Polar Bear Plunge

The 2009 Polar Bear Plunge is now history.

Some of the highlights....

Record numbers - more than 3,400 "plungers" ranged in age from 5 to 87, representing a total of 11 states

Costumes -

• Wonder Woman - blue and red, with the requisite bra, spandex underwear and nothing covering the legs. By the way, a man was wearing the costume.
• other super heroes including Batman and Superman
• green painted "leprechauns"
• hula outfits with skirts and coconut shell adorned chests
• Theme song - a kilt wearing ensemble of bagpipers playing amazing grace
• pirates

Weather - overcast, low 35 F
Water temperature - 34 F

Here is a "getting ready for the plunge" video

and the actual plunge......

Here is a blog entry about Seaside's polar plunges.

It would be great if you could share pictures or memories of the event with us here. This page will be archived and accessible as part of a running record of Seaside Heights' history.

Leave a comment below about your memories, thoughts or anecdotes about the day.

Send us a picture - go to our contact page to find out how to email us.

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The 16 annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place in Seaside Heights on February 28, 2009. There are expected to be over 3000 participants this year. All the participants register and contribute a minimum of $100 for the Special Olympics.

The plunge itself is pretty straightforward. Everyone runs into the water, gets all wet, and then runs out - because it is really cold! Most people wear their swimsuit or their regular "shorts and a t-shirt" swimming gear. A few brave souls wear a costume - and some that do so have been known to get real creative!

Some Details:
Participation - You must be registered
Location - centered at the Aztec at Boardwalk and Sherman Ave.
Check-in - from 9:00 through 12:30 AM
The Plunge - 1:00 pm
Lunch - 1:15 (if you go for a plunge you and one guest eat for free)

The point behind the plunge at Seaside Heights is to raise money for charity. Each participant pays at least $100 to participate and some, through being sponsored by others, contribute more. All proceeds go to the New Jersey Special Olympics. This event is so popular, the total contributions make a significant difference for this important organization.

The charity drive is part of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Carry the Torch program. They support the Special Olympics through the Polar Plunge and numerous other charity programs they run throughout the year. The law enforcement folks deserve a big hand for their efforts. They donate a lot of time and effort to make our NJ communities better places to live. And the Carry the Torch program is an extra effort by them - their full time job is of course keeping us all safe and protected in NJ.