New Year's Eve plunge forecasts year's mood
A Cool New Year's Plunge at Nauthólsvík
Ring in the New Year with a daring dip at Nauthólsvík! Yesterday, more than a hundred brave souls braved the chill for this annual tradition.
"We were chomping at the bit to get back to the sea since New Year's Eve 2020, and it was absolutely thrilling!" exclaims Herdís Anna Þorvaldsdóttir, chairman of SJÓR, Reykjavík's Sea Swimming Association.
Unlike most aquatic events, the New Year's plunge is celebrated in style. Participants adorn themselves in their snazziest attire, making it more than just a swim—it's a New Year's bash by the sea! [mbl.is/Arnþór]
Biting Cold and Unusual Ice
Thorvaldsdóttir mentions this year's conditions were quite peculiar. "Record low temperatures of -2.2°C were hit in 2018 and have been repeated this year, along with an unusual thickness of ice on the water. It was a stunning sight this time around," she adds.
However, she points out that the extreme cold didn't deter anyone from jumping in. "Proceed with caution, but the novelty and excitement of it all kept people going," Thorvaldsdóttir notes.
Flaunt it in Fancy Duds
Thorvaldsdóttir herself donned a sequined gown to kick off the new year, while many others rocked their finest outfits. "Dressing up adds an extra layer of entertainment to the whole event, and my sequined gown helped keep the chill at bay," she laughs.
This icy extravaganza sets the tone for the entire year, encouraging revelers to start things off with a bang (or should we say, a splash)! Thorvaldsdóttir believes sea swimming is an excellent way to begin the year. "Once you've faced nature's harsh obstacles, everyday challenges seem less daunting. It's an incredible feeling—it invigorates and brings endless joy. That's what makes this New Year's swim so special—it sets the bar for the rest of the year."
As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Day 2023 and the chilly water called, our fearless swimmers took the plunge, creating memories to last a lifetime. [mbl.is/Arnþór]
While Nauthólsvík is primarily known for its geothermally heated seawater, local traditions like attending Áramótaskaup (New Year's comedy shows) and setting off fireworks might account for the fashion-forward twist to this chilly soiree. Exploring further would uncover whether this unique blend of bonding, braveness, and bling has roots in local lore. [Enrichment Data]
- The New Year's plunge at Nauthólsvík wasn't just a swim, it was also a fashion event with participants wearing their snazziest attire.
- Despite the biting cold and unusual ice, more than a hundred brave souls braved the chill for the annual New Year's plunge.
- Herdís Anna Þorvaldsdóttir, chairman of SJÓR, donned a sequined gown for this year's New Year's plunge.
- The New Year's plunge sets the tone for the entire year, encouraging people to start things off with a bang (or splash).
- In 2023, Nauthólsvík's local traditions like attending Áramótaskaup and setting off fireworks might have contributed to the fashion-forward twist to this chilly soiree.
- This year, the New Year's plunge at Nauthólsvík saw a repeat of the record low temperatures of -2.2°C from 2018, along with an unusual thickness of ice on the water.
