Hardy souls gather for 33rd strip and dip

If there had been a prize for skimpiest costume at the Summerland Kinsmen Polar Bear Dip on Monday, it surely would have gone to Laurenz Webber.

The 15-year-old German exchange student splashed around in the frigid water off SunOka Beach wearing nothing but tiny, multi-hued swim briefs.

As he warmed up around a fire afterwards, Webber noted the lack of clothing also meant he had less wet fabric on his body to freeze once out of the water.

“It wasn’t as bad as I expected, so it was all fun,” he said through chattering teeth after what was his first ever polar dip.

Webber was among the 50 or so brave souls who ran into the 3 C water to ring in the new year — and got out just as quickly under the watchful eyes of members of Penticton and District Search and Rescue.

Osoyoos woman Suzannah Wish, 77, was similarly pleased with what was also her first organized polar bear swim.

“It was wonderful,” she said, “but I’ve got to find out what to do about our feet. They get the coldest really fast.”

After taking the plunge on her own last year in Osoyoos Lake, she decided to travel north to Sun-Oka Beach to join other revellers.

“I love the cold and it’s a challenge — bucket list,” added Wish.

Kinsmen president Blair Gillingham attributed the popularity of the event, which has now been running for 33 years, to its range of extras, including community spirit, warming fires, collectible T-shirts and on-site emergency personnel.

Donations collected from participants help fund the Kinsmen Club’s charitable work.

“So for everybody in the community that needs some help, needs some support, that’s what Kinsmen do,” he said. “We serve the community’s greatest needs.”

Just prior to the dip, Gillingham handed out prizes in several categories.

Best team costumes went to the Ugly Sweater Crew.

The best male costume was awarded to Patrick Amundsen for his black fishnet outfit, while the best female costume was the sequined piece worn by Sandra Whiting.

The youngest swimmer was six-year-old Alyvia Gerdevich of Peachland.

JOE FRIES/Penticton Herald Patrick Amundsen, middle, wears a black fishnet outfit which was named best men’s costume at Monday’s 33rd annual Summerland Kinsmen Polar Bear Dip.

Penticton Herald Penticton Herald Sandra Whiting, left in the sequined top that earned her the prize for best women’s costume.

Penticton Herald The Ugly Sweater Crew, won the prize for best team costumes.

Laurenz Webber hoped his sparse swim briefs would help him warm up a little faster after getting out of the water.