Hundreds take part in Dartmouth, N.S., polar dip

Hundreds of people braved the cold for polar bear dips in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

While many Maritimers woke up in a warm and cozy bed on New Year’s Day, some people were taking an ice-cold dip.

Hundreds of people tended the annual polar dip event put on by the Darkside Dippers at Lion’s Beach Park in Dartmouth, N.S., Thursday.

“The New Year’s Day polar dip is a super special event because it’s a day where the community gets together and can jump in the water and do this hard, challenging activity and feel refreshed and have somewhat of a clean slate going into the new year,” says Koko McNeill, an organiser with the Darkside Dippers.

“We’re expecting about 550 to 600 people today. So, I think it’s the largest polar dip in Nova Scotia.”

A flurry of freezing rain came down just before the polar dip started, but that didn’t stop the show.

“It’s so refreshing,” says participant Angie Zinck. “It’s a little daunting stepping in off the ice…but it’s great. I love it.”

Another participant, Mariah Peer, took part in the challenge for the second year in a row.

“I did it last year, so going back this year for the first time,” says Peer. “(I) went for three minutes and hit my goal. So doing pretty good.”

Peer says it’s a mental challenge that teaches you to push yourself.

“It’s good for recovery,” she says. “I feel better afterwards.”

Polar plunges took place across the city and nationwide, Thursday. Many participants say it is the best way to ring in the new year.

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