New Years?
posted December 6, 2013 7:50 AM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Wed January 1 at 12:15 PM, Coney Island Polar Bear Swim
Coney Island Terminal, Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA (Map & Directions)
LOOKS LIKE WE'RE DOING THE POLAR BEAR SWIM! Afterwards I'm thinking we'll meet up somewhere in the city for something warm and the company of those with more sense. If there is interest maybe we'll do a New Years Eve get together at the Pratt Engine Museum where there is a cool looking thing.
I'll be coming up to New York sometime around the 29th of December through the 1st for a day or two and I'd love to meet as many of you as I can.
posted by Blasdelb to Meetup (63 comments total) 2 users marked this as a favorite

May it speak volumes about my social life, but I would be totally up for this.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 3:31 PM on December 6, 2013


That would be cool!
Any chance we could go see the steam whistles at Pratt? (Recommended several times in threads by the esteemed Empress Callipygos, including quite recently.) I went last year after hanging out at a bar first and it was great.
posted by mlle valentine at 8:14 AM on December 7, 2013 [2 favorites]


If I'm in town I'm totally up for this!
posted by Salamandrous at 8:16 AM on December 7, 2013


It's possible to have non-internet friends? Go figure. I could be up for something, particularly during the day.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:43 AM on December 7, 2013


I'm out of town through the 1st, but would love a meetup on the 2nd or 3rd?
posted by zarq at 10:18 PM on December 7, 2013


I'd probably be up for a NYE-daytime thing (it's not that I have evening plans, I just generally avoid late-night subway/PATH trips on a holiday if I can).
posted by oh yeah! at 5:40 AM on December 8, 2013 [1 favorite]


All my holiday plans are still up in the air, so I'm not sure if I'll be around, but if I am I'd be interested in joining you.
posted by unannihilated at 7:54 AM on December 8, 2013


THIS WOULD BE TOTALLY AWESOME.

I don't know if I'll be in town, but if I am I will TOTALLY come to this. TOTALLY.
posted by Rory Marinich at 9:32 AM on December 9, 2013


POLAR BEAR PLUNGE, who's with me?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:47 AM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]


Oh, hell no. I like having external genitalia, thanks.
posted by zarq at 9:56 AM on December 9, 2013 [1 favorite]


That strikes me as totally suicidal, but I'd do it if enough other lemmings do.
posted by Rory Marinich at 12:50 PM on December 9, 2013


It's Blasdelb's call in this thread, of course. If he doesn't want to do it, I might spin this off to a separate thread.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:02 PM on December 9, 2013


The last time I tried something like that I ended up hypothermic and hallucinating between two of my fellow boy scouts, each in our underwear in a one man sleeping bag. Which is to say I guess that, while I have some fond memories,

HOLY SHIT YES LETS DO IT! Is there somewhere the city where we can find some warm cider afterwards to meet up with those in possession of some more sense?
posted by Blasdelb at 2:59 PM on December 9, 2013


Mmm, could the date be amended?
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:17 PM on December 9, 2013


Yes, I think the meetup date will need to be amended to the actual date of the event :D
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:40 PM on December 9, 2013


I think you can only change future-dates in IRL threads, mod-ly powers will be required for the amending now.

I'm a definite no for the Polar Plunge, and a strong maybe for the post-plunge warm drink.
posted by oh yeah! at 5:47 AM on December 10, 2013


I would be happy to meet after the plunge. Seventh Avenue Donuts, anyone?

Sorry, the date is still wrong, methinks.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 6:41 AM on December 10, 2013


Yeah, it's on New Year's Day, not New Year's Eve.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:52 AM on December 10, 2013


I would meet up for drinks and such post-Polar Bear. Doing the swim always sounds cool in theory, cold in practice :P
posted by mlle valentine at 7:58 AM on December 11, 2013


Yes, despite what my username might lead one to believe, I do not enjoy being cold. Nor damp. Especially not both. I would, however, be interested in warm beverages.

I think the steam whistles sounds amazing. If I / other people are around NYE and have interest in doing that. Maybe it should be it's own proposed? Show of hands?
posted by wintrymix at 9:29 AM on December 11, 2013


Both mlis and I are interested!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 1:55 PM on December 11, 2013


I have a whole box of those hand warmer things! I shall bring them and we can weave ourselves little coats of warmers, lol.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:21 AM on December 13, 2013


NYE spin-off proposed meetup.
posted by wintrymix at 8:38 AM on December 13, 2013


I have signed up against my better judgment*. Is there anything we need to do to actually sign up?

*I actually, uh can't swim.
posted by yaymukund at 1:05 PM on December 13, 2013 [1 favorite]


FUCK IT LET'S DO THIS THING. I'm in - Polar Bear Plunge all the way.
posted by unannihilated at 12:30 PM on December 14, 2013


YES!

Where do people leave their personal items during the plunge? Could we maybe pay a volunteer in donuts and cider to guard our stuff?
posted by rhythm and booze at 3:29 PM on December 16, 2013


I don't know if there's an official place to leave personal items but I'd probably come down and watch y'all's stuff if it turns out you need someone. Coney Island isn't far from me on the train, and the Polar Bear Swim sort of fascinates me (in a schadenfreudian way? probably not?).
posted by mlle valentine at 12:57 PM on December 17, 2013


My husband (stynxno) might be coming, too (with our toddler! So obviously it all depends on the weather, etc); he could watch stuff if necessary.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:17 PM on December 17, 2013


there were no survivors
posted by Eideteker at 10:15 PM on December 17, 2013


Yesterday the heat and hot water went out in my apartment, so I had to take a lukewarm shower in a 50 degree apartment. And I thought I was going to DIE I was so cold.

