Get ready to brave the cold with a chilly plunge before winter sets in.
Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service, with the support of volunteer surf lifeguards, is hosting its annual Polar Plunge from 1pm on Saturday May 31, part of the King’s Birthday long weekend.
“It’s a much-loved annual tradition that brings our community together for a fun and slightly mad dash through the surf,” Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service spokeswoman Natalie Llloyd said.
To add to the fun, participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and there will be prizes for best dressed across multiple categories: individuals, whānau, under-12s and team entries.
Waihi Beach Lifeguard Service Annual Polar Plunge is on this King's Birthday. Photo / supplied
“The event kicks off with a safety briefing at 1.15pm, followed by the plunge at 1.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.”
All proceeds will go back to providing equipment and training for the lifeguards and the junior surf programme.
“Afterwards, the surf club will have hot drinks, snacks and Amber’s famous mulled wine, plus The Deck Kitchen & Bar will be open all day for socialising and warm-ups.”
Lloyd said the event had been happening for decades and was a great snapshot of Waihī Beach’s unique winter spirit.
Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service's Annual Polar Plunge is on this Saturday. Photo / Supplied
“Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re plunging or just there for the spectacle.”
She said the event was a great way to rid of any stress and be creative, adding that people from ages 5 to 80, and dogs, get dressed up.
“We’ve had a fully dressed bride and groom, many variations of animal costumes, a fireman, Wally [from Where’s Wally? books], Barbie and many more. We just love the imagination people use and can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with this year.”
Waihī Beach resident and dog walker Monique Scarlett, from House of Pucci, has participated for the past three years.
Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service's Annual Polar Plunge is on this Saturday. Photo / Supplied
“I do it for lots of reasons, but I just love supporting the surf lifesaving club,” Scarlett said.
“The beach is my spiritual home and where I love to be. When my feet hit the sand, the world melts away.
“The Polar Plunge is so good for the soul, whether you’re into the health benefits of getting into the cold water or not, but I love dressing up and getting involved.”
Scarlett said the event is a great way for her clients, dog-friends and connections to come together. All of her dogs will be coming along this weekend.
“It is definitely worth doing, it brings the community together. We all need to laugh out loud, or even scream out loud when you first hit that cold water, and enjoy each other’s company right now.”
Mayor View Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Paul Tucker has done the Waihī Beach Polar Plunge every year for the past three years. Photo / Supplied
Mayor View Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Paul Tucker had also participated in the cold dip for the past three years.
Tucker does so because “it is an invigorating experience and inspired me so much I now go for a swim every weekend throughout the year”.
“It’s an inspiring thing to do. Mentally it’s hard to get in, but then you jump in and get a huge sense of satisfaction and a feeling of ‘come on world, I’m ready to take you on!’”.