Photo by Laura Wold
Happy New Year! Polar swim brings warmth to a chilly morning. Photo by Laura Wold.

SLIDE SHOW: Alki Polar Swim sets record, over 100 take the plunge

By Steve Shay
01/01/2011

SLIDE SHOW:

Over 100 participants lined up east of the Alki Bathhouse and rushed in and out of the Sound from Alki Beach at 10:00 a.m. this morning at the 11th Annual West Seattle/White Center Polar Bear New Year's Day swim. There were many "repeat customers" while some newbies gave it a try.

"This was the biggest year ever," enthused event organizer Mark Ufkes as his eyes scanned the long line of swimmers.

Afterward, Dukes Chowder House offered free chowder on the beach, and Christo's on Alki, right across the street, gave 20- percent discounts to shivering customers sporting bathing suits.

Louis Frank, wearing a sparkling cardboard Happy New Years hat said he came out for the fun and excitement.

"This was on my bucket list and I had to do it," he said. "I don't know if I'll ever do it again."

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