2015 Polar Bear Plunge

— by Cara Russell —

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“You guys plunging?” That was the question hovering in the crisp cold morning air, at the north end of Cascade Lake, on January 1^st, 2015. It was the first day of this New Year and at 10:30AM, the community was starting to arrive to partake in the 18^th Annual Orcas Island Rowing’s “Polar Bear Plunge” that would take place right at 11AM.

As the crowd of spectators and ‘plungers’ grew larger, one major ‘tip’ in how to do the ‘plunge’ right kept resurfacing. You have to stand in the front, so instead of worrying about how cold it will be, you’ll be more worried about getting run over by the mob.

As it neared 11AM, the parking lot had long overflowed with cars. Master of ceremonies Dave Roseberry had already transformed into a humble polar bear, complete with a white jumpsuit and mask. These days Roseberry’s hair has become a perfect polar bear white. “The sun is out, and there’s no wind” said Roseberry. “We couldn’t ask for a better day.”

“Fifteen minutes!” Roseberry called, and the crowd cheered. “Ten minutes!” Roseberry hollered, and the crowd hummed. “Five minutes!” Roseberry roared, and people began to hop up and down in anticipation while others blurted out, “I’m so excited!” and “I can’t believe I’m doing this!”

When the moment finally arrived, Roseberry gave the call, and everyone charged. The restful lake became a wild twinkling of splashing and laughing bodies, and the large crowd of spectators cheered them on.

It was over in an instant, and as everyone emerged from the water and ran to get their dry warm things, steam rose from their renewed selves. Accolades were generously given out. And then they descended to the warm fireplace of the day use shelter, and enjoyed a hot drink.

The event was a successful fundraiser by the Orcas Island Junior Rowing Club (OIR), who accepted donations and sold commemorative tee shirts of this year’s event. The theme this year was “Disco Dive.” This year’s design was created by team member Melanie Flint. This is Flint’s senior year and her last year with OIR.