After a pandemic-induced year off, the Polar Dip returned to Auke Recreation Area.
The annual event takes place almost every New Year’s Day and features a mad scramble into and out of the water. Despite heavy snow, dozens showed up for the 2022 iteration.
See photos from the event below.
Laura Wolf De Mejia smiles at Steve Wolf, whose 80th birthday celebration coincided with Saturday’s Polar Dip. The events were unrelated but several early-arriving dippers briefly mingled with party attendees under the shelter at Auke Recreation Area. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Caren Yerkes, Maggie Yerkes, Russell Hill and Myles Yerkes pose together ahead of Maggie Yerkes’ costumed Polar Dip. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Participants rush back to shore following the 2022 Polar Dip on Saturday. After a pandemic-induced break last year, the long-running event returned to Auke Recreation Area. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire) Participants rush back to shore following the 2022 Polar Dip on Saturday. After a pandemic-induced break last year, the long-running event returned to Auke Recreation Area. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Participants rush back to shore following the 2022 Polar Dip on Saturday. Dozens showed up despite heavy snow. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Juniper Harris, 6, dries off following the Polar Dip on Saturday. It was Harris’ first time taking the dip. The event is a long-running Juneau tradition. “She really wanted to after last year,” said Stephenie Harris, Juniper’s mom. She said Juniper skipped skiing to be there. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
• Contact Ben Hohenstatt at (907)308-4895 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt.
