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The Polar Bear Swim is a popular, if not slightly insane, way to ring in the new year. But those who participated in the "Polar Bear Skate" at the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink skated on top of frozen water, rather than plunging into it head-on.
LAist's Annie Lesser reported a much smaller turnout this year than in previous years, in which people dress up in bikinis and sunglasses (mimicking the Polar Bear swim) to skate around the ice. Only two guys, Socrates Segundo and Matthew Krogen showed up in short shorts and polar bear hats at first, and people enjoyed snapping photos with the brave, and likely cold, souls. But they were joined about 45mins later by four teenage boys, who arrived in swimming trunks and t-shirts.
The Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink is open until January 18, so you've still got some time to lace up some skate if you've got the urge. And if you don't want to head downtown, here are some other options for seasonal ice skating.
