I did it, I took the plunge with the polar bear club and met some pretty interesting people while doing so. Nevertheless, my new years resolution has been going strong one whole day. My goal for the year is to actually follow through on everything that I say I am going to do. Swimming at Coney Island on January 1st 2006 with the Polar Bear Club was the first adventure of the new year and it was executed with precision. I had assumed before I even saw the water that this would be a once in a lifetime adventure, but immediatly afterwards I found myself celebrating with others and making advance dates to "see you next year." Let me start from the top though. As I parked under a no parking sign and rationalized doing it with another family after noticing the plethora of illegally parked cars and laxed police presence, I ran towards the beach. As I weaved through crowds of people who had grown tired of looking at the freaks swimming and were already walking away, I received several gawking glances because of my towel and smile with intent. While down at the waters edge there were ten times as many supporters as there were swimmers, but the swimmers beamed with pride, each and every one of them. I asked a few if they had gone in yet, looking for a fellow virgin to take the plunge with, but I would start and end this mission alone. With some cheers from the crowds for the only dry guy in a bathing suit and some redirection to the correct side of the jetty where there were several more people. I walked slowly and casually right into the water giving kick ass high-fives to several people on their way out. I was so caught up in the moment that one of my high-fives overpowered and knocked Marina (with a think drunk eastern European accent) off balance, an elderly polar bear committed to swimming every sunday. I was startled when I saw her drop out of my peripheral and realized the power behind my greeting. I helped her back to her feet, she said it was getting cold, I think she had been in for a long time. Once I got waist deep, I saw no reason to not jump right under and I did! I held hands and jumped up and down chanting "Happy New Year!" with a few strangers, and the novelty was over and it was time for me to get out of the water.
I was so invigorated by the rush of the ice cold water, I would have gotten a polar bear tattoo on my ass at that very moment. Walking out of the water with all of the by-standers looking on made me feel like King Kong, so I beat my chest for a few seconds and gave a few cheers of victory which re-ignited the crowd some.
After I reached the spot where I had placed my towel and clothes I asked a few girls if they had a digital Camera, and would be willing to email me a picture as I had forgotten my camera in the car. Hannah who had also taken the plunge for the first time agreed and her supporters took the picture which I have not yet received but feel confident about.
However, being that I was there to celebrate my new years resolution of following through with non-binding commitments, I was hesitent to rely totally on Hannah. So, As I was walking back to the boardwalk, I asked another group of girls if they would do the same, this group lead by Liz was much more supportive, they rallyed behind me for the picture after I told them that all of my friends wussed out. For this virtual exchange I took Liz's email address and am currently waiting for a response which I'm sure will take a day or two.
I hope that I don't have to rely on the kindness of strangers for photo-documentation of the next adventure, but for some reason it increases flair of an adventure, plus it's always fun approaching strangers.
Pictures to come soon hopefully pending on Hannah and Liz. For now I am happy with my certificate of achievment and plan on bringing in 2007 with a splash, this is a once in a lifetime adventure I plan on making once a year.
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