Dive into 2025

Brace yourself for the New Year with coastal cold-water dunks

Perhaps you like to gather a few good friends to start the new year with a cold-water dunk. But if you yearn for a larger gathering, three Central Coast events can fit the bill.

Following are a few options for collective chilliness, from a dip into a shallow bay in Lincoln City to a run into the ocean in Manzanita, both on New Year's Day; and, on Saturday, Jan. 5, a race with a finish line that allows racers to jump into the waves for a grand finale.

Siletz Bay Splash

Ring in the New Year with a chilly plunge into Siletz Bay. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate, pastries and a bonfire.

The well-attended splash begins at 10 am at the beach near the Taft Dock at the end of 51st Street in Lincoln City.

For more information, go to lincolncity.org.

Manzanita Polar Plunge

With the theme being a nod to the Dr. Seuss quote, “If you never have you should, these things are fun and fun is good,” Polar Plunge 2025 will once again see crowds of people heading down Neahkahnie Beach into the ocean.

Some, including plunge founder Janice Gaines-Ehlen, will be in costume. To honor the theme, Gaines-Ehlen starts every new year in a Dr. Seuss outfit, but any costume will do and help contribute to the convivial tone of the event.

Another favorite feature of the dunk is the huge bonfire to gather around to get dry and share stories.

The plunge will begin at roughly 11 am, but with how large the event has become, Gaines-Ehlen recommends arriving early.

For more information, go to Janice Gaines-Ehlen’s page on Facebook.

Newport Resolution Run and Polar Bear Plunge

For a different kind of adventure, line up for the Ardor Adventures Resolution Run and Polar Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 5. The run distances are 5K, 10K and half marathon, all starting at the South Beach State Park's Day Use parking lot and finishing at the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. At the finish line, celebrate your achievement by choosing your next adventure: take the plunge into the icy waters or stay dry and bask in the triumph of your run.

The plunge is not an organized event, it is just a great way to finish a run, and the photographer will be on hand to capture images of each watery finish for those that choose to plunge.

Whether or not you dive in, you can enjoy the coziness of the large heated tent and hot coffee and hot chocolate.

Registration includes a finisher’s medal, post-race food and beer and photos.

Chip timing means live results for friends and family to follow while you race.

Packet pick-up is on race day starting at 8 am. Start times are staggered from 9 am and 9:30 am at the South Beach State Park Day Use parking lot.

For more information, go to ardoradventures.com.