New Year’s Day in Clallam — Polar bear plunges to chill the hardy in Port Angeles, Forks, Neah Bay

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Three groups of hardy Clallam County souls plan to jump into cold water on the first day of 2015.

A dip in Jefferson County is expected to draw 100 to 200 people at noon at the Nordland General Store on Marrowstone Island.

In Port Angeles, organizer Dan Weldon expects about 100 people to take the plunge into Port Angeles Harbor at Hollywood Beach, with about the same number coming out just to watch.

The 27th annual Port Angeles Polar Bear Dip is planned for 10 a.m.

Some hearty veterans will run in and out three times, Weldon said.

“Over the years, it’s developed into a triple dip,” he said.

A special challenge will benefit Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.

Any individual or organization can challenge another to take the dip with a dollar amount of their choice.

If they accept it, challengers donate that amount to the agency that provides free care for eligible terminally ill and their families.

At least “a couple of thousand dollars worth of challenges” have been issued so far by “at least three-dozen” individuals and groups, Weldon said.

Hospice will provide a booth offering hot beverages and pastries to the dippers, which can be enjoyed by a fire on the beach.

Rules call for each polar bear dipper to submerge himself or herself.

To participate or challenge someone, or for more information, stop by the Hospice office, 540 E. Eighth St., for a brochure, or phone 360-457-8133.

Forks plunge

The Lake Pleasant plunge near Forks also will begin at 10 a.m.

All are invited to the boat launch at the lake. The largest crowd so far has been 31, said Carin Hirsch, an organizer.

For more details, phone Hirsch at 360-374-9258.

Neah Bay dip

In Neah Bay, the plunge at Front Beach on Bayview Avenue near the senior citizens building drew 20 people in 2014, said organizer June Williams.

This year’s event will start at noon.

Williams started the event in 2001.

The only requirement is to go under so that participants get their hair wet, she said.

The Neah Bay Polar Bear Club will award certificates to plungers.

Afterwards, some will celebrate with hot soup and games, Williams said.

For more information, call Williams at 360-640-9943.

Mystery Bay plunge at noon

Attendance at the 21st annual Mystery Bay Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday will depend on the temperature — whether it’s cold or even colder.

“The water is always cold but when it’s windy it’s worse,” said Nordland General Store owner Tom Rose, who began and organizes the event.

People will start gathering at the beach across from the store 7180 Flagler Road at about 11 a.m. with the plunge commencing at noon.

Attendance ranges from 100 to 200 people each year although accurate numbers aren’t always available.

Depending on the crowd, the whole thing could be over in about 20 minutes.

Rose has participated in every plunge except for last year which he sat it out because of his health.

He has not decided whether or not to participate this year, he said on Tuesday.

The number of jumpers is often exceeded by onlookers.

Nordland Store employee John Malcomson will be on hand to serve beer and coffee and stage-manage the musicians, who will be playing from the store’s porch throughout the event.

Malcomson said there is a safety net for participants in that personnel from East Jefferson Fire Rescue, the Coast Guard and Vessel Assist usually attend, “although we have been lucky and there has never been any trouble,” he said.

Attendees can park along Flagler Road although they may have to walk a short distance to get to the action.

For more information, call 360-385-0777.