Polar Bears

The morning of January 1, 2010. Hard by the banks of the Little Miami River. The air temperature has barely cracked 20F and the wind chill factor makes it feel like 7F, according to a local meteorologist. Happy New Year. If it feels like seven, it’s seven as far as I’m concerned.

A couple dozen kayakers are on the steep banks preparing to slide into the gelid waters. The splashes generated by the first plungers instantaneously create icicles on their helmets and paddle shafts. You might expect the mood to be grim.

But no, it’s joyous. People laughing, exchanging jokes and squealing with delight. What madness is this?

It’s an annual tradition of a group called Cincypaddlers.org. It’s our version of the many polar bear swims you see around the world on the first day of the year. Why? Everything has a reason.

I’m curious about this in the afterglow of the great time we had, so I search the sites of the polar bear groups in search of reasons. Because it’s a way of starting the year off right. Plunging into glacial water? Hard dots to connect.

Because we’re doing something other people don’t. We paddle with alligators, sharks and over waterfalls. I don’t feel a compulsion to get up New Years Day to make that point. Besides, if it’s something other people don’t do, there may be a reason for that.

Why is this special? It’s a stretch of river that some find boring the other 364 days of the year, even under ideal conditions. But today, it’s a blast for all. Maybe it’s a bonding thing.

We paddle the river and then it’s off to a Mexican restaurant to down burritos and margaritas, and some more horsing around. Many had a late New Years Eve and should be crawling home to bed after the paddling. But, they’re partying. Why?

Because it’s a lot of fun. I haven’t figured out why, but who cares? Fun is a gift horse not to be looked in the mouth, I suppose. In the end, all you have is your memories. The more positive they are, the more you’ve made of your one and only life.

We’ve started stockpiling the good stuff for 2010. Hope you are, too.