Swimmers took joy in their discomfort as they dashed back to shore after 30 seconds in the water. Watch video
SEA ISLE CITY -- Thousands of visitors faced down bitter cold in the little shore town Saturday afternoon for the 22nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge.
"That's good cold air!" shouted a man perched on top of a public bench.
The bars were full to bursting, and costumed revelers thronged down John F. Kennedy Boulevard as they made their way to the beach. The event, which brings out tens of thousands of people over the course of several days, would have been indistinguishable from a summertime weekend at the beach if it hadn't been for the heavy coats.
"Even if I went in," one young man could be overheard saying to his friends, "I'd just turn right back around. I don't think I could make my body do that."
Spectators stood in the sand holding clothing and blankets for their brave (or foolish) loved ones. Most of the swimmers were young adults in their 20s or 30s.
"I'm apprehensive -- a little concerned," said Steve McCalley of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. He had 12 young relatives dashing toward the waves, their goosebumps nearly visible from 20 yards away. The first wave of people to hit the water went in up to their waists before turning back. It had been only 45 seconds since McCalley voiced his concern.
"They're coming back now, so I feel better."
By 2:10 p.m., the time most swimmers had come out of the water, the temperature was a balmy 21 degrees, with a windchill making it feel as though it was 3 degrees on exposed, wet skin. It was a far cry from Wildwood's January Polar Plunge, when temperatures topped 50 degrees.
"How was it? F---ing cold," said 20-year-old Dan McCalley, Steve's son. "I'm aware I'm on record," he said, laughing. "I've never done it before, so I'm glad I did it."
"This is a stupid tradition," said Kyle Dorley, 23, of West Chester, Pennsylvania. But he was cheerful as he shivered.
"I think I got the full experience, and that's what it's all about."
From the safety of shore, a man named Chip admitted that this was the first time in 20 years he had not taken part in the plunge.
"I chickened out," he said. But he was far from alone.
"Out of eight of us, I think three people went in."
Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.