When I woke up that morning at 6:30am the air temperature was -8 degrees. It was at this point that I was starting to reconsider my idea. On the drive to the site in Excelsior the radio announcers mentioned it was a balmy 1 degree. At least now it was above zero. My friend Roxi met me there. She was suppose to jump with me but she woke congested and worried about being able to breathe. After we arrived, you stripped down to your swimsuit and your tennis shoes, wrapped yourself in a towel and waited. The order of the jumpers was reverse in order of your numbers of jumps. In other words, more experienced you were, the quicker you got into the water.
All the jumpers waited inside the building until it was our turn to go. It was the same building that people were coming back to after their jump so you were able to watch their reactions and maybe rethink your initial decision. From the building, groups of about 50 people were taken outside into the warming tent to await your jump. They had heaters going in this tent but honestly, it was worst part of the entire experience. Suddenly, all parts of your body from below your towel went numb despite the heaters. Smaller groups of about 10-15 people were then taken from the tent, down the path, down the pier for their jump. I moved my way to the front of that tent because I was so cold and I just wanted to get it over with!
After emerging from the tent and feeling the sun (finally!) it wasn't too bad. Although, I'm pretty sure it was all the adrenaline pumping. It was a short walk to the jumping point. Standing there and waiting got you a little chilly. Lots of people were jumping up and down trying to keep somewhat warm. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I handed my towel to the volunteer who was going to meet me at the end. Then I stepped up to the opening in the ice (which was 8' X 33') and JUMPED!!!! I had been told that the part that would be the most shocking was after I came up from the water to take my initial breath. They had told me that it would feel like I couldn't take a breath and it would feel a little like I was gasping. I don't remember it feeling like that though. Yes, the initial shock of the water was cold but I think the number of people jumping ahead of me warmed it up (relatively speaking). At the end of hole, you climbed up a ladder and out of the water. That's when it got really cold. I grabbed my towel and ran back inside the building. The most difficult part after I got out was removing my shoes. Luckily I had loosened my shoelaces so it was much easier. Between the shivering and teeth chattering, I changed my clothes to warm up. It's amazing how much dry clothes make you feel better.
Here are a couple of pictures of my bravery (or stupidity)
It was an amazing experience and I'm glad I did it. Would I do it again? YES! In fact, my kids were watching and asked if they could do it with me next year. Who knows, maybe the whole family will jump together. Let me know if you want to brave with me too. ;)
