Polar Plunge: Help me keep my pride.

February 2, 2007 5:33 PM

I've signed up for the Polar Plunge to support the Special Olympics in our area....

It's been really chilly out (Michigan) and was wondering how can I prepare for this? Any pointers for those that have done a polar dip before? If I raise enough money I will performing in a speedo. *Gulp* any tips how to minimize shrinkage or at least keep my dignity (or is that even possible in a speedo)? I believe I need to remain in the water for 10 minutes.

posted by bleucube to Health & Fitness (9 answers total)

Speedo + Shrinkage = no dignity. Hell, speedo + no shrinkage = no dignity

Make sure that your heart is ok. It's quite a shock to the sytem to be plunged into water of that temp.
posted by DieHipsterDie at 7:05 PM on February 2, 2007

I am not even going to comment on the speedo thing, but I must second DieHipsterDie's advice about the heart. I was white water rafting on the Upper Gauley in the late fall and went in. My heart definitely skipped a few beats and there was a split second but seemingly endless moment when I thought I was going to die of a heart attack. Granted, I am a slightly overweight 42 year old (at the time). On the other hand, I watch the polar bear club take a new year's day plunge at Coney Island every year they all look older and overweight and seem to do well. Link here to PB Club.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:02 PM on February 2, 2007

Best answer: Upon reading the article again that I had linked to in my previous post, "diver's reflex" was probably the reaction I had to going in. This is the article to which I refer. Sorry about the double post and repetition.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:06 PM on February 2, 2007

10 minutes? Are you sure that's what they're expecting? I've dipped into a lake just after the ice melted in the spring, and I can't imagine staying in for 10 minutes would have been healthy.
posted by teg at 8:57 PM on February 2, 2007

Absolutely no way would 10 minutes immersed be safe.. I'm betting it's 10 minutes of standing in the water and some obligatory immersion at some point.
posted by rolypolyman at 1:47 AM on February 3, 2007

Best answer: Regarding the speedo: No one cares. Seriously. I hang out every day with guys in speedos and do you know how often I check out their packages? Never! Why? Because it is seriously rude to walk around staring staring at someone's crotch no matter what he's wearing. The only thing that will make you look undignified in a speedo is walking around like you are ashamed or uncomfortable.

Sometimes when you first hit the water you feel like your breath is gone and you can't breathe in, even if you are breathing fine. If that happens, just remind yourself you are actually breathing, even if you feel like you can't, and take deep breaths, remembering to breathe all the way out as well.
posted by dame at 6:37 AM on February 3, 2007

I am a regular cold water swimmer and have done a few plunges. If it's anything like the plunges I've taken, your body almost goes into autopilot. You hit the water, and the shock makes you gasp (as others have noted) and you find that your body will attempt to get out of the water as fast as it can.

That said, I always just remember to breathe deeply and think "The cold is just on the surface. Inside I am warm."
posted by nekton at 7:31 AM on February 4, 2007

I've done this a few times. There's nothing you can do to prepare for the dip itself. Preparation should be in the form of towels, warm clothing and lots of hot coffee, all for after the event. Bring two hats.
posted by kc0dxh at 7:16 AM on February 5, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks Bunches! Looking forward to it. Will post pictures and videos on my site (check profile for address)
posted by bleucube at 12:12 PM on February 6, 2007