2/8/23 UPDATE: Your humble Q team was out scouring your 2023 Polar Bear area of operations. We found some exciting things you will get to encounter! We have some additional notes. Sunrise is 15-20 after our launch. Headlamps may be helpful during that time, but not required. Each team will need a cell phone, so have one available in case no one else on your team brought theirs. You won’t need your phone until after you get your team. Your team will have an opportunity to get it from the car. We will provide ziplock bags in case there are water hazards. No, don’t come with your own team. We will break up into random teams during warmorama.
Your favorite CSAUP event returns for the 9th consecutive year. This year the launch is from the Harris Teeter on Jetton (PAINinsula AO) and will also include surrounding areas. We will be combining the idea of an original “Bear” (think “Goat,” “Coyote,” or “Gremlin” if you are familiar) with the traditional Polar Bear event (think scavenger hunt or adventure race). No, you do not need to have experience. If you can find eggs at an Easter egg hunt with a team helping you and are able to do basic F3 idiotic exercises, you are qualified. The total distance covered will be about 3-4 miles (not counting any traveling at each stop along the way). We will not be traveling more than a half mile between locations and maybe even stopping for some fun. In other words, don’t worry about being slow.
However, DO worry about it being cold. It may be 20 degrees, it may be 55 degrees, it’s NC winter, who knows. Dress appropriately. There will be an opportunity to get wet… Ya know, to be able to say you actually did THE Polar Bear. If you don’t want to get wet, you don’t need to explain. It is only meant for the very masculine men out to have fun. In our experience, all pax have fun getting wet. It adds to the Polar Bear CSAUP adventure. As long as you keep moving, as the event is designed to do, you shouldn’t stay cold. Bring clothes to change into at the end if you think you’ll need them.
We will start promptly at 0630 on Saturday 2/11/23. BE EARLY. If you show up at 630am, you’re late and will miss out on the rules and may not get onto a team.
There will be water bottles at about 1/3 through the event and again about 2/3 through the event. There will be free coffee and donuts at the end of the event (donations appreciated to defray out-of-pocket expenses, but not required). If you need more water, sustinence or medication along the way, pack it and bring it.
The event will end about 8:30ish – ish. Is 8:30ish too late? The format of the event is such that it will be easy for you to leave early, if you must. However, that will be up to your individual planning. Keep in mind your team may be far from your car at times.
Limited edition commemorative winter beanies will be available for purchase at the event (limited supply, first come, first served). $13, picture on Twitter.