New Year, same cold story

Throw yourself into 2024, with the coast’s cold water dunks

The questions posed to people who like begin each new year by submerging themselves into cold water to have evolved over time from “What are you, nuts?” to “Which dunk are you going to?”

Following are a few options for collective chilliness, from a fairly new dunk in Lincoln City to a long and wet tradition in Manzanita, both on New Year's Day; and a Saturday, Jan. 6, race into the ocean that will help people make a fresh start to 2024.

Siletz Bay Splash

You might see a seal or two at the third annual Siletz Bay Splash from Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Department, which begins with a quick dip into the bay followed by a gathering around the fire. This year, hot chocolate and Mo’s chowder will be served.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this community tradition and hear about how it has grown,” Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Supervisor Teri O’Malley said. “We are hoping to have even more people than last year, which had over 50 attending. The staff jokes that it is the shortest event of the year, with participants only being in the water for 30 seconds.”

The Siletz Bay Splash is 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 2024 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.

“Some years there are more people in costumes than other years,” she said. “I don’t really promote that anymore, but that’s great if people do. I of course will be wearing my Dr. Seuss outfit to honor our theme.”

Weather is always unpredictable, but often New Year’s Day on the Central Oregon Coast dawns clear and chilly but not freezing.

“The tides look perfect this year,” Gaines-Ehlen said. “Now we’re just crossing our fingers for good weather. We’ve been lucky so far but one of these days…”

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 it is a good idea to get there early,” Gaines-Ehlen said. “Especially with how big this thing has gotten.” 

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. 6. 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.

And, thanks to the popularity of the post-race plunge, you can skip the run and dive straight into the ocean with other thrill-seekers and daring souls during the group plunge, which includes high-quality photos.

For racers, whether or not you plunge, you can enjoy the coziness of the large heated tent and hot coffee and hot chocolate from Ultralife Cafe.

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 9:30 and 9:45 am at the South Beach State Park Day Use parking lot. The Group Plunge will happen at the ocean’s edge at 2 pm.

For more information, go to ardoradventures.com.