The Coney Island Polar Bear Club

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter bathing organization in the United States. The club hosts a swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island every Sunday from November through April. The club was founded on the belief that a dip in the ocean during the winter can be a boon to one’s stamina, virility and immunity.

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club was founded by Bernarr Macfadden in 1903. While virtually unknown today,in his day Bernarr Macfadden (1868-1955) was called the “Father of Physical Culture.” He was an early advocate of physical fitness, natural foods and physical exercise.

In his day many considered him a “kook and a charlatan,” but few people of his generation did as much to advance the cause of physical fitness, healthy eating habits and the natural treatment of disease. Bernarr Macfadden authored over 100 books on his theories of health, sexuality and fitness becoming a millionaire publisher along the way.

Since 2007 the club has partnered with Camp Sunshine raising money on its New Years Day Swims . In 2009 alone the The Coney Island Polar Bear Club raised over $25,000 .

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