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Most people spend New Year's drinking Tylenol smoothies, writing up lists of pre-broken promises and crying about all the self-destructive things they did during the previous year. (Right?) Not the members of the Chicago Polar Bear Club, who celebrate January 1 by dashing into the freezy waters of Lake Michigan for a quick dip. This year's swim brought out a crowd of several hundred brave souls, who risked comfort and frostbite to venture out to North St. Beach and prove once again that they are stronger and heartier than the rest of us. Chicagoist was on hand (and cravenly dressed in three layers of fleece) to capture the action. (Be sure not to miss the Feb. 7 "Celebration of Shrinkage, hosted by the Lakeview Polar Bear Club at Oak St. Beach.)
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The guy in the yellow flippers was all the way out past the big posts. I, on the other hand, have never had a hangover cured so fast in my life as jumping in that water and getting my head under. My only issue was my lack of footwear, next year I'll wear some rubber booties or something.
I used to think people who did this were idiots, but I think if I survive the next year, I might try it.
Side note: this is probably the lowest bacteria count Lake Michigan swimmers ever see.
North Ave. beach -
Pasty Blue-Shorts-Wearing Guy wins!
When I first looked at that picture I thought he was wearing a white t-shirt.
He also looks extremely miserable.
He gots the hairy manboobs.
Which is also the name of a guy I went to school with...