NEW YEAR’S 2016: West Seattle Polar Bear Swim at Alki Beach is on!

(2015 Polar Bear Swim photo by Craig Young)
For everyone who’s been asking: Organizer Mark Ufkes confirmed this morning that the annual New Year’s Day West Seattle Polar Bear Swim at Alki Beach is on:

10 am January 1, 2016 in front of Duke’s on Alki. We line up along the beach, hold hands, and after a short count down, we all run into the water. Last year, more than 500 participated. We go into the water at 10 am sharp after the count down, so get there a little early. Bring water shoes, towel, change of clothes and your hopes and dreams for 2016. Duke’s clam chowder is generously provided by Duke and his crew. This is a great way to wash away the complexities of 2015 and welcome the unlimited possibilities of 2016.

Here’s our coverage from last year.

12 Replies to "NEW YEAR'S 2016: West Seattle Polar Bear Swim at Alki Beach is on!"

  • Kayleen December 27, 2015 (5:45 pm)

    The Seattle Softball Umpires will be there again this year – running into the Sound in 2016 dressed in full umpire uniform! We’ll also have info for those who might want to become umpires!

  • West Seattle Hipster December 27, 2015 (6:33 pm)

    Clothing optional?

    • WSB December 27, 2015 (6:38 pm)

      Don’t think we’ve ever seen an unclothed “swimmer” at one of these but there’s a first time for everything.

  • Elizabeth December 27, 2015 (7:57 pm)

    Hey! Registration and cost? Where does one park for this event? Parking cost? I do know it is Seattle!

    • WSB December 27, 2015 (8:18 pm)

      No registration, no cost, never has been. Just show up. It’s a big beach; there’s room for everybody. Re: parking, there’s no paid parking on Alki. Park wherever you can find a space, or walk/bike/take the bus …

  • george costanza December 28, 2015 (8:30 am)

    hipster-if your thinking of going in without clothing beware of shrinkage in the icy water

  • Oscar p December 28, 2015 (1:20 pm)

    There’s no paid street parking anywhere in Seattle on Jan 1, its a holiday. Unfortunately that also means that if you want to actually find a parking place on street in most places, you probably won’t. But then, you’re still getting your money’s worth.

  • Admiral935 December 30, 2015 (12:06 pm)

    Been looking for the water temp, seems NOAA says 50-51F. Hmmm, a bit brisk this year?

    • WSB December 30, 2015 (12:37 pm)

      That was the water temp last year too. P.S. You don’t have to search for the water temp – direct link is a permanent fixture on the WSB West Seattle Weather page, toward the end – https://westseattleblog.com/west-seattle-weather (or click the WEATHER tab from any page beneath the header) – TR

  • Dave Mac December 30, 2015 (3:35 pm)

    A few paddleboarders & kayakers would like to join in the fun. We would be on the water and out of the way of swimmers. OK with you guys ?

  • Delboy December 30, 2015 (7:56 pm)

    @Dave Mac, fine by me. A Big bunch of lovely water out there.
    Regarding water temp, good data posted by WSB. Incidentallly, dive computer registered 48 degrees F at deprh (hopefully not a concern for anyone) and 50.8 F near surface on Sunday…brrrr. My money is on a water temp near 50F on Friday; a warm bath considering predicted air temp. WOO HOO!!!

  • James January 1, 2016 (10:21 am)

    Really? That’s a polar bear FAIL (by this former Alaskan’s perspective). Doesn’t look like some even got in to their waist. And not very cold water! But as long as it was fun a social event :)

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