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'Polar Bears' take cold plunge into 2010
By Jane Harrison

Nearly 100 "polar bears" were undaunted by white capped waters lapping over the dock, teasing their cold soles Jan. 1 outside the Lanier Olympic Venue boathouse. Ninety-seven cold-hardy revelers plunged into 2010 at the 13th Annual Polar Bear Swim organized by the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club.

Celebrants ranging in age from five to 67 leapt, dove or flipped into 46 degree water after waiting their turn. Many flaunted pink flesh and goose bumps on the wind swept dock where temperatures hovered in the low 40s.

Rebecca Foote, 12, shivered alongside her Gainesville cousins as she waited in line. She was among several clans who shared chilly family New Year’s get-togethers. “I expect to turn into an icicle,” Foote exclaimed before her leap.

Ken and Tom Eckelkamp, up from warm St. Petersburg, Fla., read about the cold weather stunt on-line the night before. The father-son duo donned their camouflaged hunting duds and orange caps and scoped out the dock before they flipped in unison into the water. Both expressed surprise that their impromptu hunt for a unique New Year’s start won the prize for best jump.

Carl Jacobsen, from Norcross, beamed about winning the oldest jumper prize. The 67-year-old said the Lake Lanier tradition “seemed like a nice family event” for his three grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law to do together. Even though the senior jumper described the water as “not that cold,” his wife, Carole, revealed he sported “goose bumps a mile high.” She chose to stay warm and dry, but enjoyed the after jump chili and brownies with the thawing throng inside the boathouse.

Jana Deaton, from Cornelia, warmed in the hot tub on shore as she told why she took the plunge. “I want 2010 to be different for me. I wanted to do something totally crazy,” she said. She said the jump represented her joy at being healthy, happy, and willing to do crazy things. She brought along her boyfriend, Russell Blalock, from Augusta, for “moral support.” Blalock gladly played his part on dry land with camera in hand.  “I’m the wimp,” he said, “I’m preserving the moment.”

The jump, themed “Tidal Wave,” in tribute to the full lake, is an annual fund-raiser for LCKC. Past events have attracted as few as 40 celebrants to nearly 200.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

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