what a bunch of crazy mother uckers!
I think this is the sort of ritual we need around here. I, for one, will never do this (with a bunch of people anyway) but I laud those with the gumption to brave those chilly temps.
it's worth it, if nothing else than to tick-off the curmudgeons!
Point #1: Well you can't fix stupid.
Point #2: You can however, force them to pay any medical expenses, in full, that may arise from such an action by having their insurance deny their claims.
Wait, anyone stupid enough to do this probably doesn't possess insurance in the first place; see Point #1 above.
I did it. I'm not stupid. I have full coverage health insurance.
And I had a blast!
Just came and read, this is wow! I was seek from many blogs, but here is the best, I love it.