This morning, the streets appeared cold and quiet with the aftermath of firecrackers littered all over the city. It was really beyond my imagination to think how anyone would really go and dive in the icy cold water. Like...how? In fact, the sunny weather was just great for cuddling in bed! So, there goes another mistaken assumption.
20 minutes later, I arrived at the pier and walked into an excited crowd. Some were wearing orange beanie with the word Unox embroidered in front. Guess what does Unox do? Unox, the event's annual sponsor, is a sausage factory and they provided a canned pea soup in the goodie bag. How thoughtful.
Prior to the kick off, DJ blasted upbeat music with usherettes leading the crowd for a warm up party dance. It was just another lively post NYE street party. There were families, friends, couples, grannies, grandpas, children and puppies. Occasionally, I walked into some swimmers with impressive outfit - the kings and queens, policemen and pole-dancers or both, superheroes and alike. I was truly inspired by the madness and courage of these people. So, my new year resolution for 2010 includes getting fit for the cold and my new year resolution 2011 is topped with doing the new year's dive!
Unox rocks
Sisterhood
Headstart!
Make it twice
According to holland.com:
The dive began in 1965 at the initiative of Jan van Scheijndel, who was an English Channel swimmer. In that year seven people took part in the plunge. Over the course of time the New Year’s Dive has grown into a massive event and is sponsored by the Unox sausage factory. In 2007 the event had to be cancelled for the first time in 39 years due to bad weather conditions.
He made it, did you?
For more information visit: www.unoxnieuwjaarsduik.nl.