A small but mighty group used the New Year's Day tradition of taking a cold plunge into the ocean to ring in 2025 and launch a new Chemainus business.
Cowichan Valley Fitness & Nutrition (CVF) put the finishing touches on their newly renovated space at 9774 Willow St., before heading down to Kin Beach with members of the CVF community to participate in the chilly group activity. About 20 people braved the icy ocean water amid shrieks, laughs and cheers of "Happy New Year" while at least as many lined the beach in support.
Encouraging shouts along the shore emboldened those taking the plunge. A few hardy souls decided to see how long they could stay submerged in the water. Prolonged cold water exposure is believed to offer health benefits, including reduced pain, decreased inflammation and improved mental health through the dopamine surge it triggers. They managed to remain in the water for 10 minutes.
The Polar Bear Swim in Chemainus offered a refreshing way to start the new year and marked an exciting beginning for one company's venture in the community.
