The Polar Plunge: Exploring Adventure, Health and Science

Introduction

Welcome to The Great Expedition Company Blog!

In our Great Expedition Blog, we will cover and discuss all manner of topics, issues and things to think about when it comes to Greenland, Iceland and the polar regions (Arctic and the Antarctic). We do hope you can benefit from our expedition and travel experience in these areas and use the information found here to make choices about your future travel plans that suit you perfectly.

Photo by Erica Connolly, Greenland Expedition Passenger 2023.

What is the polar plunge?

On the face of it, it’s quite a simple thing. Human goes into cold water, and end of story. However still waters run deep: the Polar Plunge is an exhilarating adventure that involves bravely submerging oneself into icy waters, typically in the Arctic or Antarctic regions.

The Polar Plunge represents a daring encounter with polar extremes. The act of taking a Polar Plunge triggers a natural response known as the "cold shock response," releasing endorphins and providing a unique blend of adrenaline and euphoria. The number of people who swear by the polar plunge is increasing and its clear to see that is something of real value here.

Beyond its adventurous appeal, many Polar Plunge events also align with environmental and health causes (remember the ice bucket challenge? We do! More on that below), creating a meaningful connection between the daring participants and the preservation of fragile and threatened polar ecosystems.

The Allure of the Chill: Decoding the Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge, a daring leap into icy waters, transcends a mere thrill-seeking adventure; it's a visceral connection to the raw forces of nature and the natural power of the ocean. This week, we are delving into the origins, the chilling temperatures, and the scientific underpinnings of this exhilarating endeavour.

The Arctic Invitation: Navigating the Frigid Waters

Two ingredients make the perfect Polar Plunge: you need to take a brave bold jump into some cold water AND you need to be one within the territory of one of the polar circles: that is to say, the Arctic or the Antarctic Circle, which respectively start at 66.5ºN and 66.5ºS approximately.

Participants willingly undertake the bone-chilling experience, making the Polar Plunge a thrilling rite of passage. Whether facing the frigid temperatures of the Arctic, with sea temperatures ranging from -2°C/28°F to 0°C/32°F, or the even colder waters of the Antarctic, where temperatures vary from 28°F to -10°C/14°F.

Antarctic Extremes: Brave the Icy Depths

Venturing into the Antarctic takes the Polar Plunge to even colder realms, with sea temperatures ranging from 28°F to 14°F (-2°C to -10°C). The bone-chilling conditions intensify the challenge, providing participants with a unique encounter with the frigid embrace of the southernmost waters. In Antarctica, because the water is so much colder, it is common to tie a cord around the Polar Plunge adventurer. That way, if the the adventurer should go into a cold shock and experience any side-effects, they can be pulled in to safety. This is a responsible safety precaution in extra cold waters.

Photo by Erica Connolly, Greenland Expedition Passenger 2023.

Swing, Jump or Walk: Three Different Polar Plunge Options

Above, we mentioned how you could jump into a polar plunge with a cord in case you get into trouble, but there there are actually two other ways you can also get you cold water fix which would definitely still count as a polar plunge as long as they are in the polar regions.

The swing is like the jump, but you have to remember to let go at the maximum extent of the swing. Also, once you have swung out, you will have further to go once it is time to get out of your polar plunge. The swing is definitely really, really fun but it does leave you exposed for longer.

The walk is perhaps the most piecemeal of the polar plunge options. You start at a beach and you walk in gradually at your own pace. The biggest benefit as opposed to the jump or the swing is that you can avoid getting you head or hair wet, so you would be as cold as when you do the polar plunge with a swing or a jump. The “danger” with the walk-in is that is goes you too much time to think and you may end up re-considering!

Cold Shock Response: What Does the Research Say?

The Polar Plunge is all about the Cold Shock Response. Immersing oneself in icy waters induces a surge of endorphins, creating a natural high and a sense of euphoria. This physiological reaction has been extensively studied.

