Going All the Way: The Polar Bear Plunge

January 11, 2020 • WILDWOOD

Some choose to go all the way under, while others go ankle-deep. Some say it’s invigorating! Others say you’d have to be crazy to do it. But for over hundred years, people have been throwing themselves into icy, cold water on the coldest, darkest month of the year–all to raise money for a good cause during The Polar Bear Plunge. Rules specify: “No wetsuits allowed.” Getting down to your skinnies is required.

The first recorded Polar Bear Plunge took place in Boston 1904. Now, plunges are held across the country from Washington state to New Hampshire. Last year in Coney Island, over 3,600 people particpated. Maryland attracts the most plungers–over 10,000 plungers flood the waters!

But no need to cross any bridges or tunnels: New Jersey hosts it’s own Polar Bear Plunge everty year in Wildwood, NJ.

This year’s NJ Polar Bear Plunge will raise funds for New Jersey’s Special Olympics. The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training, competitions, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to more than 26,000 athletes. Their programs and services are free thanks to fundraising events like this one. This year’s goal is $400K and they’ve already made it to $200K.

Registration is $125 and plungers are required to raise a minimum of $100 to participate in the Plunge. Although it’s too late to register, it’s not too late to watch. There’s another Plunge taking place in February in Seaside Heights, NJ if you want to get in on the action!

Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260