Taking the Polar Plunge – Utqiagvik, Alaska
Get ready to BRRRave the Polar Plunge!
What is the Polar Plunge?
The Polar Plunge, also known as the Polar Bear Plunge, is a chilly challenge where people take a dip in freezing cold water, usually during winter. These events often raise money for charity, adding a layer of purpose to the icy feat.
Not Just for Winter Warriors
Believe it or not, Polar Plunges can happen year-round in places like the Arctic and Antarctic, where ocean temperatures hover around a frigid 28°F.
Safety First!
While the Polar Plunge is a thrilling tradition, remember safety is key. Cold water exposure can lead to fainting, cardiac arrest, and even death in rare cases. Always consult your doctor before taking the plunge to ensure it’s safe for you.
Taking the Polar Plunge - Table of Contents
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Experience the Frigid Frontier: Polar Plunging in Utqiagvik, Alaska
Utqiagvik, Alaska, the northernmost city in the US, beckons with the ultimate Polar Plunge challenge! Here’s where to take the plunge and embrace the icy thrill:
Closest to Your Hotel:
King Eider Inn: Head down Ahkovak Street to the Funakoshi Memorial. Look for the path leading to the Arctic Ocean.Stay on the marked path to minimize erosion.
Top of the World Hotel: Head past the iconic Whale Bone Arch for the closest public access point. Bonus: Upon your return, snag a Polar Plunge certificate from the hotel!
Beyond the Hotels:
If you have a car, the entire Utqiagvik Arctic Ocean shoreline is your Polar Plunging playground!
Just Remember...
- Polar Bear Awareness: Stay alert for these majestic creatures.
- Stay in Town: Don’t wander onto UIC Lands (Utqiagvik Inupiat Corporation) without prior permission.
- Don’t Assume the Ice is Safe: Be careful walking on the ice or you might take an accidental polar plunge!
- Watch for Jellyfish: There are often quite a few jellyfish near the shore.
My Experience Taking the Polar Plunge (Sort of)
My recent stay at the King Eider Inn in Utqiagvik, Alaska, presented an unforgettable (and slightly comical) opportunity – a Polar Plunge (sort of)!
Following Ahkovak Street, I arrived at the Funakoshi Memorial. Here, a path beckoned me towards the legendary Arctic Ocean. Fog swirled around me, obscuring the horizon. But the real showstopper? Icebergs! These majestic giants dotted the water, adding an extra layer of awe to the scene.
Taking a deep breath (and bracing myself!), I waded into the icy water. Now, full disclosure, it wasn’t a full-on Polar Plunge. But let me tell you, even knee-deep was enough to make it feel like one thousand small needles were sticking into my feet! The air itself was a bone-chilling 41°F, but the water took things to a whole new level, registering a staggering 29°F!
How many people can say they’ve dipped their toes in the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by fog and icebergs? Not many, that’s for sure! This experience was a unique blend of exhilaration and, admittedly, a touch of comical fumbling with my GoPro and camera as I tried to acclimate to the shockingly cold water.
So, while I may not have plunged headfirst, this “toe-dip” adventure in Utqiagvik was an unforgettable way to connect with the raw power and beauty of the Arctic.
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