Polar Bear Club kicks off 2013 - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Polar Bear Club kicks off 2013

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NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -

Although it's not really swimsuit weather, the cold temperatures didn't stop one group of swimmers from going into the water. 

Hundreds of people jumped into the freezing cold water for the annual Polar Bear dip. 

Fox 5's Ashley Mastronardi was one of them who took the plunge, sporting goggles and her bathing suit.  

2013 started off with a jolt for hundreds of brave new Yorkers. 

"It's a way to start the New Year off and grab it by the collar and say bring it on!" 

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club, an organization more than 100 years old, welcomed the public to join them for the first swim of the year. 

From families -- to the wild -- to the weird. 

Fox 5 asked one swimmer about his moustache.  

"I don't know. I woke up there and it was on there this morning, it might be from like last night.  It's New Year's!" 

Just before 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, Polar Bear wannabes lined up in their speedos and skivvies and moments before the race -- the anticipation was mounting. 

"I can't wait!" said one eager swimmer. 

"I'm probably going to do a belly flop first, I know its freezing cold weather but I love it," added another. 

Fox 5's Ashley Mastronardi even contemplated navigating the frosty waters. 

Ashley got out of the freezing cold water and claimed the quick swim was awesome!  

The Polar Bear club meets here on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and anyone is welcome.

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