I'm doomed.
posted by unannihilated at 4:10 AM on December 18, 2013


It's going to be in the 60s this weekend! Maybe it'll be in the 60s for the plunge? Prettyprettyprettyplease?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:12 PM on December 20, 2013


Won't catch me in the water that day, nuh uh, but I'd be happy to stand by your personal items (and see to their disposition to your next-of-kin) followed by coffee and sandwiches.
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 9:31 PM on December 22, 2013


Whoops. I got the time of my flight back to NYC wrong and I won't be able to make it. Next year!
posted by rhythm and booze at 11:10 AM on December 25, 2013


I'm excited! I've been looking for fun "Happy New Year" gear, but unfortunately I haven't found anything that isn't crazy expensive ($3 for one paper hat? Helllll no).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:17 PM on December 28, 2013


Gah! Why can't the weather on Wednesday be like today? I keep checking the weather hopefully but no dice.
posted by unannihilated at 1:13 PM on December 29, 2013


Is there anyone coming to this meet-up who can also go to this one?
posted by Blasdelb at 5:31 PM on December 29, 2013


I think we should pick an official meetup spot- it's gonna be pretty crazy! How about in front of the Nathan's on the boardwalk at 12 noon?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:30 AM on December 30, 2013


That sounds fine. Sooooo...have any of you actually done this before? I'm wondering about some practicalities. Like, what should I bring to get myself warm right afterward? Do I have to get my head wet for it to "count?"
posted by unannihilated at 12:54 PM on December 30, 2013


I have a whole box of warmers I am bringing! Enough for everyone!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:03 PM on December 30, 2013 [2 favorites]


And I don't believe I will get my hair wet!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:04 PM on December 30, 2013


How long do you guys think the event will last? I've got to rush back to the Greyhound station afterwards to get back to DC and would like to get tickets in advance to be sure to have a spot on the bus.
posted by Blasdelb at 7:36 PM on December 30, 2013


I can't imagine wet people really linger in the cold; I don't intend to!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:51 AM on December 31, 2013


They recommend you bring loose clothing. I'm bringing:

- towel
- swimwear
- old sneakers to wear underwater
- t-shirt
- coat, gloves, scarf
- jeans
- gym bag to hold everything while I'm in the water

I can't wait! I will probably get my hair wet because I just got a haircut a week ago.
posted by yaymukund at 5:35 AM on December 31, 2013


Blasdelb: "Is there anyone coming to this meet-up who can also go to this one?"

I am going to both!
posted by yaymukund at 5:38 AM on December 31, 2013


After thinking about it more, I'm sort of waffling on this. I'm recovering from surgery I had last month, and I'm mostly good but not on all cylinders like I thought I would be by now. Last night I shivered so uncontrollably on my short walk from the subway that my teeth were chattering - and this was in a down coat.

Maybe if I had a swim "husband" (in quotes because I don't care about the gender) to be on hand with many forms of warmness as I came out...maybe. Or maybe I'll just try it next year when I'm feeling a little more feisty.
posted by unannihilated at 10:14 AM on December 31, 2013


Those of you observing this event should stitch a bunch of warm blankets together and then when all the masochistic brave Mefites come running out of the water, you can wrap them all up in one big bundle. Group hug!
posted by wintrymix at 11:06 AM on December 31, 2013


I just checked my box- I have 38 super-sized body/hand warmers, and 4 regular sized(?). So I think we'll all be staying very warm tomorrow! I really should not bring any of these things home, must distribute the extras to strangers.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:28 PM on December 31, 2013


I came to my senses about how I'm physically feeling...Yeah, I'm not doing this. Have fun though.
posted by unannihilated at 5:31 PM on December 31, 2013


You shall be missed! Rest up! The ocean will be there next year!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:34 PM on December 31, 2013


25 DEGREES, WHO IS READY??
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:56 AM on January 1, 2014 [1 favorite]


Getting excited to meetup! 12 noon, Nathan's on the boardwalk, I'll be wearing my angel halo (possibly over my hat).
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:56 AM on January 1, 2014


Hey, I'm just getting our of the house a bit late.. Google says I'll be there in 1:20. I'll be checking this thread if you all decide to move abd want to update. Can't wait!
posted by yaymukund at 8:06 AM on January 1, 2014


I'm afraid I've woken up sick and won't be able to make it.
posted by Blasdelb at 8:17 AM on January 1, 2014


I just woke up a little bit ago so either way my endeavor was doomed...but good luck!!!! Post pictures.
posted by unannihilated at 9:15 AM on January 1, 2014


I just got here! Wearing a red gym bag and blue grey pants!
posted by yaymukund at 9:31 AM on January 1, 2014


I'm just inside Nathan's, across from Itsugar
posted by yaymukund at 9:34 AM on January 1, 2014


So sorry we missed you! We were outside the closed Nathan's on the boardwalk! I did end up going in SO COLD SO COLD will have photos later.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:19 PM on January 1, 2014


Linked to our photos! Scroll forward from there.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:41 PM on January 1, 2014


SO COLD.

After all that planning, I forgot to bring a towel! But I did not drown.

I just took a risk and left my bag amongst other random bags in the sand and it was fine.

It was great fun. I would go again. What a thrill!
posted by yaymukund at 5:25 PM on January 1, 2014


I'm not sure I'd do it again....maybe one of those freak years where it's closer to 50 :D
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:43 PM on January 1, 2014


You look surprisingly not cold.
posted by unannihilated at 6:20 AM on January 2, 2014


I pretended I was on America's Next Top Model, doing one of Tyra's sick "model a bikini in the freezing cold" challenges.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:32 AM on January 2, 2014


Tremendous! Congrats. You are completely nuts.

And a very happy new year!!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 9:27 PM on January 2, 2014 [2 favorites]



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