By Julia Train
On New Year’s Day, thousands of cars lined the Margate beach as far as the eye could see for the Polar Bear Plunge. Both spectators and participants put together their tailgating set up well before noon, awaiting in 40-degree weather to rush into the frigid ocean.
According to CBC, a Canadian news outlet, the Polar Bear Plunge’s origin can be traced back to Jan. 1, 1920. On that New Year’s Day, Peter Pantages, a Greek immigrant to Canada, gathered a group of like-minded individuals to take a dip in the icy-cold Vancouver waters.
The group became known as the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club. When Pantages died in 1971, the tradition he began on that day stuck.
Today, thousands of people take part in Polar Bear Plunges around the world as a way to kick off their year on a positive foot.
Although it’s a tradition that’s meant to be fun, according to Eating Well Magazine, there are even possible health benefits such as decreasing inflammation, improving immunity, boosting your mood and metabolism, and increasing circulation.
Just before the horn blew, signaling the crowd to charge into the ocean, those planning on taking a dip gathered together.
The entire beach smelled of wood burning as the scent was picked up by the wind from attendees’ grills or bonfires and carried throughout the area.
The cars that lined the beach were surrounded by people who were drinking, chatting or even playing beach games well before and after the crowd rushed into the water.
After the initial noon plunge, stragglers wandered onto the beach to take a dip. Some even ran into the ocean multiple times. Others took part with their dogs.
Participants even traveled from all over Atlantic County for the New Year’s Day tradition.
Dale Wannen from Egg Harbor Township came with his sister Cece Carmichael and their family.
The siblings grew up in the shore town. While Carmichael stayed, Wannen moved to California, started a family and then came back to live in EHT a few years ago. This was their first year taking part in the plunge.
While there were plenty of first-timers, there were several veterans, like Jenn Vincent from Linwood, who came with her friends. The group all went to Mainland High School and has been attending the event each year since they could remember.
Although she has attended every year, the last time she ran into the ocean was in 2006. She opted out of the 2024 plunge and stayed on the beach with some of her friends while others in the group jumped in.
Despite the fact she didn’t take part, Vincent did create a custom sweatshirt for the occasion. Check out her apparel at J.vincent.designs on Instagram.
The cold air didn’t push the party away, because the beach was flooded with cars, people and dogs alike, celebrating the new year until long after noon.
