Virginia Polar Dip Reston 2018
Shot With A Panasonic HC-X1
One of the craziest events in the DC Metro area every year is the Virginia Polar Dip that takes place in Lake Anne of Reston, Virginia. All in the name of charity (Camp Sunshine), participates take the polar plunge to raise money for children with life-threatening illnesses. I drove out to Reston to cover the event and got some amazing Super Slow Motion footage (above).
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The 2018 iteration featured over 200 jumpers who left the freezing cold 32 degree land for the warmth and comfort of the 34 degree waters. Fun times! I mean look at how happy this guy is!
A huge crowd came out to support the jumpers. The event was emceed by Chilli Amar from local radio station 97.1 Wash FM and there was a DJ and the Camp Sunshine Moose were out there to pump up the crowd.
CAMERA STUFF: Many of these shots were taken using the Panasonic HC-X1 120fps super slow motion and then sped up to create a change of speed look that turned out really well with the splashes.
When the event started, the Lake was frozen solid. In the past chainsaws and axes had to be used to clear a path for the jumpers, but luckily the temperature never hit too low during the week and the clean up was fairly simple.
The Fairfax County Cold Water Dive Team put on their Scuba Steve gear and cleared away the ice sheets. It really was the coolest part of the whole day! Fairfax County first responders were on site as well to lend their support if something went wrong (nothing did).
At the end of the jump Tropical Smoothie Cafe gave the jumpers towels to warm up. However, as the participants exited the water all they wanted was a warm shower.
If you have any questions about Reston, Fairfax County, Lake Anne, the Panasonic HC-X1 or how I shot and edited this video, please leave a comment. You can also email Chris, or hire Fire Toga by sending an email to firetoga@gmail.com. Scroll all the way down to follow us on social media to find out what is happening in the DC Metro Area. See you out there!