South Padre Polar Bear
Dip
Highlights from 2011
This year we will be streaming live on
www.southpadrelive.com
SPI Polar Bear Dip Rings in
2012
At high noon the Polar Bears club took their annual Jan. 1 dip
in the Gulf of Mexico on South Padre Island. The dip took place
at the beach at Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd.
“It’s a great way to really bring in the New Year in a colorful
way,” said local club co-founder Blaine Campbell.
Polar Bear Dips are internationally renowned. Generally, the
dips are made during very cold weather where the water produces
chilling effects.
Campbell said he has participated in the dip at Lake Tahoe, and
it was a stark contrast to the Island’s dip.
“At Lake Tahoe you had to get out in 90 seconds or you’d pass
out from hypothermia,” he said. “Last year, the water (on the
Island) was about 64 degrees.
The 11-year Island resident calls the Island dip the
‘anti-freeze.’
The local Polar Bear dip began in 1998 and has about 300
members. The January 2006 dip had 283 participants.
“The ocean is a strong and viable force in all of our lives,
Campbell said. “We encourage people
to go in (the water) and commune with Mother Earth.”
For more information about the Polar Bears, call (956) 761-6853
Bring in the New Year with an 'anti-freeze dip' in the beautiful Gulf of
Mexico by joining over 1000 visitors at the Annual South Padre Island
Polar Bear Dip. Each New Year's Day a hearty crowd of young and old renew
their spirit by celebrating with a short sprint into water with an average
temperature of 66 degrees. Unlike many other Polar Bear celebrations this
time of year, South Padre Island is blessed with a temperate climate and
refreshingly cold (never freezing) water.
Registration for swimmers opens at 10am and the official start for the Dip
begins promptly at noon. The first 50 registrants (21 and over) receive a
coupon for a cup of black eyed peas and champagne toast at the conclusion
of the event. Commemorative tee shirts will be available for sale with the
proceeds going to local charities. Sponsored by the SPI Polar Bear Club,
Ben's Liquor and the City of South Padre Island.
