Going Polar

by Kathryn Reed

It's normal for some species to march into frigid waters, penguins and polar bear, for instance. But for people, well, it takes a special breed. Each year people plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe—willingly and without a wet suit. For some it's in the name of charity; for others it's all about bragging rights.

Those with a more competitive spirit head to Carnelian Bay each March to swim past the end of the pier and back in front of Gar Woods restaurant. Just in case those swimming in the icy blue waters can't complete the 200-yard splash, the Coast Guard and other rescue units are on hand. Considering the surface temperature can be in the 40- to 50-degree range, each year there's someone who takes a boat ride in.

"The top six in each group are pretty competitive," said Kelly Sparks, events manager for Gar Woods, which has sponsored the Polar Bear swim for 16 years as part of Snow Festival, the North Shore winter carnival that celebrates its 25th anniversary March 3–12. This winter's swim will be on March 4. It costs $25 to enter and participants must be at least 18 years old. Hundreds of spectators line the pier.

The serious competitors are usually in some sort of swim club. North Tahoe resident Julie Tester has won it at least a half dozen times, including last year. She did take a hiatus in 1999 and 2000 for maternity reasons.

South Shore polar bears also take to The Lake in winter, if not all the way. "Last year I took a turkey baster and spritzed myself," says Elaine Glasser. "But we have a few lunatics who go all the way in."

Some wear old-fashioned bathing suits; there's been a bride, Super Woman and a firefighter doing a headstand. Glasser started the Polar Bear Plunge in 2003 as a fund-raiser for the local Special Olympics. About $10,000 has been raised each year, all of it staying in the Basin.

It costs $75 to enter, which gets a person a chance to dip at least a little toe in The Lake in front of hundreds of people at Ski Run Marina, along with a sweatshirt, munchies and raffle prizes. All ages are welcome. There are awards for best costume, who raises the most money, and who stays in the longest.

Usually the plunge is in February, but an exact date for 2006 was still in the works at press time. Go polar this winter! If nothing else, it will give you an excuse for adding to your fat layer during the holidays.