The Really, Really Big Chill

Some of us are big wimps when it comes to cold. Then there are tough guys like my cousin, Stede Barnes, who will soon be taking his second polar plunge into the frigid waters of Virginia Beach in February. I wondered just how awful that first dunk must feel.

"I basically run in as fast as I can in order to minimize the initial shock," said Stede. After that, "it really isn't that bad. A couple of my team members and I went in a second time."

Stede Barnes (far right) and team, post-plunge.

How could he stand to do something so unpleasant? "First and foremost, I decided to do it because it raised money for a good cause, Special Olympics. Additionally, our team was comprised of a fun crowd and I knew it would be a good time," he said.

I wondered if Stede's wrestling background (2x district champ, 1x regional champ, 5th in the state) prepared him in any way. "My previous high school wrestling experience probably made me just crazy enough to enjoy jumping into icy cold water," he said.

He described the plunge. "Basically, you line up on the beach and wait for the kids with special needs to run into the water first. This is probably the most rewarding part of the entire day, because of the genuine smiles on the children's faces that come from being a part of an event of this size," he said. "It's not every day that you get to see such true happiness and feel proud that you had something to do with it."

After the kids exit the water, there is a countdown and then the rest of the participants sprint into the ocean. A line of coast guard volunteers in wet suits stand near by, just in case. Some of the participants go into the water wearing costumes. Last year's group included Darth Vader, some Smurfs, and a team of Christmas trees.

About 10,000 are expected for this year's Polar Plunge XVIII Winter Festival, which will take place in Virginia Beach February 5-6. The festival will kick off with a Friday night Plunge Party, and the actual plunge will take place on Saturday. Additional events include ice carving, a Kids Zone, live music, games and booths, and a giant sand sculpture display.

Last year brought unseasonably warm temperatures, and a water temperature around 45 degrees. Stede anticipates a much colder plunge this year. "But cold weather has never really bothered me." Stede raised $930 through the plunge last year; this year his goal is $1,000. The funds will come at an especially important time. Special Olympics funding is down, which has forced the non-profit to cut some events. Stede said he supports the non-profit because "I feel like it gives children with special needs a chance to compete and experience the joy of winning."

If you would like more information about the event, please see http://www.polarplunge.com/ Stede's sponsors may donate at http://www.firstgiving.org/stede2.

Good luck, Stede!