Out with the old, in with the cold
If the ice bucket challenge didn’t do it for you, the growing trend of plunging your entire body in frigid water might also not be your cup of iced tea.
But for regular practitioners, it’s a not-to-be missed way to start the new year.
Three spots on the coast will host plunges on New Year's Day, and if you are on the fence, consider that bonfires and hot beverages are also planned parts of the organized events.
Siletz Bay Splash
The annual dunk hosted by the Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Department will be at a new location for 2023.
“We’ll be at the Siletz Bay instead of Devils Lake this year,” said Director Jeanne Sprague. “That way we have the opportunity to have a fire on the beach. It also means we will be in the beautiful Taft district that, with the lighted dock, is a lovely, festive environment.”
S’mores and hot cocoa will be provided.
“We want to make sure we have a few ways for people to warm themselves after the plunge,” Sprague said.
The plungers will meet at 10 am at the Taft Dock at the end of SW 51st Street in Lincoln City.
For more information, go to the Lincoln City Parks and Recreation page on Facebook.
Polar Plunge at Cape Lookout State Park
Jump into the new year with the 8th annual plunge into the Pacific within the stunning Cape Lookout State Park near Tillamook. Thanks to the efforts of the Tillamook YMCA, Oregon State Parks and Netarts Oceanside Fire and Rescue, yummy treats and hot beverages will be provided. State park fees are waived during the event.
Plungers will meet at the Cape Lookout State Park Pavilion at 11 am. For more information, call 503-842-9622.
Manzanita New Year’s Polar Plunge
The motto of this longstanding and enduringly popular polar plunge at Neahkahnie Beach is the Dr. Seuss quote: “If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.”
Janice Gains started plunging into the ocean every New Year’s Day as a way to start each new year off right and, within a decade, her loosely organized Manzanita based event grew to more than 500 participants.
“There’s no question that it’s a healthy thing to do,” she said. “It’s great for your metabolism, your blood flow increases; there are all kinds of health reasons to do it. But for me, the New Year's Day event is more about starting your year off with a bang and hitting the ground running.”
A popular custom of this dunk is coming in costume, because the only thing better than a photo of you diving into the water on a frigid day is doing it dressed as a superhero, storybook character or mythical creature.
The biggest claim to flame for this event is that you’ll also get to enjoy the coast’s most impressive post-plunge bonfire.
Plungers begin to gather at roughly 10:30 am and plunge at 11 am. Neahkahnie Beach is located just north of the intersection of Reed Road and Nehalem Road in Manzanita. For more information, call 503-368-4777.