I didn't want to do it. I looked for every excuse leading up and during to our voyage to Antarctica trying to justify why it would be ok if I didn't take the Polar Plunge.
It was in the back of my head the entire trip and it took nearly the entire trip before the moment finally arrived where they made the announcement over the intercom that it was time for the Polar Plunge.
Dave has no fear of the Polar Plunge
I can't understand where Dave's head is when it comes to thrills. He isn't afraid of anything and actually embraces each challenge with a smile. He would have no problem jumping off a cliff and trying out a flight suit or canyoning to the deepest depths of the earth exploring a teeny weeny cave. He's up for anything and it frustrates me that I am always facing my fears.
Lucky for me, I have a husband that never pressures me to do anything.
When we got back from a beautiful morning of kayaking, we were told that after lunch we would be jumping into -.5 degree celsius water in Antarctica. Instant panic set on my face and I told Dave that I was going to video the moment instead of doing it. “No problem” he said. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do.
It was then that my mood changed.
Antarctica had been the most incredible experience of our lives. We have only scratched the surface of writing about our trip for you, but we have never seen any landscape quite like it or had such memorable moments in all our travels. We were both on a high each day and at this moment I was resenting the fact that the polar plunge was even offered. I didn't feel adequate and I felt that I was letting myself down, but I still didn't want to do it.
Dave put on his robe and swimsuit and we walked to the embarkation deck to stand in line. We were told that 40 people from the 107 passenger list had signed up.
As I stood in line, I listened to everyone talk and started to really feel low. I asked them their reasons for doing it and if they were nervous. As I felt the excitement and energy around us and saw the high on people's faces as they one by one came out of the water, I decided at the last moment to go for it.
I raced back to our cabin, changed into my bathing suit and asked myself “What the Hell are you doing?”
Dave was so happy that I decided to take part, but he said to me that he was never going to try to talk me into it. He left for that everyone else to do and he let me make up my mind on my own.
When the time came for the two of us, I was terrified.
We caught it all on film, check out our video of the Polar Plunge
I felt numb as Solan and Val (our kayaking guides from Quark Expeditions) put the tether around my waist. This water is cold and it can be dangerous. A couple of minutes in freezing water without being saved will kill you, and Quark Expeditions wasn't taking any chances. We were tethered to the boat and if anything happened, they could pull us back up.
Facing Your Fear
I had thoughts race through my heads. Has anyone had a heart attack from this? Will I be able to swim? What if I jump in and instantly freeze and sink? I had no idea how I would react to the cold water. All I know is that my entire being was telling me. Don't Jump.
I stepped onto the zodiac and was about to jump when Jamie (the photographer and expedition team member) yelled at me to wait a minute. He had to fix something with his camera. I freaked out. I mustered up all my courage and needed to jump right now. I did a little scream and dance and as if Duncan (another amazing expedition team member) could read my mind, he lightheartedly said “I've never had anyone die from doing the polar plunge.” I heard those words and went for it.
I didn't wait for Jamie's signal and I jumped in before he could take a proper picture, but I had to go now or never.
As I hit the water, I instantly lost my breath. I felt panic and it felt like my lungs were being squeezed. Most people popped out of the water and continued to swim towards Jamie sitting on a Zodiac 10 meters away. I however, popped out and dog paddled my way back to the Sea Spirit in complete panic.
“Get me out of here” Was All I could think.
My ears plugged up, my muscles seized and my lungs felt like they were being squeezed.
I climbed out of that water so fast, that I barely remember the feeling of being in it.
Dave caught it all on film and my instant reaction after taking the plunge was “I didn't like it! I didn't like it!” When Dave asked me how it was, I replied “Terrible!”
Elation
At the same time, I felt invigorated and happy. I would have regret not taking the plunge for the rest of my life and I am so happy that I did it.
Dave was up next and he didn't have any reservations or inhibitions.
He walked out to the “plank” Gave a yell to the camera and leapt in with style. He got a lot of air and plunged right into the ice waters with ease. As soon as he popped out, he swam with grace to Jamie allowing for more photo opportunities and swam back with some kick in his stroke. I heard the guides behind me even comment on how strong and confident he was.
I was so proud. That's my guy. Always keeping me inspired and motivated, Dave can do anything, and he does it with a grin and without pretension. He's laid back, relaxed and does everything with confidence, yet everyone loves him because he just does what he does and doesn't need to brag or justify anything.
After our jump, we were both feeling elated. We walked up to the Lido Deck for a dip in the hot tub and to share our excitement with fellow Polar Plungers. Everyone was on a high afterwards and the ship was abuzz with energy. It is something that I highly recommend doing.
