BRRing in the "Nude" Year with SUN and the Skinnydipper Recreation Club when Surrey's naturist and nudist groups co-host the seventh annual Polar "Bare" Plunge on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2013 at Crescent Beach in Surrey.
This charity swim will be held at 1 p.m. in the chilly waters of Boundary Bay directly in front of the giant Crescent rock boulder, south of Crescent Beach past the 101 Steps elevated walkway located at the western end of 24 Avenue. in south Surrey.
The start time allows people to also attend the textiled swims in White Rock at 12 noon and Vancouver at 2:30 p.m., completing the prestigious Mad Hatter's Swim Club trifecta.
Entry is free but we ask supporters and spectators to bring cash donations benefiting the War Amps PLAYSAFE and CHAMPS childhood amputee programs, highlighting the danger to pedestrians from trespassing on the adjacent BNSF railway. The BNSF Police will likely attend, looking for people walking on the tracks and ensuring public safety.
Your one-button bathing suit is the usual attire for this clothing-optional swim but Santa hats, fake antlers, body paint and limited festive garments are always appreciated, keeping in mind that less is often more. Foot protection including secured sandals or aquatic shoes are highly recommended to help with footing on the small rocks lining the shore before the sand flats. Spectators are reminded to stay off the train tracks.
Registration for the 2011 Polar Bare Plunge begins at 12 noon with a change shelter and hot chocolate for your warmth and comfort. Crescent Rock Beach and Skinnydipper T-shirts will be given out as prizes for the youngest and oldest participants plus the coveted best costume award that recognizes creativity.