Pittsburgh Kayakers (ka-"yack"-ers)

January 1, 2011 8:00 AM - 4 attended

Paddle to the Polar Bear Plunge

South Side Riverfront Park (map)

Selected By: Mike C

42 photos of this Meetup

Uploaded by: Mike C, bob baker

Every year in Pittsburgh, a bunch of crazy people come to the Mon Wharf and jump into the icy water at 9:30 AM New Year's Day. Let's be part of the spectacle! Meet me at Riverfront Park on the South Side for an 8:00 AM launch. We'll paddle down the Mon and watch the festivities from our boats, cheering on the crazies and smiling for the TV news crews.

The air temperature will be a balmy 40-degrees, but expect water temperature to be in the mid-30's. Therefore, everyone on the trip MUST wear cold-water gear (wet suit or dry suit) in addition to their PFD's. Bring a marine radio if you have one - River Rescue will be on duty for the event, a quick radio call away. Call me at [masked] if you have any questions.

Cowabunga!

Mike C
Bob - yes, just follow 18th St. down to the river. See you there!

Posted December 31, 2010 at 9:48 AM
Tom Dempsey
Outstanding! Who knew Polar Bears were so nuts! Or that there were so many of them! It's really all about perspective. I've seen the 30 second snippets on TV with a few folks jumping in the water but this was amazing. Sitting in a kayak 30 yds offshore watching more than 100 crazy people spread over 100 yards of the Mon Wharf dressed in not much more than adrenaline-fueled goosebumps and various bits and pieces of clothing, bathing suits and outrageous costumes! Happy New Year!

Posted January 1, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Barbara
What a "Cool" thing to do to bring in the New Year! The fog looked like San Francisco as the bridges emerged and we shared the water with some ducks and geese. Fantastic fun. Barb

Posted January 1, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Mike C
We DID make the TV news... see http://video.pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/global/video/popup/p... Ties Knot During Polar Bear Plunge&flvUri=&partnerclipid=

Posted January 2, 2011 at 10:35 AM
You must be a member to post a comment. Join or login.

4 attended

5.002 (2 ratings)

Event Host

Mike C
Organizer

Amazing that paddling in the rain in January could be so much fun. With the heavy fog, we couldn't see halfway across the river. Also couldn't see or hear approaching barges (surprise!). But we could hear the crazy Polar Bears long before we could see them. Thanks Barb, Bob & Tom for ignoring the weather and coming anyway - that was a blast!
Tom Dempsey

A great experience. Good start time. Good air temperature. Great attendees and an outstanding perspective on a wild Pittsburgh tradition.
Barbara
bob baker