If you’re feeling a little groggy on New Year’s Day morning, take an audacious polar bear plunge.
It’s guaranteed to wake you up.
Jumping into chilly water to celebrate new beginnings of a new year is a revitalizing — albeit shocking — tradition for hundreds of adventurous folks who take part in festive New Year’s Day dips on the North Olympic Peninsula.
While you don’t need an organized event for a polar bear plunge with friends, there are several large gatherings of the brave planned for Saturday.
Groups will take traditional plunges off Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles, and into the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Neah Bay, Lake Pleasant near Forks and Mystery Bay.
The water temperature in the Strait of Juan de Fuca is usually in the mid-40s.
The National Weather Service calls for mostly sunny skies, with highs mostly in the low 40s on the Peninsula on Saturday.
General tips for polar bear dips:
• Don’t stay in the water more than 15 minutes.
• Don’t fortify yourself with alcohol (it accelerates hypothermia).
• If you have medical concerns, consult a health care professional before taking the plunge.
All polar bear events Saturday are free — and all are welcome, no preregistration required. Happy New Year!
• Port Angeles plunge — 10 a.m. at Hollywood Beach.
Every year, about 100 people run into the water at Hollywood Beach for the requisite three dips in Port Angeles Harbor.
“It’s kind of worked up to that,” said organizer Dan Welden.
The informal Port Angeles plunge has been going on for 22 years. Welden prints and distributes certificates for the brave participants.
Some arrive early for a quick jog on the Olympic Discovery Trail to get the blood pumping before the plunge. A beach fire greets the frigid plungers after the dip.
“Basically it’s just a lot of fun,” Welden said.
“The rumor is it’s a fountain of youth. You don’t get older, you get colder.”
Welden said the main issue this year will be the seaweed on the beach. Seaweed has never quelled the festivities before.
• Nordland Polar Bear Dip — noon across from the Nordland General Store, 7180 Flagler Road.
The annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip in Mystery Bay on Marrowstone Island brings out the characters.
Last year, Miss Behavin’ appeared in a pink tutu, wig, parasol, tiara and bright red lipstick.
She slapped red kisses on those she greeted, while Chuck Easton and George Radebaugh provided a tuba-accordion soundtrack.
Tom and Sue Rose, owners of the Nordland General Store, sponsor the dip, which typically draws close to 100.
Dippers can warm up in a heated boathouse at the dock. Food, hot drinks and beer will be available.
• Neah Bay — noon off Bayside Avenue near the Senior Center.
June Williams, who organized the first Neah Bay plunge in 2001, said an average of 25 people take part.
The only rule is that participants must go all the way into the water, wetting their hair and faces.
Williams took her first plunge when she was seriously ill with asthma. She decided she wanted to experience a polar bear dip at least once in her life.
“I got well real fast,” said Williams, now 63.
“I’ve been getting stronger and stronger every year.”
Williams has only missed one Neah Bay plunge in the last decade.
She said she enjoys starting the new year fresh, encouraging kids to participate in drug- and alcohol-free activities and meeting new people along the way.
• Lake Pleasant — 10 a.m. at Lake Pleasant Community Beach County Park, accessed by driving on West Lake Pleasant Road.
What started as a whim five years ago has turned into a growing group of friends taking the plunge into the chilly Lake Pleasant — most in full, and imaginative, costumes.
Participant Sonja Hirsch said costumes are encouraged but not required.
Hirsch said about eight friends took part in the first New Year’s Day plunge at Lake Pleasant.
It has since grown to about 30 strong.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
