Lars Jangaard and Lindsey Taylor-Jangaard
This will be the seventh yearLars and Lindsey have kicked off the new year with the polar bear plunge at Brackett’s Landing in Edmonds.
The chilly dip by the Edmonds ferry dock was started in 2008 by Lindsey’s uncle, Brian Taylor, owner of Daphnes Bar, and Edmonds Uplift Society, a group of bar regulars who wear special bathrobes. Money raised is donated to Edmonds Historical Society and Museum.
Lindsey, 27, is a Bothell native. Lars, 30, grew up in the Lake Goodwin area of Stanwood. Both work at Amazon.com.
What are you wearing?
Lindsey: My Edmonds Uplift Society robe, an unattractive brown one-piece swimsuit purchased on clearance specifically for the plunge, beanie and sunglasses.
Lars: A robe, a swim suit and wet suit booties.
Why do you plunge?
Lindsey: I plunge to raise money for the Edmonds Museum and because I was pressured into it by my family years ago. Now it’s just our tradition.
Lars: It’s the best way to wash away the previous year and bring in the new year.
If you could plunge with anyone alive or in history who would it be?
Lindsey: The rapper/actor Ice Cube, so he could earn the name.
Lars: MacGyver. He’s my hero.
Three things in your plunge toolkit:
Lindsey: 1. A herd mentality. Everybody’s doing it! 2. A change of clothes for right after. 3. My grandma, Shirley Moses, cheering us on (or shaking her head) at the beach while we plunge.
Lars: Rainier beer. Plunger. Swiss army knife.
Do you practice to plunge?
Lindsey: Nope. I just try to fortify myself with a Rainier beer and march right in.
Lars: I was born to plunge. I’m Norwegian.
What’s the craziest or best thing that ever happened in a plunge?
Lindsey: The best thing that happened at the plunge was Bill Lindsay (aka Edmonds Beach Water Temperature-Taker Dude) came by and told us just how cold the water was that day: 44 degrees!
Lars: The year the Daphnes bartender, Desmond, did the plunge. As soon as he hit the water he turned and ran, yelling to his wife, “Kimmy! Where’s my robe?!”
Biggest worry as a plunger:
Lindsey: Being trampled by my fellow plungers and washing ashore like a frozen beached whale.
Lars: Being sure I have a table at Rory’s after the plunge.
Did you ever consider not taking the plunge?
Lindsey: I consider not taking the plunge every single year when we’re lining up at the beach. And every year Lars pulls me in.
Lars: NO! It’s the best way to start the year.
What do you want people to know about plunges?
Lindsey: I can’t speak for all plunges, but for the Edmonds plunge, I want people to know that it isn’t that bad. The pain is short-lived, then you get to go warm up and eat lunch.
Lars: It is proven to improve your health. It cures the New Year’s Day hangover, reduces swelling and kills the common cold.
What’s your dream plunge?
Lindsey: My dream plunge is one that isn’t cold. Maybe Maui.
Lars: Plunging in Russia.
Why do you think you are so good at plunging?
Lindsey: Lars pulls me in.
Lars: I was born for this, I’m Scandinavian. I have also trained all my life for this. I grew up on Lake Goodwin and swam during the winter.
What’s your most proud (non-plunging) moment?
Lindsey: A recent proud moment was pulling off our wedding in August. We had no idea how to plan something that big, but with everyone’s help it turned out great. People showed up. They had fun!
Lars: Getting married on August 29th.
Pet peeve:
Lindsey: Poor spelling. Typos happen, but if you’re paying to print something, double-check your work.
Lars: When people don’t go all the way in the water. The rule is neck or nipples. Come on, people!
Guilty pleasure:
Lindsey: The Spice Girls. And Big Macs.
Lars: Old television: “X-Files,” “MacGyver,” you name it.
Polar Bear Plunges
Edmonds
1 p.m. Jan. 1 at Brackett’s Landing by the ferry dock. Free, with donations going to the Edmonds Historical Society and Museum.
Machias
Noon on Jan. 1, jump into the Pilchuck River by Doc’s Pilchuck Tavern, 1429 S. Machias Road.
Lake Stevens
10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 9 (not Jan. 1), Lundeen Park, 10020 Lundeen Park Way. Plunge at 10 a.m. with a warm-up party at 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Sound Salmon Solutions, a $25 donation includes a yearly SSS mug, yearly membership and snacks. More at soundsalmonsolutions.org.
Seattle
Main plunge is at noon on Jan. 1, Matthews Beach Park. Activities start at 10 a.m. with a children’s plunge shortly before noon. Costumes are encouraged. Free. More at www.seattle.gov/parks.
Do you know someone we should get to know better? Send suggestions to abrown@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3443.
#PolarBearPlunge essentials: 1.Robe. 2.#RainierBeer. 3.Someone to pull you in. #CrazyFools https://t.co/KHWIXoi7O7 pic.twitter.com/athANG3kvs
— Andrea Brown (@reporterbrown) December 29, 2015
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