Polar Bear Swim 2007 - Dos Lugares

Ona and I made it into the January 2nd Daily News

After the swim - Endorphin kick

Ernie has participated every year at Hansen

Ona braved the cold too.

Polar Bear Swim 2007: Part 1
Location: Hansen Dam Swim Lake

We woke up at 7:30am. The swim began at 8am, so we had to move it in order to get there on time. Sun was out, but it was quite windy. This year I stayed in the shallower side of the pool and ran and porpoised my way to the finish.

Very happy to see many regulars at the pool, including the famous Ernie, a.k.a., Headwig. He has participated every year the Polar Bear swim has been held at Hansen Dam.

Swimming in cold water is extremely exhilarating. I think it must get the endorphins pumping vigorously. I did not feel cold on exiting the water, and this year there was a really nice fire pit and big fire burning at the finish. Very nice.

I hope to do it again next year. We are off to Cabrillo Beach to participate in the Polar Bear Swim there.

Polar Bear Swim 2007: Part 2
Location: Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro, CA

I am pretty sure I am the only person in all of Los Angeles who participated in both City sponsored Polar Bear Events, one at Hansen Dam and the other at Cabrillo Beach.

It just so happens that we live within walking distance of Hansen Dam and my mother within walking distance of Cabrillo. So, it has become a family tradition to swim in both locations on New Year's Day.

Cabrillo was fantastic. Water was quite warm, around 58 degrees. I was among the hearty souls who swam out to the buoy and back, about 1/2 mile.

My mom made some terrific stew that I had as soon as I got out of the water. I also had a nice glass of Port. Come and join us next year.

Before the swim

Family

After the swim.

BFT

Barefoot Ted's Adventures

PS. You can read about last year's swim here. Ona made the Daily News last year, and apparently, we made it again this year.