Into the Deep — Doing the Polar Plunge and Antarctic Kayaking
Willingly jumping into below-freezing waters in Antarctica? Kayaking in the freezing cold? Sure!
Coming from the tropical, sunny island of Singapore, I love the heat and humidity. I take so much joy from basking in the warm sunshine days, being able to walk around in sleeveless tops and shorts with slippers. Tropical country temperatures? — that’s my jam.
So, when my family decided to go on a 10-day Antarctica cruise -with temperatures ranging from -5 to 15 degrees C — you can just imagine my apprehension and dread. This is the complete opposite climate to what I loved, and there was the added fact that we would be doing Arctic kayaking and the famous Polar Plunge. No — that doesn’t mean watching the Polar bears plunge into the sea (they aren’t there anyway). That meant literally plunging into the freezing cold waters of Antarctica, when I’d rather like to plunge into a warm pool instead, thank you very much.
To my great surprise (and also excitement), kayaking the deep, still-cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean was an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by beautiful ice-blue glaciers; silence all around you but the gentle slap of your paddles in the water; a gentle yet cold wind caressing your face; it was magical.
We’d go out for 2–3 hours at a time, paddling among the glaciers and sometimes into the paths of broken-off ice shards, sometimes managing to see wildlife along the way like seals and penguins. Depending on the weather, it could be a cloudless clear blue sky shining down on you, making the waters ripple and shimmer; or, it could be cloudy and windy, waves sweeping against you and having to fight a little to remain steady.
Initially, I was afraid I wouldn’t have the right skill level or fitness to embark on this adventure, but the friendly and helpful guides ensured that we remained together at all times, and helped us whenever. Overall, it was one of the coolest and most enjoyable activities I’ve done in my life, and would definitely do it again. Being on the cool, glassy waters allowed me to really be closer to nature, and appreciate the true and magnificent beauty of Antarctica.
The second most memorable and no-regrets decision I made was to participate in the much anticipated polar plunge. On the 2nd to last day of the cruise, there will be the organization of the polar plunge, which was jumping into the deep freezing waters of Antarctica. It was optional, and I didn’t want to do it at all. My family was all going except me, and I was completely fine being wrapped up and watching from the warmth of the indoor deck.
As the passengers began queueing up, clad in their swimwear and bathrobes, I began to have a little bit of doubt. I watched and cheered as brave passenger after brave passenger took the plunge and emerged from the cool waters. Soon, it came time for my family to go on, and that was when I decided to go too. You could go for the plunge either solo or in pairs, and as my family had an even number, having me go would allow my Mom to have a partner in the plunge (which she was secretly thankful for). As we got strapped into the tethers that linked us to the Zodiac boat, my fear bubbled up inside me — what if I froze in the water and sank? What if I couldn’t find the surface and drowned? But with a deep breath, and a count to 3 by the guides, I literally and figuratively took a leap of faith.
My goodness — it was deathly cold. The shock of the deep, freezing temperature was such a slap to my face and body, that I immediately started swimming for the surface. I ran up the stairs into the warm deck of the boat and into my room to change, screaming in pain the whole way. I imagine I was quite a sight — a wet bundle of screams. But after the plunge, I was surprised by the warm buzz that flowed through my body. I felt this adrenaline rush — like a runner’s high — and paradoxically did not feel cold at all. After all the passengers finished their brave jumps, we gathered in the deck for a little certificate ceremony to commemorate this experience and adventure. I have zero regrets about taking the plunge, and am so grateful to have overcome my deep-rooted fear to emerge unscathed.
These experiences have only taught me, and reminded me, to have faith in myself. To truly live life to the fullest, because who knows when I’ll have a chance like that again?
To my fellow travellers and readers, here’s to taking the leap in life and embracing it to the fullest!
If you’d like to be inspired by other fellow writers, such as I was, do check out the following:
