POLAR PLUNGE REBOOT

At “Polar Plunge Reboot,” swimmers came together, helping each other to overcome fear.

After back-to-back storms drenched Southern California and canceled the official Jan.1 annual Polar Bear Plunge, a rainless day was all it took to reboot the spirit of the New Year’s celebration. A few dozen swimmers showed up at La Jolla Shores on Jan. 21, to make up for lost time.

Over 2700 swimmers who connected through a Facebook group, San Diego Open Water Swimming, received a call for the “Polar Plunge Reboot” led by Zana Kerr. Both the fair weather and the promise of bonfire/potluck afterward lured new members to the beach. Zana saw her regular noon swim group triple in size.

“Why not keep celebrating all the time? We live in paradise.”

Greg Laugle

In contrast to the ominous weather that prompted the cancellation on Jan. 1, blue skies and calm ocean welcomed the swimmers. The water temperature, however, only ticked upward by a degree or two. The chills from the sub-60 F water brought the echoing shrieks from the swimmers as they shuffled their feet through the waves.

Swimmers participating 2023 Polar Plunge Reboot selfie photo in water
Swimmers participated 2023 Polar Plunge Reboot. Photo by Rachel Wetterlin.

Some participants were seasoned open water swimmers, while others had not gotten into the ocean for years. Newcomers were led by the regulars. A woman entered deep water but was too nervous to go much further. Rachel Wetterlin, who started her own open water adventure about a year ago, volunteered to escort her back to shore while the others swam on.

Even though many open-water swimmers love the thrill of challenge, most understand the risk that comes with swimming in the ocean: weather and current can change rapidly, and the cold compounds the unpredictability. The swimmers do their best to support each other. Easy communication through social media has expanded the popularity of ocean swimming at La Jolla Shores. As such, missing one swim would not ruin the whole year. After all, the ocean is always there.

“The Jan. 1 Polar Plunge was canceled due to ocean conditions, so we did a reboot today instead,” said Greg Laugle. “Why not keep celebrating all the time? We live in paradise.”

“Crickets have been on my bucket list for a long time.”

Mary McDonald

After a refreshing dip or longer cruise, a potluck of comradery continued around Greg’s makeshift table, displaying the eclectic tastes of the group. While pizzas, cookies, and dumplings were all good and filling, what won the day was a puny bag of insects.

Seasonings that turned the bugs red did not hide any of their chitinous features but rather seemed to have highlighted all the details: serrated legs, segmented antennas, darker eyes. People who used to plunge under chilly choppy waves suddenly became a little squirmy when asked to try some of our spiny little friends. Those who did try were quick to voice their praise, with a knowing smirk.

Pizza with cricket topping
Pizza with cricket topping. Photo by Mary McDonald.

Mary McDonald, who initially resisted, eventually took up the challenge, eyes closed. Recalling “a crunchy/salty/hint of lime taste…, I’m not sure of the adjective I’m looking for,” she laughed afterward. “Crickets have been on my bucket list for a long time. I can cross that off now.”

Not too bad for a day’s work, crossing two “to-dos” off the old New Year’s resolutions. 

* Last update on July 8, 2023.

(Featured image: roasted grasshoppers. Image credit: Elaine Thompson / AP)

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