By now, there is a lot of research about the Cold Shock Response, and some of this research flies in the face of what people believe about the Polar Plunge and Cold Water Immersion. For example, a lot has been said about cold water immersion as a means to hasten recovery after intensive exercise, such as High Intensity Interval Training. Research in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in 2015 by Stanley, Buchheit, and Peake has found that:

in a competitive setting or when the aim of the high-intensity training is to increase aerobic capacity (such as in the current study), cold water immersion has detrimental effects on high-intensity exercise that persist for at least 45 min. Therefore, it is advisable for athletes not to use cold water immersion if high-intensity events are separated by 45 min or less.

On the other hand, other researchers have found that Cold Water Immersion can have some very interesting and encouraging psychological effects. A fascinating article in the journal Biology led by an international team of researchers found in 2023 that:

participants felt more active, alert, attentive, proud, and inspired and less distressed and nervous after having a cold-water bath. The changes in positive emotions were associated with the coupling between brain areas involved in attention control, emotion, and self-regulation. A reduction in negative emotions did not show strong associations with changes in brain connectivity. The results indicate that short-term whole-body cold-water immersion may have integrative effects on brain functioning, contributing to the reported improvement in mood.*

In other words, polar plunge is not as good as people think for recovery from intensive exercise, although it may feel good, but it is at least as good as people think it is for its neurological, psychological, well being and mood impact. Things are looking good for the polar plunge and there does appear to be a point to this after all!

Didrik Espeland, a Louis de Weerd, b , c and James B. Mercer publish in The International Journal of Circumpolar Health. That the actual health benefits of cold water immersion are still, as of 2022, still a matter of debate. They studied a group of winter swimmers and found that:

CWI seems to reduce and/or transform body adipose tissue, as well as reduce insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity. This may have a protective effect against cardiovascular, obesity and other metabolic diseases and could have prophylactic health effects. Whether winter swimmers as a group are naturally healthier is unclear. Some of the studies indicate that voluntary exposure to cold water has some beneficial health effects. However, without further conclusive studies, the topic will continue to be a subject of debate.

Where Does This Leave us?

At the very least, the Polar Plunge really does seem to be good for us, it feels good when we do, and it sa really fun thing to do you find yourself in the polar regions. Thats good enough, isn’t it? The health benefits of the Polar Plunge seem to accrue after many days, but maybe that first polar plunge in Greenland, Svalbard or Antarctica is the start of a whole new thing for you. Maybe its the start of your new life of Cold Water Immersion!

The Ice Bucket challenge 10 years On: Little Brother to The Polar Plunge

Who remember the ice bucket challenge? The Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral internet phenomenon that gained widespread popularity in the summer of 2014. Participants, including celebrities and the general public, were challenged to pour a bucket of ice water over their heads, record the act, and then nominate others to do the same, all to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

The primary purpose of the Ice Bucket Challenge was to promote awareness about ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. By encouraging people to participate and share their experiences on social media, the campaign aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by ALS patients and to generate support for research and treatment efforts.

The campaign was highly successful in achieving its goals. It went viral on various social media platforms, with millions of participants globally. The ALS Association, a non-profit organization leading the fight against ALS, received a significant influx of donations, raising over $115 million during the summer of 2014. This surge in funding contributed to advancements in ALS research, increased patient support, and a broader understanding of the disease's impact.

Stages of the Polar Plunge

Photo by Erica Connolly, Greenland Expedition Passenger 2023.

Stage 1

Get in and get out. You’ve done it! Want to take your Polar Plunge further? Read on.

Stage 2

Get in and start by only staying in for 1-2 minutes and build up your time from there.

Stage 3

Extend your stay for up to 5 minutes or even longer and gradually become a Polar Plunge Master!

Your Polar Plunge Checklist

• Never do it alone, always make sure somebody is watching you.

• Bring a changing robe so that you can quickly remove your wet bathing suit and put on dry clothing.

• Focus on your breath. Breathe slowly, stay present, and do not panic. Know that you can get out at any time.

• Have some hot drinks on standby to warm up again after you’re done. Or make sure the sauna is ready, or the hot tub. They’ll do the trick just fine too!

• Wear neoprene socks to keep feet warm, or rubber soled sandals so you don’t have to walk directly on cold surfaces

• Make sure to bring gives or mittens. Make sure they’re waterproof if you want to submerge them as well.

