Huntington Beach Events
Huntington Beach Polar Bear Plunge
17th Annual Surf City Splash Attracts 800 People on January 1
By Chris MacDonald, HB Ambassador/HBISM Member/The Local News Columnist
The New Year and the 30th Anniversary of the Huntington Beach International
Surfing Museum were celebrated at City Beach with The 17th Annual Surf City
Splash. Over 500 brave, joyful souls ran into the ocean and 300 purchased
"Success of Sanity Certificates" (they supported the event without getting wet).
An Arts and Crafts Vendor Fair on Pier Plaza helped raise further funds for the
iconic museum at 411 Olive Ave., which attracts visitors from around the world.
New Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize told all participants that "this is
a great way to kick off the new year in Surf City. We also must remember that
our famous surfing museum was founded by one of our city's real treasures,
Natalie Kotsch, who never surfed but thought we should be proud of our heritage
and preserve our great surfing culture for all to see."
HB City Council Member Patrick Brenden said, "The annual Splash is a real
community effort which brings out the best in Huntington Beach in support of our
amazing International Surf Museum. Everyone should consider becoming a lifetime
member for $250. You'll name will be on the museum's official Surf Board
forever!"
"We enjoyed the most successful Surf City Splash ever!" said happy splash
co-founder Lee Love. "How significant--Surf City Splash's 17th Year in 2017!
Here's to a great beginning of "Success in '17" for the HB International Surfing
Museum and the world!"
When the Surf City Rotary Club started the" HB Pier Plaza Plunge"
(renamed "Surf City Splash" after the HB Host Lions Club took it over to raise
money for Lions Project Canine Companions for Independence--http://www.lpcci.com),
it was to recognize that HB was becoming an international surfing and tourist
destination as well as to raise money for charity.
With the HB International Surfing Museum now in charge of the Splash, the
initial mission of this event has been realized: Raising money for a charity
while bringing international attention to Surf City. The Splash will continue on
as one of Surf City's favorite events.
"This was the most colorful and fun Splash ever," said longtime HB City
Historian Jerry Person, who has photographed and enjoyed them all. "The outfits
were so colorful and the enthusiasm was off the charts. It set the tone for a
fantastic 2017!"
"The Splash is always such a thrill," said Tina Toulouse, a museum volunteer.
Also, I'd like to recognize legendary surfing announcer Rockin' Ric Fignetti,
who emceed the popular event and thanks to Mike Ali at Zack's Pier Plaza, who
helped provide the breakfasts. If you haven't been to The International Surfing
Museum, "It's a Must See." You can learn more at: http://www.surfingmuseum.org .
They are also at: (714) 960-3483. Learn more about Surf City Splash at http://www.hbsurfcitysplash.com
Photos:
1. Surf City Splashers enter the ocean.
2. Huntington Beach City Council Member Patrick Brenden with Surfing Museum
Volunteer Tina Toulouse.
3. Surf City Splash Co-Founder Lee Love with band members, who were in The 2017
Rose Parade in Pasadena.
4. Huntington Beach City Council Member Patrick Brenden, Zack's Pier Plaza Owner
Mike Ali and Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize.
5. Miss Huntington Beach Jena Jean Farris with HBISM Executive Director Diana
Dehm.
--Here's a chilling thought. As the New Year rolls around, it is time to put on you skimpy bikini and go running into the sea. Maybe you put on a few pounds snacking on See's chocolates and drinking Starbucks Eggnog lattes at Christmas.
The cold water (usually around 57 degrees this time of year) will actually cause you to burn calories as your body struggles to warm up.
The Huntington Beach Polar Plunge has gone by many names through its near decade of madness. Whatever it is known by, it is a fun gathering of those brave souls who have nothing better to do on New Year's Day than go swimming in the winter.
The event usually begins around noon (it used to be a morning affair) but so many people sleep in or watch the Rose Parade that it seemed to make more sense and boost attendance by holding it later in the day. Happy New Year, and make it a fun day by joining in with a bunch of fun-loving people (all ages, all sizes) for the polar plunge to remember!
Revelers dressed in glittery New Year's party hats and other costumes are judged and recognized along with the oldest and youngest participants and furthest distance traveled. A special award also goes to the largest group, organization or club. Recognition will also go to local volunteers and city officials.