Editor’s note: This list first appeared in Our State’s January 2014 issue. It has been updated for 2015.
The draw of the Surf City Dolphin Dip (pictured left) is partly scientific — and partly Brian Moxey’s power of persuasion.
Consider some combination of the two, plus the renewed energies that come from crossing the threshold into a fresh year, and you begin to understand why more than 5,000 people are preparing to run into nearly 40-degree waters on New Year’s Day.
These people have had time to reflect on the past year, to divide its experiences into lessons learned and memories secured. They’re done making resolutions. Now, they’re ready to do something — something crazy.
Read the rest of Rachael Duane’s story about the Surf City Dolphin Dip from the January 2014 issue.
Embrace the new year at one of these winter polar plunges
January 1
- Atlantic Beach
Polar bears aren’t the only ones swimming the winter waters. Join the Penguin Plunge in Atlantic City Beach to start your new year off with a splash.
Plunge 1 p.m. Minimum donation: Adults $10. Children 12 and younger $5. Donations benefit Carteret County Humane Society. Click here for more information.
- Lake Lure
At Lake Lure, bravery is rewarded with hot chocolate, cookies, and a bonfire. Win prizes for best costume, youngest and oldest plunger, participant who traveled farthest to take the plunge.
Registration 10:30-11:30 a.m. Plunge noon. Admission $20. Spectators free. Donations benefit fire, EMS, and rescue squads of the Hickory Nut Gorge area. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
- Surf City
Put on a costume and head to America’s largest New Year’s Day swim event. Founder Brian Moxey says it’s time to conquer your first challenge of 2014.
Event begins at 11 a.m. Plunge noon. Roland Avenue Beach Access. Free admission. Donations benefit Ocean Cure. Click here for more information.
January 10
- Camp Lejeune
Gather a team of family and friends and plunge at Onslow Beach. Enter costume and sand castle building contests and enjoy music provided by DJ Finesse. Collect $100 or more to be eligible for “the big” door prizes.
Registration 9-10:30 a.m. Plunge 11 a.m. Single admission $25. Teams of 8-20 $200. Donations benefit Special Olympics Onslow County.
January 24
- Blowing Rock
Don’t let the potential for ice in Chetola Lake keep you away. As a part of Blowing Rock’s Winterfest, emcee John Carter will supply antics and some comic relief while you swim.
Registration 9 a.m. Plunge 10 a.m. Admission $25. Proceeds benefit local charities.
February 21
- Raleigh
Join members of the N.C. State Police Department as they take a quick dip into Lake Raleigh. Dry off and warm up while you enjoy music, prizes, raffles, and the bake sale.
Registration 11 a.m. Plunge 12 p.m. N.C. State Centennial Campus. Entry fee $50. Donations benefit Special Olympics North Carolina. Click here for more information.
- Apex
Join the Apex Police Department as it holds its first annual polar bear plunge.
Registration 11 a.m. Plunge 12 p.m. Shepherds Vineyard Pool. Entry fee $25. Donations benefit Special Olympics of North Carolina. Click here for more information.