Young and old were taking the plunge and everybody who did it loved it!
Thanks Dave for being patient and supportive.
Thanks Red Hunt Travel for telling me that I would regret not doing the Polar Plunge if they offered it in Antarctica. Thanks Alicia of My Life Untethered for telling me I had to do it because even her boyfriend Mike's mom did it and I'd regret it. Thanks to Helen of May Day Travel for pumping me up before leaving Canada. Thanks to everyone on the boat who took the plunge before me and told me that if they could do it, I could do it. It's the people around you who inspire one in life, so make sure to surround yourself with inspiring people. Life is much more fun that way!
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Check out Quark Expeditions for planning your own Antarctic Expedition.
By David November 22, 2013 - 12:51 pm
Wow, this is such a great post. I love the fact that vacation should not be limited to you being comfortable and feeling safe, but really stretching yourself and even growing as a person. Keep it up!
By debndave November 22, 2013 - 1:36 pm
Thanks David. As afraid as I was, it’s a great feeling afterwards.
By The Arctic Polar Plunge - Two Times Not So Charming in Greenland November 10, 2013 - 10:04 am
[…] The Polar Plunge is an activity for the truly insane, and I guess Dave and I just happen to be part of the truly insane since we have now done two Polar Plunges in our life; One in each Polar Region. Let me tell you a little story from 2012. Dave and I were in Antarctica with Quark Expeditions on the Sea Spirit, and one of the “must do things” on the continent is to jump into the frigid waters of the Antarctic Peninsula from the back deck of the ship. I think about a third of the passengers were nutty enough to try the plunge while the rest sat on the deck relaxing in their parkas while drinking hot chocolate and Baileys Irish Cream. They were the smart ones. […]
By Antarctica Kayaking | Adventure Travel Blog | Marketingkonferenz July 21, 2013 - 11:51 am
[…] you don’t know it already, I really hate cold water, (See my Polar Plunge challenge for proof) so I dread being upside down in the water, especially cold water. To me, there is […]
By Carlos Olmo Bosco March 29, 2013 - 5:21 pm
Congratulations! I had my antarctic bath certificate also with Quark expeditions on 2003, with the now unfamous ship Orlova, drifting away somewhere in the atlantic http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2013/03/21/nl-lyubov-orlova-app-321.html.
By Polar Bear Plunge weekend in AntarcticaWeekendtrips.com Inc. January 24, 2013 - 12:03 pm
[…] For more on the couple taking their trip to Antarctica to the next level, check out their blog […]
By Germo Bailey December 28, 2012 - 2:41 pm
Antarctic Polar Plunge? No way Jose, no way! I truly admire your adventurous spirit and your “we will try anything crazy attitude”, but you would have had to put a few guns to my head to get me in -5 degree Celsius water. call me a coward, but no way. You two are amazing and I keep wondering what is next on your adventurous list. And I promise, whatever it is, to share your experience from my static computer desk.
Thank you, and keep moving! I feel cold just by looking at the water.
roatan
By debndave January 7, 2013 - 10:12 am
You are definitely not a coward. It’s crazy to jump into that water. I think you are the sane one for not wanting to. It was fun and I’m glad we did it, but man, it was nuts! 🙂
By Camping in Antarctica March 11, 2012 - 5:08 am
[…] had already been a day to end all days. We had survived the Polar Plunge, paddled through brash ice and mesmerizing scenery of Neko Habour, landed on the shores of Neko […]
By Naomi March 2, 2012 - 10:27 am
Hi Dave, Deb, and everyone else!
These two are fearless! I was fortunate to meet them on our voyage to Antarctica and would like everyone to know just what a pleasure it is to travel with these two. Their passion and dedication for what they do is immense, their energy is catching, and they bring a whole new element to your Adventure! I cannot wait to see what they get up too next!
By debndave March 2, 2012 - 10:46 am
Aw Naomi, you are too kind. When it comes to fearless, I definitely wasn’t when it came to the Polar Plunge! But I am so glad that I did it. It was awesome traveling with you too and so very cool that we realized that we met way back in 2007 when you booked our flight to Cairo for the Tour d’Afrique in High Park’s Flight Centre. It is a very very small world.
By A Perfect Day in Paradise Bay February 28, 2012 - 5:00 am
[…] Read more about our Polar Plunge at a Leap of Faith in Antarctica. […]
By JoAnna February 24, 2012 - 4:32 pm
You guys are INSANE (though I would have done it too because I wouldn’t have wanted to regret not doing it).