A Dive into the Unknown: Facing Challenges and Rewards

Participating in a Polar Plunge demands courage, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The challenges are real, from confronting the biting cold to overcoming the natural instincts resisting the initial shock. Or, indeed, embracing the initial shock and learning to cope in the moment. Yet, the rewards are equally tangible – a rush of endorphins, a sense of accomplishment, and a connection to the elemental forces that shape our planet.

Beneath the Surface, Beyond the Chill

The Polar Plunge, with its chilling temperatures and scientific underpinnings, is more than a daring leap into icy waters. It's a journey that delves beneath the surface, unraveling the neurological symphony of the cold shock response and the potential health benefits of cold water therapy.

It really is a right of passage in the Polar regions. Whether you’re in the Arctic or the Antarctic Circle, its a fantastic thing to tick off the list. As participants brave the chill, they not only face physical challenges but also contribute to the collective understanding of how our bodies respond to extreme conditions. So, if you're ready to embrace the icy abyss on your next expedition, plunge in (maybe stay in, too?) and discover the profound intersection of adventure, science and your body. The Polar Plunge awaits!

Iceland vs Greenland

Introduction

Welcome to The Great Expedition Company Blog!

In our blog, we will cover and discuss all manner of topics, issues and things to think about when it comes to Greenland, Iceland and the polar regions (Arctic and the Antarctic). We do hope you can benefit from our expedition and travel experience in these areas and use the information found here to make choices about your future travel plans.

Iceland vs Greenland

In the ongoing debate about neighbouring destinations, Iceland vs Greenland is a popular topic. For this reason, and because we have travelled extensively in both, we wanted to break down what we think are some of the key similarities and differences between Iceland vs Greenland. This is more than a geographical exploration and comparison; it's a stark journey through contrasting (and in some cases overlapping) landscapes, cultures and experiences.

Our blog post about Iceland vs Greenland is broken down through the following headings:

Arctic Fox eating a sea urchin in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

• Between the High Arctic, Arctic and Near-Arctic

• Is Iceland greener than Greenland?

• Iceland vs Greenland: Young vs Old Earth

• Iceland vs Greenland: Fire and Ice vs Polar Expanse

• Summer in Iceland vs Greenland

• Winter in Iceland vs Greenland

• A Brief Human History of Iceland vs Greenland

• Population and urban dynamics

• Getting around in Iceland vs Greenland

• Travel Costs in Iceland vs Greenland

• Climate (and climate change) in the Arctic and near-Arctic

As you weigh the various factors like geography, climate, culture, and tourism dynamics play crucial roles in how you decide where to go. We want to delve into the key elements that impact general perceptions of Iceland vs Greenland; exploring the similarities and differences of these two neighbouring countries. Here we go!

Between the High Arctic, Arctic and Near-Arctic

The Arctic Circle is a key demarcation line in our consideration of Iceland vs Greenland. The lowest extent of the Arctic Circle: 66.5ºN

Greenland is an Arctic nation. Iceland is a near-Arctic nation.

One of the most important things to understand about Greenland vs Iceland is that 99.9% of Iceland is not, we repeat, NOT in the Arctic Circle. The only part of Iceland which directly in the Arctic Circle is some proportion of the island of Grímsey which lies about 3 hours at sea north of the Icleandic mainland. The rest of Iceland lies south of the Arctic Circle. Iceland ranges from 63ºN up to 66.56ºN, so there is 0.06º of Icelandic landmass in the Arctic.

Greenland on the other hand, lies predominantly in the Arctic Circle. One of the most southern parts of Greenland lies at 59ºN (4 degrees below Iceland) and the most northerly parts stretch all the way up to 83ºN (a whole 16ºN further north than Iceland).

Is Iceland greener than Greenland?

The received wisdom about Iceland vs Greenland is that the true nature of each country is almost precisely the inverse: Iceland feels much greener and conversely, that Greenland is much icier than its name would suggest, although there are plenty of green parts in Greenland and plenty of icy parts in Iceland.

Mountain ridge of the Bear Islands of Northeast Greenland. Note some greenery.

