Latitude wilfully ignored at Polar Plunge

To some a morning dip at St Clair on a frosty morning is just the jolt needed to start the day.

Proud Scots Karen Blackwood and Stephen Colpitts rise from the freezing waters of St Clair...
Proud Scots Karen Blackwood and Stephen Colpitts rise from the freezing waters of St Clair yesterday morning after the Polar Plunge.

"I'm actually feeling quite refreshed, I like it," said Dunedin teenager Anika Bradley (17) as she emerged from the waves during the 91st Polar Plunge yesterday.

About one hundred brave - or mad - souls ran into the cold surf for the event.

The dress code ranged from wildlife costumes to Donald Trump outfits and full hiking gear.

Stephen Colpitts has lived in Dunedin for 15 years, but his Scottish patriotism was clear as he and two others ran into the water adorned in tartan and Scottish flags.

According to the MetService it was about 5degC by the time the event started.

The event is organised by radio station The Hits and the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club.

Swimmers brave a "refreshing" dip. Photos: Christine O'Connor
Swimmers brave a "refreshing" dip. Photos: Christine O'Connor

Club chairman Cam Burrow thought it was a great turnout, with a decent crowd gathering on top of the sand sausages.

"It's pretty good to see people still celebrating this iconic event. Nice to see the community still supporting it.

"We're really happy with how many people turned out to brave the cold today."

Although it was one of the coldest mornings so far this winter, blue skies and calm winds meant the only danger to swimmers was the brisk temperature.

"It's better than the usual days we have with howling southerlies. The surf's not too dangerous."

The plungers were treated to soup after the event and doused with a warm hose shower by firefighters, who filled the tank of a firetruck with hot water from the Speight's factory.

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