LCKC - Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club

LCKC

"It wasn't THAT cold!"

The 12th Annual Polar Bear Swim is another LCKC success story. Actually 83 jumpers registered today to jump in chilly Lake Lanier. Many thanks to all our LCKC volunteers and our 2009 Polar Bear Sponsors for making this event a success. Thank you to Hot Springs Spas of Atlanta who provided hot tubs which were welcomed by the jumpers.

Some of the LCKC Athletes in attendance showed the U.S. Marine Corp what they are made of today. The Marines brought their recruitment vehicle and pull-up bar and much to their surprise they quickly ran out of t-shirts which they gave away to anyone who could do 20 chin-ups.

The following story is found on www.accessnorthga.com You can also go to www.myfoxatlanta.com see a feature story on todays event.

12th Annual Polar Bear Swim brings in 2009 at Lake Lanier

BY JERRY GUNN STAFF

Sixteen year old Luke Potts from Flowery Branch High School said it took him only two seconds to get up the hill to a waiting hot tub after his Polar Bear plunge

GAINESVILLE - It was another chilly Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club Polar Bear Swim to mark the New Year Thursday at the Olympic Venue on Lake Lanier.

Bruce Northrop and his 10-year-old daughter Sarah were the first divers in the 12th annual event; the water temperature was 48 degrees under a clear sky.

"It was great! Happy New Year," Northrop said as he warmed up in a hot tub after his frigid plunge. " I feel like a new man."

So why did 73 swimmers jump into cold Lake Lanier on January 1st; Northrop had a ready answer.

"Because its there, like Mallory said about Mount Everest," he explained.

"We're going to have over 70 people nice and blue running up to the hot tubs," Jim O'Dell with LCKC said.

Sixteen year old Luke Potts from Flowery Branch High School said it took him only two seconds to get up the hill to a waiting hot tub after his Polar Bear plunge.

O'Dell added the Polar Bear Swim remains the club's most popular event.

"It has been over the years," O'Dell said. "All of the canoe and kayak races we have throughout the year pale in comparison to the Polar Bear Swim."

Elizabeth Canupp dressed up as a Christmas tree and won the best costume category; awards were also given out for best jump, and the oldest and youngest swimmer.

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LCKC will be hosting the
2009 US Marathon Canoe and Kayak
National Team Trials!

Message from the Team Trial Host Race Chair:

On behalf of the members, staff, and volunteers of Lanier Canoe and
Kayak Club, I am honored to accept the designation of our facility as
hosts for the 2009 US Marathon Canoe and Kayak National Team Trials to
be held on May 9th and 10th.

Our goal is to offer an effective, fun, and safe venue for team selection in order to continue to build interest and raise the level performance of our sport here in the US. We encourage cross participation between sprint and marathon disciplines in addition to recreational paddlers.

Whether you intend to qualify for the 2009 Marathon World Championships in Portugal, or to simply add a high quality race to your calendar, we hope you will consider participating!

Sincerely,
John DePalma
Race Chair