The All White Vestal Virgins (clockwise from left) Alvaro
Garcia, Xan Bichindaritz, Brigid Casey, Rhoda Wilkins,
Malcolm McDonald and Kaitrin McMullan try to remain
composed. Photo by Craig Baxter.
They ran in at speed, they let out high-pitched squeals -
a few hardy blokes included - then they turned around and ran
out again.
The Polar Plunge does that to its participants.
The frigid midwinter temperature of the water at St Clair
beach is always much colder than most people expect.
About 500 people, variously dressed as All Blacks, Smurfs,
vestal virgins, brides, robots, the Grim Reaper, and even a
large piece of seaweed, ventured into the water.
The majority of participants lasted less than a minute, but a
few brave - or possibly crazy - stragglers lasted longer than
10 minutes.
It is fair to say, the Smurfs came out of the surf feeling
slightly bluer than they looked when they went in.
But for the large piece of seaweed, who only wanted to be
known as Sigmund the Sea Monster, the 83rd Polar Plunge was
worth the discomfort.
"It's a really good cause. This is the first time I've ever
done this.
"There's such a good spirit out there - it's a lot of fun.
I'll definitely do it again next year," he said.
About $3000 was raised during the event, all of which would
go towards buying an $18,000 inflatable rescue boat for the
St Clair Surf Life Saving Club.
Club chairman Antony Mason was delighted with the amount
raised, and was just as pleased with the estimated 1500
supporters who cheered on the participants.
He believed it was the largest number of people at the event
for many years.
"It's a marvellous effort."
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
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