Everything You Need To Know About Polar Plunging

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take a leap into some of the coldest waters, you’re not alone. This activity is commonly known as polar plunging, and its participation levels have surged hugely in recent years with more and more thrillseekers enjoying the exhilarating and refreshing shock of cold water exposure. 

Whether it’s a solo dip for a personal challenge or a group event for charity, polar plunging offers a huge range of benefits for those brave enough to give it a go. Before you join them, read on to discover exactly why polar plunging has captured so much attention, the benefits it can offer you, and how you can prepare for your first plunge into the icy cold. 

What Is A Polar Plunge?

A polar plunge is any occasion when thrillseekers willingly throw themselves into extremely cold water, usually the ocean during the winter months. Participants may be tethered to a ship or boat and leap into the cold body of water for a very short but invigorating period of time, or run in from the shore with other daredevils. 

The cold-water tradition has always been particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, but it has become increasingly common in the United States through its association with annual charity events and plunges on Arctic or Antarctic cruises. In fact, one of the most well-known versions of the polar plunge is the Polar Bear Plunge, an organised charity event which takes place in a variety of states. From the Coney Island Polar Bear’s Club New Year’s Day Plunge to Maryland’s Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, these events attract thousands of participants keen to throw themselves into some of the coldest water in aid of a worthy cause. 

However, polar plunging isn’t exclusive to organised events. Others choose to do their own local plunges or commit to braving the cold water regularly for health reasons (more on these benefits shortly!). Whether part of an organised tradition or a solo experience the essence of the polar plunge remains the same: a thrilling but short leap into the very coldest waters. 

Are Polar Plunges Good For You? 

While jumping into freezing water might sound like a shock to the system, polar plunging can offer a surprising number of benefits - particularly related to physical and mental health - when done safely. These include:

Improves Circulation

There’s no doubt about it, sudden exposure to cold water makes your heart beat a lot faster. In a safe and controlled environment, this is nothing to be worried about. In fact, it’s just your body improving its blood flow and circulation which can enhance the health of your cardiovascular system over time. Increased circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout your body, keeping your organs functioning and improving overall heart health.

Releases Endorphins 

Cold water immersion triggers the release of endorphins - the magic chemicals in your brain responsible for feelings of happiness. When polar plunging, the initial shock of the cold activates your body’s fight-or-flight response and leads to a truly exhilarating adrenaline rush. This natural high is part of the reason why many reluctant participants find themselves plunging again and making cold water exposure a regular part of their lifestyle.

Boosts Mental Wellbeing

Polar plunging can also have profound effects on your mental health and resilience. If you can master the challenge of leaping into the icy water and enduring the initial discomfort, you prove to yourself that you can tackle pretty much anything! Many participants also report a sense of clarity and alertness following a plunge, which does wonders for reducing stress and anxiety afterwards.

Strengthens The Immune System

While many people think that they’ll try polar plunging once and never again, regular exposure to cold water is where some of the greatest benefits set in. In fact, regular exposure to cold water has been linked to an increase in white blood cell production and this bodily function plays a crucial role in your ability to fight off infections. By exposing your body to the controlled stressors of a cold water environment, you can help to build a more robust immune response over time.

Other Polar Plunging Benefits

Beyond the health benefits of polar plunging, this kind of experience is also a great way to immerse yourself in the outdoors in an entirely new way and enjoy a sense of community and camaraderie that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. This sentiment rings particularly true for organised polar plunge events, as these occasions will almost always bring additional charitable benefits too. 

How To Prepare For A Polar Plunge

Despite offering such a compelling range of benefits, there are still some risks associated with polar plunging. Exposure to such cold water comes with a natural risk of cold water shock, hypothermia, and experience of the afterdrop (the cooling of your core temperature after initially warming up). Preparation is therefore key to ensuring that your time polar plunging is both safe and enjoyable and you can follow the below steps to get ready:

1. Get your body used to cold water in the lead-up to your polar plunge by taking cold showers or baths.
2. Dress appropriately with water shoes, gloves and a hat to minimise heat loss.
3. Warm up gently beforehand to get your blood circulating efficiently.
4. When in the water, stay calm and focus on keeping your breathing relaxed.
5. Exit the water promptly - spending no more than a minute submerged if polar plunging is new to you.
6. Dry off quickly and pack warm clothes, including a changing robe, to put on afterwards. It’s also advisable to have a hot drink ready in an insulated mug or bottle to help your body continue getting warm.

Our last and most important piece of advice for those about to tackle a polar plunge is to enjoy it. Polar plunging undoubtedly requires a hefty dose of courage and a strong sense of adventure but, with such wide-ranging benefits, it really is an experience that should be enjoyed. If you need any more tips when it comes to preparing for your cold water experience, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Red. With years of experience by the water and a range of equipment to get you through even the toughest conditions, we’re always on hand to help.