Page-Lake Powell’s 5th Annual Event
2006 participants hurry out of the water to get their reward -
an ice cold Klondike Bar
5TH ANNUAL EVENT
| Year | # of Polar Bears |
Air Temperature |
Water Temperature |
Predicted Super Bowl Vegas Winner |
Point Spread Winner |
Prediction Record |
| 2002 | 6 | 30 degrees | 48.5 degrees | AFC - New England Paddlers | New England | 1-0 |
| 2003 | 24 | 45 degrees | 50.2 degrees | AFC - Oakland Waders | Tampa Bay | 1-1 |
| 2004 | Private party (only 3) |
39 degrees, snow pellets and 25 mph wind |
46.9 degrees | NFC - Carolina Penguins |
Carolina
|
2-1 |
| 2005 | 7 | 51 degrees | 50.2 degrees | NFC - Philadelphia Sea Gulls |
Philadelphia |
3-1 |
| 2006 | 9 | 41 degrees | 50.2 degrees | AFC - Pittsburgh Seal-ers |
Pittsburgh |
4-1 |
| 2007 | 2 | 46.8 | 47.8 | AFC - Indianapolis Coots |
Indianapolis |
5-1 |
Press Release
January 28, 2006
Princess Turns Bear!
Pittsburgh "Seal"-ers win controversal 2006 Super Bowl ceremonial coin toss
It was the 5th year anniversary and the day saw a number of firsts. Last year's 2006 Polar Bear princess, Traci Varner, could not resist the urge and for the 2006 event she became a cold blooded member of the Polar Bear Club. This was also the first year that Page, Arizona had snow on the ground for the event... although the snow line stopped just short of the lake's shoreline. On Friday, it was cloudy with snow flurries in Page but on Saturday the air temperature was a tropical 41 degrees for the plunge event.
But the biggest first...was "we couldn't keep these crazies out of the water to host some of our traditional ceremonial events," said Polar Bear organizer Paul Ostapuk. Before we could even get started...Bryan Hill, Page Electric Utility General Manager took the plunge and was soon joined by two other eager "polar bears" anxious to feel the therapeutic benefits of cold water. "It was like watching a line of penguins following each other and jumping off into the artic ocean....one by one," said Ostapuk. "Next year, we are going to have to work on better security for the event to keep participants better behaved. This group was a bit out of control and certainly ready to party!"
Following the plunge event...the Super Bowl coin flip by new member Traci Varner projected that the Pittsburgh 'Seal'-ers would reign supreme in next Sunday's Super Bowl contest although this was a bit controversal since Traci was admittedly a Pittsburgh fan and the flipping technique looked suspicious.
Do you have the courage to be a Lake
Powell Polar Bear?
For More Information
Paul Ostapuk at 645-6577 / 4959 or Jody Gebhardt at 645-1456 / 608- 6035
Life is short: So Live a little, Laugh a
little…Play a lot!
And it’s never too cold to eat ice cream or take a swim in Lake Powell.
F.A.Q. - Cold Water Swimming Entry Forms and Waiver
2005 Photos 2004 Photos 2003 Photos 2002 Photos
Photo Gallery - Cold Water Swimming Images from around the World
Polar Bear Club and Cold Water Swimming Links
Benefits of becoming a Polar Bear Member
1)
Shocking the circulatory system can produce a warm afterglow and a transcendental
state that one literally needs to experience to fully understand.
2) It is a spiritually uplifting ritual which can surpass any normal level of comprehension.
3) It can reduce
wrinkles. Drastic temperature changes and shivering skin
actually exercise shallow sub-cutaneous muscles that firm the skin.
4) You become part of history rooted in the European tradition
of saunas and cold-water bathing.
5) Jumping in near-freezing water wearing little more than a pair of shorts
takes a brave soul.
6) Participants build a sense of camaraderie and valued friendships that can last a lifetime.
7) It helps mentally by shortening the winter season and lifts bouts of depression.
8) It's a heck of lot
cheaper and safer than walking on coals.