West Seattle Polar Bear Swim 2015 on Alki Beach: Confirmed!

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB video of the 2014 Polar Bear Swim on Alki)
More people than ever have asked in the past week-plus, “Is the Alki Polar Bear Swim on for New Year’s Day?” Longtime organizer Mark Ufkes has just confirmed, yes, indeed, it is. Can it break last year’s record (~500 swimmers)? Why not! Here’s Mark’s announcement:

West Seattle Polar Bear Swim is on!

2015, The year of the Sheep – a symbol pf peace, harmony, co-existence, and tranquility. A nurturing year, which the world can always use more of.

The annual West Seattle Polar Bear swim starts at 10 am sharp on January 1 each year. Arrive a few minutes early.

We line up all along the beach, have a count down, and at 10 am sharp, we hold hands and run into the water together. Each year, the swim gets bigger. Over 500 swimmers fanned out in a long line along the beach and joined us last year. It is a great way to wash away the complexities of the previous year, and celebrate the unlimited potential that awaits each of us in the new year. Year after year, Polar Bear swimmers declare that this ritual creates a sense of renewal, and helps make the new year be stronger and more positive.

Traditionally, Duke’s restaurant generously provides free clam chowder and local families bring hot chocolate for the crowd. Afterwards, Alki beach is full of hundreds of smiling swimmers and their families and friends. Come join the fun. Do the West Seattle Polar Bear swim. You will have a great time!

This starts from the sandy section of Alki, right across from Duke’s (58th/Alki). Adding to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which includes other New Year’s Eve/Day options, from walking to parading to dining to more swimming…

mok December 27, 2014 (1:45 pm)

I LOVE the Polar Plunge! Every year, my friends and I pick a theme (usually at Endolyn Joe’s, freezing, in pancake heaven, post plunge). We’ve done Los Luchadores, Vikings, and Sea Monsters. This year, it’s movie characters from old school black/white movies! It’s easy to get caught up in your own world, but every year, the Polar Plunge insures that we re-unite and get a little perspective :) Thank you Mark!

WSB December 27, 2014 (1:58 pm)

Let us know what you’ll be dressed as, and we’ll have our photographer look for you :)

mok December 27, 2014 (2:45 pm)

I’m shooting for Wednesday from the Adams Family. My friend Susan is attempting the Flying Nun, I think (though not technically black/white, that hat is awesome). And about 12 other friends are undecided. There will be a large group of us, dressed in an uncoordinated but semi-related way, so we should be hard to miss :)

Kayleen December 27, 2014 (4:17 pm)

Once again the Softball Umpires will be there in full uniform! Expecting about 20 this year.

Kayleen December 27, 2014 (5:24 pm)

Look for about 20 softball umpires dressed in their uniforms!

polar bear December 27, 2014 (9:45 pm)

Thank you Duke’s for the clam chowder. It’s delicious.

Sue December 28, 2014 (5:20 pm)

There is not enough money in the world to get me to do that – LOL! But I love how excited people are to do it, and glad that it’s well enjoyed!

Karen Lyons December 30, 2014 (11:20 am)

OK! My friend guiltied me into doing the plunge. She was going to did it, alone. But HeY! Great way to welcome the New Year, with a total body shock ;->