Every New Year’s day crazy Coloradans gather for the Boulder Polar Plunge. Due to some scheduling conflicts the annual tradition has been moved to January 7.
The Boulder Polar Plunge started on New Year’s Day back in 1982. The event hosts hundreds of onlookers who gather to watch 400-600 extremely brave individuals willing to take the plunge into the chilly waters of the Boulder Reservoir.
The event has partnered with the American Cancer Society and has picked up speed as an amazing charity event that raises a ton of money for cancer research.
The brave souls participating in the Boulder Polar Plunge register to participate, $25 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. Anyone can register for the event up until the day, now moved to Saturday, January 7 due to the first coming at the end of a long holiday weekend.
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Polar Plunge at the Boulder Reservoir on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011. (Joshua Buck/Times-Call)[/caption]
If you’re unfamiliar with the Boulder Polar Plunge, or you’re possibly interested in participating yourself there are a few details you should be aware of before you dive on in.
First off, the Plunge is a fundraising event, therefore the American Cancer Society challenges each participant to set a fundraising goal of at least $100. The society has several helpful tools to reach whatever goal you may have, and you can see how to register and how to fundraise or donate on the event’s page.
After you’re all registered and revving up your fundraising, it’s time to prep for the Plunge itself. There are a few specifics to be aware of for the Boulder Polar Plunge:
- Check in begins at 10:00 a.m. on January 7. Plungers can start lining up at the waiver table as early as 9:00 a.m.
- Plunging will happen on a first come, first served basis - Registering before Jan. 7 will help you save!
- Every Plunger must sign a waiver. Minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian - 2017 Plunge Liability Waiver
- The top fundraising teams and individuals will have the honor of taking the plunge first
- First plunge will start at 12:00 p.m.
- Last Plungers will leave the water at 2:00 p.m.
- Every Plunger will receive a Plunge Certificate
The American Cancer Society also has some handy Plunging Tips for a successful and safe Boulder Polar Plunge:
- Plungers will line up on the beach and wait their turn to take the plunge. It’s suggested you wear warm clothes over your swimwear so you can stay warm while you wait. Also, don’t forget to bring a towel (or two!!)!
- Water shoes or thick socks are highly suggested. Sharp rocks in the reservoir can damage cold and numbed feet!
- Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged
- NO ONE is permitted to swim past the docks toward the ice on Boulder Reservoir. The Boulder Fire Department Dive Team will have de-iced an area that will be clearly marked by cones and maintained. DO NOT attempt to swim past the end of the docks. This is for your own safety!
- There will be a warming tent and warm showers available for plungers immediately upon leaving the water.
- If you’d like to stay dry but still do your part, you can volunteer at the event as well! Simply contact [email protected] to get signed up!
The Boulder Polar Plunge is not only a fun and funny community event, it’s a great way for people to get involved and help raise money for an extremely important cause. Do your part, sign up or simply donate and attend the event! Start your New Year on the right foot and take the plunge January 7!
