Cold comfort
Manzanita Polar plunge goes virtual
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
Perhaps you’ve heard of Wim Hof, aka “The Iceman,” a Dutchman who has made a name for himself by combining attention-seeking stunts, like spending more than an hour lying on a huge block of ice in his underpants, with medically overseen experiments that reveal evidence that shocking the system regularly can have real long-term health benefits.
Janice Gaines, a seeker of fun rather than attention, started plunging into the ocean every New Year’s Day as a way to start the year off right and, within a decade, her loosely organized, Manzanita-based event grew to more than 500 participants.
“There’s no question that it’s a healthy thing to do,” she said. “It’s great for your metabolism, your blood flow increases; there are all kinds of health reasons to do it. But for me, the New Year's Day event is more about starting your year off with a bang and hitting the ground running.”
This year, the event will be held virtually, which removes some of the fun of doing it with a crowd, but gives people far more options for participation. To feel like you are still part of an event, plunge with Gaines and others from wherever you choose at 11 am on New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1.
“Plunge into the ocean somewhere; jump in a river, lake, pond or creek,” Gaines said. “You can even run through a sprinkler or have a friend spray you with a hose; submerge into a cold bath or dump cold water over your head.”
Though the location is up to the plunger, Gaines encourages people to gather with their COVID-19 safe circle or by themselves, take a picture and, using the hashtag #manzanitapolarplunge2021, post it on their Facebook page or the Spa Manzanita Facebook page.
“That will be the fun part, getting to see what everyone else did,” she said. “I’d love to make a collage of photos if we get enough people joining in.”
Please use the precautions that should be always taken when near the ocean or causing a rapid change in body temperature: never turn your back on the ocean, don’t go into the ocean or any body of water alone and make sure you have a way to warm immediately afterwards, like a full change of dry clothes or a blanket nearby.
“Be smart and childlike at the same time,” Gaines said. “Costumes are encouraged.”
Gaines said things like this are needed to keep spirits up — this year in particular.
“Doing this, regardless of what’s been going on lately, shows perseverance,” she said. “You can wallow at home or get out and do something positive.”
Over the years that she has organized the in-person plunge event, Gaines has seen people use it as a way to celebrate life, even in the face of loss.
“Some people do it as a memorial to a friend,” she said. “I’ve had people that spread ashes of loved ones, I’ve had people that just get over cancer and did it with friends that came and supported them.”
In response to the often-heard assertion that immersing oneself to water during the coldest part of the year shows a lack of sense, Gaines encourages people to try it before they make up their mind, especially if they are near the Pacific Ocean.
“It’s not that off the wall, honestly,” she said. “The polar plunge here really isn’t that polar. There are some really crazy ones that have been going on for decades in icy lakes in places like Minnesota. For us, the big thing is facing the fear of going into the ocean but, once you do it, it’s great.”
There is a reason people do it even in legit crazy locations, Gaines said.
“It really just makes you feel alive,” she said. “It gives you a feeling of vitality and a sense of optimism. I know a lot of people do it regularly on their own or in small groups, just because it really is a fun thing to do.”
Gaines, who plunges to rid any residual negative energy from the year before, also made a final promise to dunkers. But please, don’t hold her to it.
“Yes it’s true, we can't explain it,” she said. “But jumping in the ocean or any cold water event on New Year's Day brings good luck all year!”