Brave souls tackle polar plunge

Swimmers (from left) Becca Garibaldi, Breahna Gibbons and Jane Bartlett are all smiles despite...
Swimmers (from left) Becca Garibaldi, Breahna Gibbons and Jane Bartlett are all smiles despite the chilly temperatures and rain at the Polar Plunge at St Clair Beach yesterday. Photos by Gerard O'Brien.

Single-digit temperatures, drizzle and a chilly wind were not enough to keep about 100 hardy souls from plunging into the Pacific Ocean during the 87th Polar Plunge.

The about 100-strong crowd was greeted by light easterlies, drizzle and 9degC temperatures.

It was the first time the event was held since 2014 after last year's plunge was cancelled because access to the beach was washed away by rough seas.

St Clair Surf Life Saving Club lifeguard co-ordinator Ossian Woods said he was pleased with the turnout considering it was difficult to generate interest following last year's cancellation.

"It's quite a big event today, there's quite a few people,'' he said.

"It's good. It's making money for the surf club so it's always positive.''

Clowns, footballers, a shark and monsters were among the costumed brave who entered the icy waters.

But hardiest among them were surely those who braved the day and the ocean in only bikinis or Speedos.

Among them was American student Breahna Gibbons who was happy to tick off the Polar Plunge on her list of must-do Dunedin experiences.

"This is one of the last things we do before we leave,'' the University of Otago student said.

The cool weather was a world away from the much warmer climes the Dallas, Texas, native is used to.

"It's super cold,'' she said after the plunge.‘‘But once you are in there you are too numb to feel it.''

She and friend, fellow American Becca Garibaldi, had prepared themselves mentally for the cold dip only that morning, Miss Gibbons said.

"We woke up after the rugby this morning and said, ‘Yeah, we are doing it' and convinced ourselves.''

Funds raised from the event go towards the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club.

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