Polar Bear Swim 2010

Every other year, when we all meet in California for Christmas, we have what we like to call the Polar Bear swim. The bravest of the brave choose to swim the length of the pond (about 50-60 yards)in the freezing cold water. Now I know what you're thinking. "Oh come on. It's California.How cold can that water be really?" Let me tell you how cold it can be. Imagine if you will, sitting on a beach on a hot summers day. The sun is shining down on you. You're wearing your swimsuit and you're getting a nice golden tan. The radio plays a Beach Boys song in the background. In your hand is an ice cold cup of ice water. The coolness of the glass feels good against your hot palm. It's refreshing to the taste. You are feeling good. Life is AWESOME! Now imagine that you are still wearing your swimsuit but now the temperature outside is roughly the temperature of that glass of ice water, and instead of laying out under the sun, you are jumping up and down to try and stay warm. Can you feel it? Can you feel the cold?Now imagine wearing a swimsuit, cold temps outside and then jumping into even colder water. Water so cold that when your body is immersed in it, it goes into shock and lacks the capacity to move. Can you feel it? Are you shivering?That's how cold it was. FREEZING!! This year the ante was raised.First,there was now the prize of a trophy complete with Malibu Barbie and Ken on top. Second, Papa offered 20 dollars to anyone who would swim to the end AND BACK! All participants received a 10 dollar gift card to In and Out as well. The competition was on. It was fierce. Who won do you ask. Not me. My brother Matt came in first, then the newcomer Jenna.Jeff got out without swimming back and therefore did not receive his 20 dollars. I came in third, then Andrew, then Nate. There were some close calls of drowning due to hypothermia but we all made it out alive. We are also ALL looking forward to the next challenge two years from now.The trophy is mine

All the participants: Nate, Cara (yes Cara did it too), Andrew Me, Jenna, Jeff and Matt

My swim outfit. My underwear say "Believe in this"

Riley watching, contemplating on attempting in two years.


All the onlookers cheering us along