Channel Polar Plunge is ‘First’ event of new year

After the sink or swim year that was 2020, members of the La Conner “First on First” committee could not wait to get back in the water on New Year’s.

Literally, at that.

Rick Dole, Annie Taylor and Town Councilmember John Leaver of the group that promotes extended dining and shopping here on the first Friday of each month were joined by Kelly Payne for a quick morning dip in Swinomish Channel to mark the start of 2021. They were cheered on by more than a dozen onlookers.

It was an eye-opening launch to the new year, for sure, a quick turnaround for those who had stayed up past 12 the night before.

Because the first Friday of January was New Year’s Day, with most local stores closed for the holiday, the First on First crew had to come up with a viable option to longer business hours this time around.

They chose a “Polar Plunge” in the channel, announcing their plans on social media.

“This,” Dole explained before going under, “was the best thing we could think of for a First on First event.”

Ironically, the fearsome foursome did not dive in from a downtown spot along First Street. They instead chose the dog beach off Pearle Jensen Way, north of La Conner Marina.

There they were greeted by a strong south-to-north current, perhaps symbolizing hopes that the COVID-19 pandemic will be swiftly swept away in 2021.

“What a way to get rid of 2020,” said one of those offering moral support from above the shoreline.

Leaver admitted to some second thoughts prior to immersing himself in the cold water.

“I woke up at 4:30 in the morning and I was tossing and turning, thinking what am I doing?” he said.

Leaver joked again a few moments later as he edged closer to the channel.

“I think it’s time,” he told everyone gathered, “to announce that we were just kidding about this.”

For Dole, a U.S. Navy vet well acquainted with cold water training, there was no hesitation. He came prepared, wearing his favorite cargo painting shorts and lucky black Converse canvas high-top basketball shoes.

Not to be outdone, Taylor donned a swim cap and goggles.

Payne, meanwhile, earned bonus points for taking a second plunge. While her cohorts dried off, she returned to take a selfie. The surroundings, with clear views of the La Conner Flats and Rainbow Bridge in the background, could not have been better, she said.

“How lucky we are,” Payne insisted, “to live in a place like this.”

Town Planning Commissioner Marna Hanneman captured the scene as event videographer.

“I wasn’t coming because of the wind,” she said at one point, “but decided I had to because it’s New Year’s.”

Expect more of the same next New Year’s, Leaver stressed.

“The challenge goes out – a bigger crowd for the second annual La Conner Polar Plunge next New Year’s,” he said.

Those taking part will have an entire year to train for what could be an expanded format.

“Extra points,” Leaver suggested, tongue only slightly in cheek, “if you swim across.