At 3 o’clock today, January 1, 2015, Ocracoke residents and visitors gathered on the beach by Ramp 70 to participate and observe the third annual Polar Bear Plunge! People of all ages came out to join in the fun! There were even some dogs present, but they didn’t run into the water.
The air temperature was a balmy 52 degrees and there was a breeze, so you may be wondering why on Earth people would willingly run into the Atlantic Ocean, which was about 55 degrees. Well, the answer is simple. The participants just felt like it. Six-year-old local Griffin Wells was the youngest to plunge. When asked why he wanted to participate, said, “I just do, and that’s all I got.”
Visitors from Raleigh, NC, Brittany and Mindy, said they were here “to wash away 2014.” Resident Kati Wharton said, “I want to do something brave to start off the New Year.” Yours truly stayed on the beach with ear covers, two layers of long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hiking boots; the participants were wearing swimsuits and flip-flops. Brrrrrrrrrrr.
Another participant, Stuart Eiland of Winchester, VA, said this was a, “spur of the moment thing. I ran here, so I’m warmed up and ready to go!”
By 2:50, a decent line of vehicles were parked on the beach, people mingling and taking photographs, others preparing to take the plunge into the chilly Atlantic. A make-shift starting line had been drawn into the sand, and promptly at 3 o’clock spectators started the countdown. “Three! Two! One!” And away they went! The participants entered the water with a great amount of enthusiasm and momentum. They quickly exited the water with same gusto, but were ready to get a towel, bathrobe – anything warm and dry – wrapped around them.
Resident John Crowe, this year’s oldest participant, said, after completing the plunge, “This is the third year in a row I’ve done this. I do it because I can. But the real reason I do it is to get the Hot Toddie,” afterwards.
Local blogger Philip Howard was the second oldest participant, beaten by John for that distinction by just one month! John’s wife Joan explained that, “John’s birthday is in July, Philip’s August, mine September, all of 1944.”
At the conclusion of the plunge, after the participants had dried off and gotten a beverage, resident Roger Meacham suggested this type of event should be held weekly. All I can say is Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr…
