Tom Diaz, winner of the inaugural George Wangemann “Finesse” award.
January 1, 2026, marked the 28th year of the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club’s (LCKC) Polar Bear Plunge & Paddle event. It is their annual fundraiser to support its athletes and programs. This year there were over 60 participants who jumped in the lake, paddled, or did both, raising more than $1,500 for the club.
Each year, several fun awards are given out in categories like the farthest traveler, the oldest and youngest participants, the best group entry and more. But this year LCKC added a new award to honor the late George Wangemann who was a huge supporter of the club. Wangemann, who served as Gainesville City Councilman for nearly 40 years before stepping down in 2023 and passing away in 2024, was an active supporter of LCKC and participated in the Polar Bear Plunge event more than 20 times.
The award, named the George Wangemann Finesse award, is given to the person who “enters” the water with the most finesse. It was judged and presented for this first time by Wangemann’s family, wife Judy, daughter Amber, and grandson Ty. The winner of the award was Tom Diaz, also a long-time supporter of the club, who entered the water this year in a full suit and tie. Congratulations Tom!
Executive Director, Kim Martin, thanked the members of the Gainesville Fire Department who were on site to handle any health or safety issues and also expressed a heart-felt thanks to the fans, donors, and participants who attend each year to support the club and bring awareness to the sports of canoeing and kayaking.
Next year the LCKC Polar Bear Plunge & Paddle event will add a “Dragon Boat Experience” for anyone who wants to try paddling a dragon boat. So, mark January 1, 2027, on your calendar and get ready to “jump or paddle” into the new year on Lake Lanier.
For more information about LCKC, visit their website at LCKC.org or call Kim Martin, 706-348-3044.
Photos: courtesy LCKC
