SeeCalifornia.com

People of all shapes, sizes and ages start their New Year with traditions known as Polar Plunges. Some are free, and some charge a fee. These events include a fun-seeking crowd not limited to California’s beaches. Inland areas such as Bakersfield, Redding and Yuba City host fun plunges in public pools.

While the format is simple — get wet when organizers tell you it’s time — there are slight variations on the rules and regulations. At most beach swims you’ll see costume-clad participants wearing everything from penguin or Santa suits to Mexican sombreros and Father Time outfits, for instance.

SeeCalifornia.com has been on-location at some of these events and still our favorite is San Pedro’s Cabrillo Beach Polar Bear Plunge. The annual tradition which began in 1953 includes pageantry with the crowning of a King and Queen. The free event includes speeches, and crowd participation in things such as the Grunion Dance. San Pedro is known for its Grunion Greeters and grunion programs.

While other events which charge fees give options for paying and staying dry, there’s no point in San Pedro. You don’t pay anything and can simply watch the antics. Perhaps that’s why over a thousand people show up.

While many of us can’t stomach the idea of getting up early on New Year’s Day, polar plunges often begin at 11 a.m. or Noon. If you live near a plunge event, you have no excuse for bypassing this annual tradition that’s incredibly fun.  See California’s Polar Plunges!