14 swimmers waded into the water at 6:30. The water was a balmy 54 degrees. Some folks had already completed the Polar Bear Challenge (40 miles of swimming in S.F. bay without a wetsuit during winter). I was in the anxious group with one more mile to go.
With 39 miles under my belt this winter, you would think getting in would be pretty casual. Well, it isn't and I think that is one of the things I really enjoy about bay swimming - the mental challenge. I've jumped out of an airplane at 13,000 feet and it wasn't as hard as it is getting into the bay each morning. 5 minutes into the swim, it does get easier though. The feel of the water, the lights of the city, the comraderie of swimming with and relying on good friends. It is a wonderful way to start the day.
Our swim this morning was spectacular. When we hit the beach the sun was just beginning to rise. We all cheered and headed into the unsually crowed club. After rewarming in the saunas, we lingered for coffee, doughnuts, and juice provided by Nobu and Jason. We recalled swims in hail, water temps in the mid 40s, sea lions, sunrises and sunsets. I was really proud of everyone in my group that completed Polar Bear 2008/2009.
I'm sleeping in tomorrow. I may sleep in all next week. Such satisfaction from such a random thing, why question it?
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Post script - I found this article in SFGATE.com. Good to see some press on our crazy event. I swam that Sunday but seemed to have missed the party. Maybe next year.
Leah Garchik
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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The Vernal Equinox is Friday, and this past weekend members of the Dolphin Club hung out there in an effort to rack up swimming "40 miles between solstices" and, thus, to achieve Winter Polar Bear status. Would-be Bears stayed for hours (even days), dipping into the bay to swim and then emerging for hot soup - minestrone with pistou, roughing it Northern California style - to warm themselves.
On Saturday night, with miles to go before fulfilling the requirement, 25 or so of the swimmers put on pajamas for a sleepover at the club, reports Kate Coleman. They swam at midnight and watched "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," rented just for the occasion.
