While many Calvert County residents slept in recovering from New Year’s Eve festivities, an ambitious few gathered on the sands of North Beach prepared to ring in the new year Polar Bear style.
Though it certainly isn’t for everyone, there aren’t any rules about who can or cannot plunge. I saw young kids running in with their parents, groups of friends going in together, and older folks far braver than I, running with enthusiasm towards the 37 degree waters of the Chesapeake.
I heard one man say, “It’s like skydiving, something you only do once,” yet I talked to people who have been coming to this beach for years, beginning the year with a cleansing plunge.
At 11 registration opened and participants began to arrive, get their t-shirts, and grab a coffee at Sweet Sue’s to warm up. At noon, the beach was still clear, but onlookers begun to gather along the boardwalk. With just 30 minutes until the start, the beach quickly filled until there was just a sea of families, both plungers and photo-takers standing on the beach.
A brave few stripped down early to their swimming clothes to “acclimate” to the cold air before jumping in. They jumped up and down while the mayor gave updates on time. When he said “5 minutes,” the crowd cheered.
We all counted down together as the crowd got ready for their run. With over 400 people submerging themselves in the Chesapeake today, some were already running out as the last were wading in. Many just ran in, fell into the water, and ran out. Others swam out past the rocks and played waiting to see who would be last to go in.
There’s no cost to participate. Anyone at any age can join the plunge, but it is crowded, so parents need to be watchful of younger kids. For those who register and pay a small fee, they’ll get a souvenir t-shirt. The money goes to a different charity every year.
There’s a small fire pit on the neighboring beach, free hot cocoa for both participants and spectators, and marshmallows to roast. Small children played on the beach and searched for shells and shark teeth. It truly was a wonderful family event and a great tradition for those brave (or crazy) enough to embrace it.