January 1st is the date for the annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip. It takes place at Sunnyside Beach, on Lake Ontario.
The event is run in support of Habitat for Humanity, with sponsorship from a number of local businesses and private donations. This year, I was told, the event attracted about 500 registrants and in my estimation possibly double that in onlookers. I volunteered my services to Habitat GTA as one of 3 photographers for the event. I took two cameras: my rangefinder fitted with an 18mm lens and an M43 fitted with a 90-400mm. The rangefinder saw the most action.
Unlike the dippers, I was clothed in multiple layers, and topped off with my beret. While the temperature wasn’t that cold, hovering just below 0C, I knew that the dampness of the lake and the wind would exaggerate the chill. I wore insulated rubber boots and rain pants as I expected I would step into the shallow waters of the Lake.
The event was attended by a fairly large number of spectators, at least one camera club and media (CITY TV, CTV, GLobal and CBC).
The run into the lake was scheduled for noon, so about 11:50 the dippers were asked to line up. I made my way down to the lakeshore and positioned myself in front of the line…along with the other paparazzi. When the call was made, the dippers surged forward into the lake and as quickly as they entered many returned.
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