When trying to understand whether Iceland is greener than Greenland in the Iceland vs Greenland debate, it’s helpful to think about percentages. As a proportion of its landmass, Greenland is 80% ice (thanks to the Greenland ice cap), but given that Greenland is much larger than Iceland, the green parts of Green still equate to a greater land area than the green parts of Iceland.

Glacier front in Iceland. There are plenty of similar scenes in Greenland.

Due to its volcanically and tectonically active landscape, a great percentage of Iceland is covered in a desert of a very different kind: tephra (volcanic ash) plains cover great areas of the interior of the Icelandic Highlands. For 10 months out of the year, these are covered in snow which melt away in the summer months, and do not accumulate to form permanent ice. The are several glaciers in the Icelandic Highlands which feed the main glacial rivers which run out to the sea.

In short, in the Iceland vs Greenland debate, Greenland is greener than Iceland, but proportionally speaking, Iceland is much greener than Greenland.

Young Earth vs Old Earth

The Grundtvigskirken Mountain, 1977m/6486 ft of granite.

One of the biggest different between Iceland vs Greenland is the difference in age: Iceland is very young indeed. The oldest region of Iceland, the Westfjords, is at the every oldest 16 million years old. The youngest parts of Iceland are a few weeks old at best, since the most recent eruption in Iceland occurred on January 14th 2024. Compared to Greenland, that is practically 10 seconds ago, in geological terms. Greenland exhibits an astonishing level of geological diversity, with the oldest parts dating back to the billions of years but with no active volcanoes, the newest parts of Greenland are at the youngest millions of years old.

Iceland vs Greenland: Fire and Ice vs Polar Expanse

Iceland, with its volcanic terrain and smaller glaciers offers a landscape that's both rugged, barren, desolate and breathtaking. Greenland shares many of these characteristics, but on another scale entirely. Greenland does boast the largest ice sheet in the Northern Hemisphere which dominates it’s topography, covering 96% of the country. Iceland’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull, covers a mere 10% of the country, but it is the largest glacier in Europe.

The first volcanic eruption at Fagradalsfjall, Iceland, 2021.

Iceland's milder climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, creates a more hospitable environment compared to Greenland's true Arctic conditions.

You can think about Iceland vs Greenland in these terms: Iceland is a fantastic stepping stone to more extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations. If you have experienced Iceland are ready for something more extreme, Greenland may very well be for you.

That being said, you could easily find yourself in a green valley in either Iceland or Greenland, in the right parts; this would be equally true for a white out on a glacier: you can experience both, in both places. Although there are many more green valleys in Iceland and many more glacial expanse in Greenland.

Ice in Iceland vs Greenland

One of the key differences between Iceland vs Greenland is that although Iceland is home to colossal outlet tongues and the largest ice cap in Europe, the ice in Greenland is occurring on another scale entirely. It is difficult to find the words for how amazing the ice in Greenland is. It’s big. It’s enormous and towers over you like nothing else you have experienced. The ice in Greenland is larger than buildings, its larger than city blocks sometimes, and it is not just the size that is awe-inspiring about the ice in Greenland: it is the shape and the complexity of the ice itself. The ice in Greenland can take many fantastic forms and shapes which exist dear outside of your imagination, making incredible towers, arches and holes that feel like vortexs. It seems like the ice in Greenland deserves its own post. That is definitely on the to-do list.

Summer in Iceland vs Greenland

Iceland and Greenland both have very short summer seasons, but Greenland’s landmass stretches much further north and much further south, deep into the Arctic, so it gets much colder and much darker. Greenland does not benefit form the Gulf Stream in the same way that Iceland does, and so the temperatures in winter drop to -20/-30 Celcius and stay that way for many months. These long, cold and icy winters make large parts of Greenland much less habitable than Iceland. Still, Greenland has been inhabited for thousands of years longer than Iceland.

Askja, a caldera in the central Highlands of Iceland.

Winter in Iceland vs Greenland

Both Iceland and Greenland have long, cold and dark winters, but due to not benefiting from the Gulf Stream, the much larger size and the majority of the country being within the Arctic Circle, winters in Greenland are much longer, colder and in many cases darker than they are in Iceland.

