Coney Island Sundays: The Polar Bear Plunge

Every Sunday during 2011, Brian and I have been and will be going to Coney Island on a project we're calling Coney Island Sundays, an undertaking inspired mostly by a love for the coast and partly by a curiosity of the island's kitchy dark underbelly and social misfits not unlike ourselves. Every week, we set out on the F train, ride it until the end, and then emerge onto the sand and boardwalks to photograph, interview, and just revel in the freedom of the water's edge.

Last week, we were lucky to witness the Polar Bear Plunge, a weekly ritual where groups of New Yorkers wade into the freezing water and stay in until they can't anymore. Men and women of all ages running pink and shivered from the water was beautiful and hit a sweet spot for Brian and I. These people are cold, but we've seen the Polar Bear Plunge in Alaska. Sorry, NY, AK wins this one.