New Year's Day Plunge Sets Trend for Coming Twelve Months
Swimming into the New Year in Style at Nauthólsvík
Embracing the chill and ringing in the new year with a splash, a group of over one hundred revelers dashed into the icy waters of Nauthólsvík Beach for a New Year's Eve swim.
"We've been painfully missing our annual sea dip since 2020, so today was nothing short of exhilarating," says Herdís Anna Þorvaldsdóttir, chairman of SJÓR, Reykjavik's Sea Swimming Association.
This New Year's Day swim differs from most other splashes throughout the year as partygoers flaunt their fanciest attire to usher in the new year. mbl.is/Arnþór
The Bitter Frost
Þorvaldsdóttir admits this year's frigid festivities held a unique twist, "The biting cold that set a new record of -2.2°C in 2018 was beaten multiple times this year, including yesterday, and the frost-kissed waters were unusually thick with a layer of ice. But the icy scenery made for a picturesque experience."
Despite the icy embrace, she reassures that no freezing swimmers were reported, only a heightened sense of caution among the braves.
A Shimmering Spectacle
Þorvaldsdóttir herself donned a shimmering sequin gown to toast the new year, but many others showcased their most extravagant attire, with several groups styling their selections in harmony with a shared theme. She claims sequins definitely added a touch of warmth to her New Year's plunge.
"Why not dress to impress when tackling the icy waters? It's a memorable way to kick off the new year," mbl.is/Arnþór remarking on the tradition.
Þorvaldsdóttir believes starting the year with a cold dip invigorates the soul and sets the tone for a year of conquering challenges. "After conquering nature's harsh embrace, embarking on the day and the year becomes a lot less daunting. That empowered feeling is why diving into the icy waters on New Year's Day has such a profound impact on our well-being and joy. And it's an excellent way to set the tone for the year ahead."
The sea-soaked group of merrymakers on New Year's Day 2023. mbl.is/Arnþór
- Amidst the frostbite, the icy waters at Nauthólsvík Beach became a shimmering spectacle, as over one hundred partygoers donned their most extravagant attire for the New Year's Day swim.
- The record-breaking cold of 2018 was surpassed yet again during the 2023 celebrations, resulting in an unusually thick layer of ice in the frigid waters.
- Arnt́hór reported on the memorable tradition of ringing in the new year with a bold plunge into the freezing sea, stating that "why not dress to impress when tackling the icy waters?"
- Embracing the challenge, Herdis Anna Þorvaldsdóttir, chairman of SJÓR, stepped into the chilled waters wearing a shimmering sequin gown to mark the beginning of 2023.
- Upon conquering nature's icy grip during the New Year's Day swim, Þorvaldsdóttir believes participants are invigorated and better prepared to tackle the challenges that lay ahead in their lifestyle and outdoor-living activities, enhancing their well-being and joy for the coming year.