Above the Arctic Circle, where most of Greenland lies, the sun never rises in winter, and instead there is a faint glow of light over the horizon from about November through to February when the sun finally returns. the most Arctic part so Greenland experience pitch darkness for months on end before the sun returns. The return the sun is usually celebrated as an even unto itself, and makes the beginning of the transition out of winter.

Fjaðrárgljúfur in South Iceland in winter.

In Iceland, the sun rises and sets above the horizon every single day. That being said, it does of course get much darker in winter than in summer. Where on the winter solstice there are 3 hrs and 50 mins approximately of direct sunlight and on the summer solstice there will be about 21 hours of direct sunlight, as long as its not cloudy!

Wildlife in Iceland vs Greenland

The types and variety of wildlife that you may when you visit a new country is always an interesting question, and there are some pretty big differences between what you can see between Greenland and Iceland.

Fauna in Iceland

In Iceland there is absolutely no terrestrial megafauna (big animals), the biggest animals you can see on land are resting seals when they are not in the water. The Arctic Fox is the largest terrestrial land mammal in Iceland. There is also a population of non-native reindeer living in the east of Iceland (from Norway).

Muskox found on the sides of the fjords in Greenland.

A polar bear relaxing on an Iceberg

Puffins on a cliff side in Iceland

Fauna in Greenland

Greenland is a whole other matter entirely. Greenland has megafauna such as polar bears and muskox and species of seal that are not commonly seen in Iceland such as the hooded seal and bearded seal, as well as arctic hare, ermine and many of the migratory birds that also come to Iceland.

About the Puffins in Iceland vs Greenland

Are there puffins in Greenland? Yes, but only about 50,000 pairs, which sounds like a lot but it really isn’t at all. Iceland the other hand has about 20% of the global population of puffins and houses the world’s single largest puffins colony, to be found on the southern archipelago of the Westman Islands. So, fi you’re looking for puffins, the choice is pretty clear

Whales in Iceland vs Greenland

Humpback whale in Northeast Greenland

Both Iceland and Greenland enjoy large populations of migratory whales that come to the Arctic and near-Arctic in summer. These species of whale include Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale and Blue Whale. However, Greenland has narwhals and beluga whales which do not (or at least only rarely) come to Iceland.

A Brief Human History of Iceland vs Greenland

When comparing Iceland vs Greenland in terms of their human settlement, Iceland was one of the last places on earth to be inhabited, in 874 AD. Iceland’s rich cultural tapestry is rooted in Viking history and medieval sagas, creating a unique identity with a clear and discernible heritage. Greenland has been inhabited by Inuit populations for thousands of years before Iceland, with a period of norse settlement in between before Danish colonisation in the 18th Century. The first human culture in Greenland was the Independence I culture, which the best current records show moved to Greenland in 2400 BC. There have been several other waves of migration in Greenland, as well as an overlap with the Norse which occurred shortly after the norse settlement of Iceland, led by Erik the Red. The norse settlement of Greenland was abandoned between 1300 and 1500 AD. The norse settlement of Iceland, on the other hand, was not abandoned and continues to this day, despite a considerable amount of hardship and struggle.

Population and Density: Greenland

Population of Greenland (2023):

• 56,653 (about 15% of Iceland’s population)

• Population density Greenland:

  • 0.1 sq mi / 0.14 Km² (0.1% of Iceland)

• Landmass of Greenland:

  • 836,330 square miles / 2.166 million km²

Population and Density: Iceland

• Population of Iceland (2023):

  • 372,520

• Population density Iceland:

  • 10 people/mi² / 4/Km²

• Landmass of Iceland:

  • 39,817 sq mi / 103,000 km²

Colourful houses of Ittoqqortoormiit, Northeast Greenland.

Greenland is the world’s most sparsely population country. Iceland has a very small population as well; although its density is very low, it is higher then Greenland’s population density.

