As bone-chilling wind whipped Oak Bay’s shores on New Year’s Day, hundreds gathered to start 2025 off with a fun, albeit freezing, start.
At precisely noon, brave swimmers from across Greater Victoria took part in the annual polar bear swim at Willows Beach.
“It's brisk,” said Paul Dunbar, who leapt into the sea twice, seemingly unfazed by the cold water. “The first step in there takes your breath away. The second one's not too bad. Your body kind of levels out a little bit, so it gets a little bit better after that.”
Dozens happy to stay warm cheered on the brave swimmers – and a few fearless pups – from the comfort of their winter jackets. Some even gathered next to propane fire pits, sipping hot cocoa and coffee, much of which the meet-up's organizer The Lido Club – a cold-water swimming community in Greater Victoria – provided.
Magnus McElroy was among the swimmers who caught onlookers’ attention. Sporting nothing but aviator sunglasses and a purple kilt, he waltzed into the ocean like one would into a swimming pool – completely unbothered.
“It’s a great way to start the year,” he said. “It hurts a little bit, it sucks a little bit. You realize what you were dreading, what you were putting off ... if you just do it, it’s over and you have a much better experience after it’s done.”
Another attraction was a crew of karate students and sensei, all of whom charged into the water donning their traditional white ‘gi’ uniforms.
As the event wrapped up, the beach was alive with laughter and conversation, as many touted the polar bear swim as the perfect way to start 2025.
“It's a good chance to reset and start the year off right, challenge the mental a little bit,” said Dunbar.