By Kayaking in Antarctica February 24, 2012 - 11:50 am
[…] you don’t know it already, I really hate cold water, (See my Polar Plunge challenge for proof) so I dread being upside down in the water, especially cold water. To me, there is […]
By Ali February 24, 2012 - 11:12 am
Deb, I think it’s so awesome that you did this! I don’t think I could handle it, I hate being cold more than almost anything. But like you said, no regrets.
By debndave February 24, 2012 - 11:53 am
I agree. I have always hated jumping into cold water, let alone water that is a half a degree below zero. Anymore and it would be solid ice. Yikes. It was too cold for my comfort. But then again, for anyone’s comfort. They say you can last 3 minutes in that water.
By The Ominous Deception Island in Antarctica February 24, 2012 - 5:30 am
[…] the water mixed with the warm springs coming from land and you won’t freeze if you take your polar plunge here. That is simply not true. Does this look cold?…..That's because it […]
By Stephanie - The Travel Chica February 23, 2012 - 7:52 am
Impressive! I would feel so much pressure about this too. I would be worried for months, and I probably wouldn’t go through with it 🙂
By debndave February 23, 2012 - 11:14 am
I was worried thinking about it too. I just about didn’t go through with it, but I am glad that I did. I don’t know if I’d do it again though, I really didn’t like the feeling. But then again, you never know.
By Andi of My Beautiful Adventures February 22, 2012 - 7:21 pm
You 2 are my heroes!!!!!!!!!!!!
By debndave February 23, 2012 - 11:25 am
Thanks Andi, You are the best:)
By Laura February 22, 2012 - 10:19 am
This gave me chills… both kinds! I love the sweet things you say about Dave, Deb! But seriously that’s so awesome you guys both did the plunge! What a beautiful scene for it and what a memorable experience. That must have been the BEST hot tubbing ever afterwards!
By debndave February 23, 2012 - 11:45 am
Thanks Laura. Dave is my rock. He supports me and never makes me feel guilty for being a wimp. He also inspired me to do more than I thought myself capable of, if it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t do half of the things I do. Hot tubbing was awesome, but the water wasn’t hot enough. However, what we loved about the Sea Spirit is that we had an open bar, so we could enjoy a beer afterwards to celebrate without worrying about our onboard account.
By Sherry Ott February 21, 2012 - 11:30 pm
Deb – don’t underestimate yourself – you are BOTH fearless…you just think about it more! But in the end – you both end up in the same place! Congrats!!
By debndave February 23, 2012 - 11:50 am
Thanks Sherry. I like the way you put that. I just think about it more. I’ll take it!
By Dean February 21, 2012 - 4:20 pm
Congrats on going through with it! I imagine that it must have been like standing on the edge of a platform before a bungy jump. It would be hard to take that leap! It always feels great when you get past your fears 🙂
By debndave February 23, 2012 - 11:53 am
It was hard to take that leap. I can attest. I have chickened out of a bungy jump. (this is Deb of course, not Dave) in Zambia. I just couldnt go through with it. This was a great step for me. I have a problem jumping off of things especially into cold water.
By Kristen February 21, 2012 - 3:14 pm
HAHAHA Dave’s face is priceless in that second last picture. Deb you are so cute. How amazing that must have been…friggen cold…but AMAZING! Totally jealous. Can’t wait to get there myself. xx
By debndave February 21, 2012 - 3:19 pm
Haha, so true eh. That water takes its toll on a person. I can’t believe Dave swam out to the zodiac. He made it look so easy. Even if his face says differently:)
By John February 21, 2012 - 2:10 pm
wow…what a way to feel ALIVE! Nothing like getting those fight or flight systems kicked into overdrive.
By debndave February 21, 2012 - 3:18 pm
That is the perfect explanation. Fight or flight. I’m not sure how I mustered the courage to jump in, I just sort of fell in the water where as Dave did a giant jump. The adrenaline rush afterwards was awesome. We were on a high the rest of the day.
By 50+ and on the Run February 21, 2012 - 9:35 am
I’m glad you did it–I chickened out, but my kids went, and now I’m thinking I should have, too. But we were ashore on a windy day, and the idea of re-dressing and facing the Zodiac ride back to the ship was too daunting. Next time!!
See pictures of the crazy, freezing boys: http://www.50andontherun.com/2012/02/on-sunday-my-sister-susan-and-i.html
By debndave February 21, 2012 - 11:48 am
It was with a lot of encouragement that made me jump in. I really didn’t want to, but I am so glad that i did. We jumped directly off the ship which is a very nice touch. I don’t think they would get nearly as many people running into the water from the shore and to be able to jump right in the middle of the bay with the possibility of whales and seals being in the water made it that much more adventurous. You’ll have to try the Polar Bear Plunge in Canada. It’s a pretty big deal here.