Both Iceland and Greenland have tranquil settlements scattered across its vast, barren wilderness. As soon as you’ve left capital area of Reykjavik, which contains 2/3 of the population, things get very quiet and slow indeed. The tradeoff between city buzz and serene isolation shapes your experience. Choosing between the busier Reykjavik and the solitude of Greenland's remote settlements becomes a pivotal decision. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, has plenty to do and and plenty going for it, but it is quite a bit smaller than Reykjavik.

Getting around in Iceland vs Greenland

Iceland is easy to get to and get around in, mostly because there are roads everywhere. You can rent a car and drive around on your own,.

Travelling by Zodiac in iceberg-filled waters

Travelling by Land Rover through the Highlands of Iceland

Conversely, Greenland is not easy to get to or get around in. This is easy to understand in terms of the number of of different countries from which you can get a flight to either. For Iceland, there are direct flight to all other Nordic countries, most European countries as well as USA, Canada. For Greenland, there are only regular, year-end flight connections to Iceland and Denmark.

Greenland has no roads between towns, only within towns. That means that as soon as you want to leave a town in Greenland, your options are very different to what they would be otherwise. You transportation options in Greenland are:

• Plane

• Helicopter

• Boat

• Dog sled (winter)

• Snowmobile (winter)

Travel Costs in Iceland vs Greenland

A logical follow-on point from the more limited modes of transportation in Greenland would be consideration of the costs of Iceland vs Greenland. In short, Greenland is much more expensive to travel in, because you pretty much cannot, except for walking around the different towns, go about at your own leisure. You will invariably need someone else’s dog sled, helicopter, snowmobile, or boat. Of course, it’s an incredible experience to try any the above methods of transportation in Greenland, and that is definitely all part of the fun.

In Iceland, if you’re willing to drive you can rent a car and use the network of roads, although that becomes a bit more dicy in winter with ice and snow on the road as well as less visibility. If you’re not willing to drive there are plenty of small and larger group tours that are run by bus, but then of course the major downside is that you’re not travelling at your own leisure.

Climate (and Climate Change) in Iceland vs Greenland

Beautiful Iceberg found in Northeast Greenland. They come in all shapes and sizes.

A really big difference between Iceland vs Greenland is that Iceland is much wetter: it rains much more often in Iceland than it does in Greenland.

Iceland also has a more stable average temperature, with fewer deviations, meaning that summers are cooler but winters are warmer. There can be nice warm, sunny days in summer in Greenland and then brutally, bitterly cold for months on end in winter. Greenland shows greater variations in temperature than Iceland.

When discussing climate change effects, researchers often compare the melting rates of glaciers in Iceland and Greenland. One crucial similarity at the present Time is that the glaciers and glacial outlet tongues are receding rapidly, and the rate at which they recede has been found to be increasing.

The net loss in volume of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) has doubled from 90 km3 (22 cu mi) per year in 1996 to 220 km3 (53 cu mi) per year since 2005. For Iceland, by 2000 all monitored non-surge type glaciers were found to be retreating.

Concluding Iceland vs Greenland

By now, we have hopefully shown you that there are plenty of things to consider when thinking about Iceland vs Greenland. Ultimately, we think that you will have to go to both and decide for yourself. It is not at all the case than it is better to visit Iceland or that it is better to visit Greenland. Each have their own qualities, feelings, attributes, landscapes and populations. You will encounter wondrous things in both Iceland and Greenland, but Iceland is a great introduction to more extreme climates and Greenland feels a lot like the next step, with its colossal mountains that shoot straight out of the sea, Icebergs the size of city blocks and a wilderness that is truly vast and uninhabited.

Great Expeditions in the Arctic

The Great Expedition Company provides inspired sailing expeditions in the Arctic, which allow you to reach the most remote parts of the Arctic. The Great Expedition Company also provides extensive pre-departure material about all of our destination so that that can know more about where you’re going before you go head there. This will help you to get the most of you your expedition experience.

The Great Expedition Company creates inspired sailing expeditions of 12 guests maximum. Always on sailboats. Always focused on fostering genuine human connection so that you go home with a new group of lifelong friends. You can see our Greenland expedition and Svalbard expedition destinations below.

Schooner Opal in Northeast Greenland

S/V Linden in Svalbard