While the overall sport of open water swimming is growing rapidly and globally, Polar Bear Swims, a niche subset of the sport, is exploding.
One example is the Polar Bear Plunge on the Seaside Heights boardwalk near The Aztec. It is a charity event for the Special Olympics New Jersey. The wildly successful Polar Bear Plunge is held tomorrow and it has already raised over US$1,124,000 in donations this year.
4,000 crazily colorful thrill seekers took to the cold Atlantic waters last year and this year is forecast to be at least 5,000 participants. Local restaurants, bars and local establishments offer Plunge Specials for the large social celebration for a good cause.
Its sister event, also a charity for the Special Olympics, was in Wildwood in January. “In past years, Plungers have included 6-year-olds to 70-somethings, mayors, police chiefs, officers, corporate teams, families, high school clubs, fraternities, and everyone in between,” wrote the Special Olympics New Jersey.
With the water temperature at 38°F (4°C) and air only slightly warmer, Seaside Heights will be packed with teams of merry cold water adventurers – many dressed for a battle with the elements, all in good fun and cheer in a day-long celebration with hours of a post-plunge party.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.