🥶 The Polar Bear Challenge: New Year's Dive in Ostend! (2026 Edition)

👋 Hey Adventurers !

Are you brave enough to wash away 2025 and start 2026 with a massive splash?

Join us for the legendary Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dive) in Ostend! Every year, thousands of "Polar Bears" gather on the beach to run into the freezing North Sea. It is crazy, it is freezing, but the adrenaline rush is absolutely unforgettable.

❄️ Do I HAVE to dive?
No! If you prefer to stay dry, we need a "Support Squad" to guard the towels, take photos, and have the hot chocolate ready. Whether you are running into the waves or cheering from the sand, you are part of the crew.

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📅 The Plan (Saturday, Jan 3)

• 11:45 AM: Meet at Brussels Central Station (Main Hall, by the departure board). Look for the Sunday Vacations sign!
• 12:00 PM: Take the train to Ostend together.
• 1:30 PM: Arrive, register, and find our spot on the beach. Time to change (or put on your funny costume!).
• 3:00 PM: THE DIVE! We run in, splash around, and run back out (very fast).
• 3:30 PM: Warm up! We’ll grab hot soup, jenever, or hot chocolate (often provided by the event or we buy our own).
• 5:00 PM: A nice group dinner (Fish & Chips or Mussels) in Ostend to warm our bones.
• 7:30 PM: Train back to Brussels.

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💰 Costs & Membership

• Organizing Fee:
• Voyager & Ambassador Members: FREE
• Explorer Members: €5
• Non-Members: ⚠️ Important: You must be a registered member to join this trip.
• 👉 Become a member here: https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership
• Ostend Dive Registration: Approx. €10 (Paid directly to the event organizers online).
• Transport: Approx. €15 (Weekend Ticket return).

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🎒 What to Bring

• For Divers: Swimwear (already on under clothes helps!), a warm hat, a large towel, flip-flops (the sand is cold!), and loose warm clothes for immediately after.
• For Everyone: Warm coat, gloves, scarf.
• Cash/Card: For the train, registration, and food.

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⚠️ Important Notes

• Safety: The event has lifeguards and medical staff. We stick together!
• Tickets: Please buy your train ticket before meeting us to save time. Get your dive tickets here: https://www.visitoostende.be/en/node/29407

Let's start 2026 with a story we'll tell for the rest of the year. Who's in? 🥶🌊
👉 RSVP Now!

*Want to waive the organizing fee? Upgrade to Voyager or Ambassador status on our website: www.sundayvacations.com!*

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