NYC model aims to polar plunge every day — and Winter Storm Fern won’t stop him

Stephen Niese, a Brooklyn model, has made a daily ritual out of taking bone-chilling dips in the icy waters of Coney Island for years. Even the recent Winter Storm Fern couldn’t deter him from his routine. Despite the freezing temperatures and brutal wind chill, Niese, 62, braved the 36-degree water and 22-degree wind chill in nothing but his swim trunks.

Niese describes the experience as exhilarating, giving him a sense of being superhuman after emerging from the cold waters. He has been taking these daily swims for a decade, starting at Rockaway and Atlantic beaches before settling into his routine at Coney Island. The swim, which spans roughly 100 yards between two jetties, provides both physical and mental health benefits for Niese. He credits the cold water immersion for boosting his immune system, reducing inflammation, and offering a meditative escape from daily stressors.

Prior to his swim, Niese spends two hours beachcombing for seashells, coral, and beach glass, immersing himself in the tranquility of the open sky above him. He views the daily ritual as a way to push himself beyond his comfort zone and maintain a sense of freedom and mental clarity. Despite moments of doubt and discomfort, Niese remains committed to the practice, viewing it as a way to challenge himself and break out of the monotony of a comfortable life.

Niese’s resilience and determination have garnered attention on social media, where he shares his daily swims on platforms like TikTok. While some may view his actions as extreme or unconventional, Niese sees it as a way to stay connected to nature and push his boundaries. As a winter storm approaches, Niese remains undeterred, planning to continue his swims with slight adjustments to accommodate the harsh weather conditions.

Despite the challenges and occasional skepticism from onlookers, Niese remains steadfast in his commitment to his daily dips in the icy waters of Coney Island. His story serves as a reminder of the power of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits and finding solace and strength in the face of adversity.