Fourth Annual Ocean Beach Polar Bear Club
This isn’t my event, and it’s in no way official. It’s just an option to jump in the Pacific to start the year. But Ocean Beach is no joke. The water is frigid and rough, the currents are strong, and people drown there, consistently. There are no lifeguards. Don’t do this unless you are a strong swimmer. Don’t go very far out. And please make sure you go into the water with a buddy, and come out with one too.
The ocean is great, right? It’s big and wavy and wonderful and smells delightfully briny. Let’s all go jump in it on New Year’s Day.
What?
On January 1, at 12 noon, let’s all go jump in the Pacific Ocean at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach.
Where and when
We can meet up at 11:45 on the beach, by the Judah intersection. Afterwards, we can head up to Judah for hot beverages and camaraderie. I’ll bring whiskey.
Who is invited?
You. Also other people.
What should I bring?
Yourself. Something to warm you up afterwards. A Towel. A sense of humor. The ability to swim. (Seriously, the ability to swim. Some years the water is pretty rough. Ocean Beach in winter is not forgiving.) Maybe whiskey.
Can we have a campfire on the beach?
Not technically.
Have you done this before?
Yeah, it was great. Both times. Actually, all three. Leah even wrote something about it for The Awl, which means she has to come right? I think so. At least, I’m pretty sure.
Can I wear a wetsuit?
You can do whatever you want. But no.
I mean, sure. Of course. Wear a wetsuit. Do what you gotta do.
Will there be T-shirts?
There should be T-shirts. Let’s make T-shirts! Who can make T-shirts? I keep wanting T-shirts. Every year, T-shirts.
Isn’t There Another Polar Bear Club at Ocean Beach?
Apparently! In fact I think there may be several of them. The Riptide has done one in the past at Taraval (since the 80s?) and I think there may be another at The Park Chalet. But, whatever: Whiskey and friends, yo. Whiskey and friends.