Ringing in the New Year by taking a dip into the Puget Sound is nothing unfamiliar to those who live near it. This year WTIA hosted its own Polar Bear Plunge on the chilly shores of Alki Beach. More than two-dozen people signed up for the event, but there were only ten truly brave (or crazy) souls in the crowd.

Most attendees were new to the tradition, but WTIA’s CEO Michael Schutzler and I were veteran plungers. Tactics to prepare for the icy waters ranged from bundling up in layers and heart-pounding cardio to Zen-like calm. When it was all said and done the revelry was over in a splash with most saying they’d do it again!

One shoe was lost to the Sound, and some nearby like-minded swimmers heckled “That’s it?” We were proud of taking the plunge and look forward to having you all join us again in 2017!

A big thanks to WTIA member and event sponsor Tegile for generously providing coffee, donuts, and muffins.

Nicole Newland, WTIA’s Membership Experience Manager, snapped some great pictures of the event. We even made it into the West Seattle Blog!