Polar Bear Plunge Brings Freezing Fun to Coney Island

By: Hal C Clark

Coney Island welcomed thousands of daring individuals to kick off the new year with a plunge into the chilly North Atlantic Ocean as part of the 121st annual Polar Bear Plunge. The event, hosted by the Coney Island Polar Bear Club since 1903, saw a mix of swimmers in Speedos and winter coats dotting the beach and boardwalk in Brooklyn.

Organizers were anticipating “record-breaking numbers” for this year’s plunge, despite the frigid temperatures, which surprisingly remained in the mid-40s. The attendance surpassed the 4,000 registered participants, with some embracing the cold air beforehand, like Robert, 49, who arrived in shorts without a coat.

For many, the polar bear plunge had been a longstanding item on their bucket list, including Shannon Douglas, a Brooklyn native excited to participate for the first time. The line to check in for the plunge stretched for blocks by 10 a.m., and despite the long wait, participants were undeterred.

Some attendees opted to observe due to the extensive lines, comparing the situation to Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Despite this, those who braved the wait found the plunge worthwhile, especially given the unseasonably mild weather and water temperatures.

NY Post spoke exclusively to some of the participants.

Derrick, a first-time plunger from New York, mentioned that this was the ideal year for newcomers, as the conditions were not as cold. Inspired by friends from tropical countries who made the annual plunge a tradition, he decided it was time to join in.

Rebecca, whose father introduced her to the polar plunge tradition at Coney Island during her childhood, continued the practice with her own children, ages 10 and 7. She emphasized that the water felt warmer than in previous years.

After the exhilarating dip, swimmers were greeted with smiles and cheers from the crowd as they quickly returned to shore to towel off and retrieve their jackets. Each participant received a certificate of completion to officially mark their achievement.

Amid the lighthearted atmosphere, one participant summed up the experience, exclaiming, “Wasn’t that bad!” as he ran out of the water.

The Polar Bear Plunge in Coney Island, New York, traces its exhilarating history back to the winter of 1903 when the Coney Island Polar Bear Club organized its inaugural event. Conceived as a bracing way to welcome the new year, the plunge quickly became a beloved tradition for thrill-seekers and a distinctive feature of Coney Island’s winter landscape.

Founded by Bernarr Macfadden, a health advocate and publisher, the Polar Bear Club aimed to defy conventional norms by promoting the invigorating benefits of cold-water swims. The plunge originally took place on New Year’s Day, attracting a mix of daring participants clad in an eclectic array of swimwear, from Speedos to winter coats.

Over the decades, the event evolved into a community-driven celebration, drawing thousands of locals and visitors alike. Despite its chilly reputation, the Polar Bear Plunge has maintained a festive spirit, with participants often citing a sense of camaraderie and the thrill of embracing the cold as reasons for their involvement.

Throughout its history, the plunge has witnessed various adaptations, including increased participation, unique pre-plunge rituals, and even the occasional unseasonably warm weather, as demonstrated in recent years. Today, the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge stands as a testament to resilience, tradition, and the enduring pursuit of unconventional ways to ring in the new year on the iconic shores of Coney Island.