Cold polar bear dip

Whitecourt has been experiencing quite the cold snap over the past couple of weeks with temperatures dipping around -30° and winds taking it even further, closer to -40°.  To say that people have been hibernating is an understatement. The local taekwondo family was likely watching the forecast like a hawk as January 1 arrived, hoping for a break in the weather for its annual Workout in the Snow event.

Every January 1, members of the Whitecourt Taekwondo club drive to Rotary Park and work out together regardless of the weather. Last year it was very mild with single digit temperatures which made for a longer event. This year, however, was much quicker.

The group did get a bit of a break as the temperature warmed to a balmy -20° with a wind chill of -27° but, as the saying goes, the show must go on. “We have had colder years than this, though not many, and worse snow conditions than this, too, but it’s always a challenge every year. It’s fun to see that there’s still so many people who come out and take part,” said Master Jim Rennie.

The idea originally came from watching the Polar Bear Dip on TV which is a popular event around the world where participants jump into the ocean or a lake in the winter. “We obviously can’t do that in Whitecourt, so what could we do that would be as much fun? And, that was how our first ever Workout in the Snow started,” explained Rennie.

Jim and several adults and teenagers did the whole exercise barefoot while younger participants kept their boots on. They kicked, posed, and did pushups before bowing and running to their towels and warm vehicles. After a short break, Master Rennie and Master Mike Braun sparred off for a quick minute.

“This is probably one of the toughest years because we have ice crystals and you can feel them cut your feet but it’s not so bad. We have had really cold weather with deep snow, but the snow is kind of warm. It’s colder on your feet when there’s no snow, just like an igloo for your feet,” said Mike.

Mike has been taking part since he moved to Whitecourt 18 years ago and looks forward to the event each year. “It’s a good way to ring in the new year and keep the tradition going. As much as everyone complains, it’s not that bad. It’s like when you do things in life that are challenges, you know it’s going to hurt or be hard, but you just do it, and then it’s all over with and it’s worthwhile,” he added.

Jim’s daughter, Hannah, 15, who happens to be the same age as Jim when the tradition started 30 years ago, is in her second year of doing it barefoot but has been taking part in the event with boots on since she was four or five. “It hurts your feet but once they are numb from the cold you can’t really tell, anyway,” she said with a laugh. “It’s fun to do with the club.”

January is a busy month for the club as classes are set to begin on Tuesday, January 9.  On January 13 and 14, Whitecourt is hosting an Assistant Instructor coaching course.  Red Belts or higher, and 16 or older, can take part. And, finally, towards the end of the month, on January 27, the annual Whitecourt Taekwondo Championship will take place.