Revellers looking to ring in the New Year with a chill have a handful of options Jan. 1.
White Rock's traditional Polar Bear Swim, again organized by the White Rock Monarch Lions Club, takes place at White Rock beach, where swimmers will plunge into Semiahmoo Bay at the white rock beginning at noon (registration is at 10 a.m.).
Meanwhile, at 11:30 a.m. near the West Beach boat launch, paddleboarders will dip their oars into the way at the first-ever Polar Bear Paddle. The race will follow a four-km course out into the bay, and back.
Also Tuesday, at South Surrey's Crescent Rock, the Surrey United Naturists and Surrey's Skinnydipper Recreation Club will celebrate 2013 with a "Nude" Year's Day swim, at 1 p.m. Entry into the nude swim is free, though swimmers are encouraged to donate to the the War Amps' PlaySafe and Champs childhood amputee programs.