After registering, we went back to the van as we were an hour away from the plunge and I wanted to stay as warm as possible. It was a nice, clear, sunny day but the temp out was about 25 degrees. I than began tracking down the rest of the team. Beau, Jamie, Bill met up with us and we discussed how next year... were tailgating the event. Many people were doing just that. It was like a parking lot before a football game... only without the alcohol.
At a quarter to we made out way back down to the area and changed into our Plunging gear. The Special Olympics bear strolled by so we asked if we could get a picture with it.
The announcements began promptly at 11 am which was the scheduled start time. Montez from Channel 94.1 and Mayor Suttle begin talking. We couldn't really make out what was being told to us but got the jist really quick. They had to cut through the ice to prep the lake. A dive team of paramedics are in the water with you and no running or diving. The plunging order was set by the amount of money a team raised. Larger corporations, school and Greek organizations took to the water. We were hanging out next to a changing tent so we got to see the reactions of the plungers as they came out of the water. Some people smiling having a great time, others looked really really cold, shivering and dripping wet. Some had steam pouring off their body. Many went all in... head under water and all. (That was not a requirement)
After about 45 minutes, it was about out teams turn. 'Geek on Ice' was on deck.... We had already been dressed and ready so we took our spot in line. The gal making sure everyone was there asked us about name. "So you guys geeks huh... you work on Computers?" I reply we like Comic books, Beau replies we like Star Wars and Jamie and Bill looked lost. We than get into a rather in-depth conversation on Star Wars. She claimed she had never seen the movies but I think she lied... she knew a lot of details.... :) This was also not the conversation I expected to be having before going in the water.
Montez comments on our name but again, I cant really make out a word he's saying. All I heard was the "No Running, No Diving" reminder and "GGGOOOOOO!!" We make the trek forward... no turning back now. The goal is to go all the way to a manikin in water, touch it and go back. At this point, Even I think we and the hundreds of people who went before us, are all really, really crazy.
Initially, my first thought was Wow, this isn't bad. Its not that cold. By the time I got Chest deep in the water... I changed my mind! It was cold. At that point It was just plain time to get out of the water. We get out, dash to the changing tent and get on some dry clothes. I learned one very important lesson and will share with first time plungers.... do not wear socks with your shoes (shoes were suggested). The ice water was trapped in my socks and I had a very hard time getting them off in the tent. My feet felt like a block of ice and actually were the only part of me really cold.
Beau had a really good idea and brought some Hot Cocoa with him. We all poured a glass and began the reminiscing. Was it fun... Would we do again... Absolutely! We instantly began planning next years Plunge. There was a costume / team theme part of it all we didn't really do. I also heard form a bunch of friends that they want to do it next year. So it's safe to say... We will have a another team again next year and it most likely will be bigger and better.
KETV was on hand and wrote the following story which shows some of the actual plunge. We tried getting our own video but had a small mishap with the camea so all we got were a few of the still shots. Next year... we'll document the entire thing and have it all here for you. Anyways the link to the KETV story is HERE!!!!
"2012 Polar Plunge" Fundraiser Great Success - Video - KETV Omaha
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