5 things to know about taking the Polar Bear Plunge

The temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is approximately 41 degrees Fahrenheit, but that won’t stop 3,000 people from rushing into the water Sunday, March 14, at Rehoboth Beach for the 2010 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge.

The event, which grows annually and draws 15,000 spectators, was re-scheduled due to a February blizzard.

It raises money and awareness for Special Olympics while offering an unusual and stimulating experience. Special Olympics Delaware is the state’s largest organization dedicated to year-round athletic training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
After speaking to a couple of veteran plungers, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1 Think of your feet first

Wear something for your feet; that’s the No. 1 piece of advice from Jon Buzby, director of media relations for Special Olympics Delaware, who not only helps coordinate the polar bear plunge but also participates.

The sand is like ice so footwear will keep at least one part of the body warm, but Buzby also pointed out that water shoes are the best choice. The water is churned up and it’s better to go out there with some protection in case you step on something. Flip-flops could be easily lost.

Dave Manwiller of Wyoming, who has plunged for more than 10 years, said if plungers take off their sneakers he recommends they should keep them on until the absolute last minute.

2 Towels, robe, loose clothing and a warm YMCA shower make it easier

Buzby recommends people bring a robe because once they get undressed down to their bathing suit, it’s probably not yet time to jump in yet.

After the run to the water, the best thing is to get into warm, dry clothes. Loose clothing makes it’s easier when fingers are cold.

Buzby said out-of-towners often have extended checkout times at their hotels so they can change, and others get really creative getting out of their clothes on the beach.

In addition, the Sussex Family YMCA, 20080 Church St., Rehoboth Beach, allows any plunger to take a shower and get out of his or her wet clothes.

3 Bring a pit crew

If you have someone holding your stuff when you get out, it’s easier, Manwiller said, adding that you’ll be so cold and shaking so hard it’s difficult to open a coat.

“It’s always good to have a, I guess you’d call it, a pit crew or a buddy to go in with you,” he said.
Having a buddy run into the water with you is the best idea from a safety standpoint, Buzby said, because you check on each other to make sure both of you make it out.

And that goes double for little children or the elderly.

“As a parent, I wouldn’t let a 5-year-old run into the ocean in summer under optimal conditions, so of course I wouldn’t let them in the winter time with 3,000 other people,” he said.

For the young and old, the buddy system should become a hand holding system, Buzby added.

4 Don’t check the weather

Manwiller said he’s plunged when it’s 28 degrees and it’s just better not to look at the weather report because that makes it seem colder.

This year, he suspects the biggest concern will be rain. Plungers will already be wet before the run, and then find it hard to get dry afterward.

If the temperature is warmer, Buzby said, that actually makes the plunge harder because the water — which only changes slowly over time — seems colder. Runners aren’t already numb before they hit the water.

5 There’s no need to rush

Walking, not running is the best plan to get into the water, Manwiller said. That way when the first wave is coming out, you’re just going in.

“You can see how steep the beach is and you won’t get knocked down,” he said.
Buzby echoed the sentiment.

“A first-time plunger probably should wait and get a sense of the event,” he said. “If you’re the first one in — especially in the first year — you don’t know yet the shock to the body and mind.”

He also pointed out that the crowd might be thinner at the ends of the two blocks that are designated for the polar plunge.

Email Jayne Gest at jayne.gest@doverpost.com.