750 participants brave the bitter cold on Wase Polar Bear Dive: “The perfect preparation for a trip to Lapland” | Sint-Niklaas

Left, right, left, right, jump! Warming up at Ster Beach was nothing but an unnecessary luxury for the 14th edition of Wase Polar Bear Dive. On the sidelines, spectators wearing hats and scarves stood to cheer on their swimsuit-clad heroes.

With 750 participants, the organizers of the Wase Water Polo Tournament were very satisfied. “No record, but a good turnout. We also don't want to get too big, because it should still be a family and fun event. With 80 kids jumping in the water, we set a new record,” say Fredrik Whittock and Gert Martens from the Wise Water Polo team. Among the youngest participants.

There were many wonderfully dressed participants again this year. One is more dressed than the other. Mathias Lauer came dressed as the tragic ending scene from the hit film Titanic, in which Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) lies dying in the water and Rose (Kate Winslet) floats on a raft.

“I've watched the film dozens of times. “I liked the idea of ​​recreating that scene,” says Matthias. “By the way, my homemade raft came in handy so you don't go completely underwater, because it's very cold today.” Els De Block came to winter diving In the name of Gnome Kwebbel. “I have already participated six times and last year I regularly came here for winter swimming, but that was not the case this year. “So it will be a bit of a shock,” she laughs.

“Kim Ko” and “I Don't Dare” were written on Vincent and Emily Shipman's signs. Yet they turn their words into actions. Brother and sister from Frasini will soon travel to Lapland together. “This polar bear dive is perfect preparation for our trip to that cold region. Although they still have to convince us to participate again after last year’s edition, they laugh.

Catherine, Monica and Gina, in turn, dressed in blue-green algae outfits. The plant that sometimes prevents you from swimming in the waters of De Steer. “We're loyal polar bears, because we're here every year. The temperature's actually not too bad. The first polar bear dive in Waas was much colder. Then there was ice on the water here.”