Welcome to the Class of 2025 / 2026!

If you’re new here, you might be wondering what on earth you’ve signed up for — and if you’re back for your second, third, or even NINTH year of chilly fun, then welcome back! Glad you’re here.

The Challenge officially kicks off on 1st November, but there’s no better time to start preparing than right now. From today, you’ll receive a Saturday email each week packed with tips, info, and encouragement to help you get ready. Let’s dive in!

🐻🐧 Getting Started

Polar Bears & Extreme Penguins:
If you’re a Polar Bear or Extreme Penguin then strip off the extra layers now! The water is at its warmest, and swimming without gloves, boots, or neoprene will help you acclimatise before the real chill sets in.
Start Swimming Your Challenge Distance:
- Jedi/Ninja: Aim for a single 2K swim.
- Apprentice: Build up to 1K in a single swim.
- Arctic/Antarctic: You’ll need 3K per month overall including your 2 x 250m swims,
- Gold: You’ll need 1K per month overall including your 2 x 250m swims,
- Silver: Two swims of 250m+ per month.
- Classic: Just dip up to your shoulders twice a month.

💡 Many swimmers like to double up — a longer Penguin swim, followed by a quick Polar Bear dunk. Yes, you can enter both challenges separately and earn two rewards!

📋 Check-In & Levels

At the end of November, you’ll get a link to the check-in form. No proof is required — it’s an honesty challenge.
The only exception: Jedi / Ninja / Apprentice swimmers must provide temperature proof with two different thermometers. Details here.
Entered one level but swam further? 🎉 If you overachieve in November, you’ll be upgraded. You can always move down a level later if needed, but November is the only month for upgrades. How it works.

📚 Handy Resources

Official Polar Bear Handbook & Swim Log: Packed with info and a great way to track your swims. Order here.

🧢❄️ Merch

If you’d like some cosy gear or a memento:

Swim hats, bobble hats, embroidered hoodies & more are in the shop.
Hoodie deadline: Order by 23rd November for Christmas delivery. After that, no more orders this year.

Get ready — the cold water is waiting, and so is your next adventure.