Stone cold crazy at St Clair Beach

A unicorn, a dinosaur and Freddie Mercury walk on to St Clair Beach.

It is not the start of a bad joke, but the reality of the St Clair Beach Polar Plunge in Dunedin yesterday.

More than 100 people braved the waters yesterday for the 93rd annual Polar Plunge, run by the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club.

St Clair Surf Life Saving Club chairman Cam Burrow said the water was "a bit chilly" at only about 10degC.

The crowd charges into the ocean at St Clair Beach yesterday for the St Clair Surf Life Saving...
The crowd charges into the ocean at St Clair Beach yesterday for the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club’s annual Polar Plunge. PHOTOS: GERARD O’BRIEN
People liked to dress up and have a bit of fun with the event, he said.

The plunge was all about getting people out to the beach and having a good time, regardless of the weather.

Those who braved the cold were treated to a blast of hot water from a fire hose, he said.

Polar Plunge participant Veronica Rodriguez entered the water three times.

She said jumping into the cold water filled her with adrenaline.

Embracing the chilly ocean at St Clair Beach yesterday are marine biologists (from left) Veronica...
Embracing the chilly ocean at St Clair Beach yesterday are marine biologists (from left) Veronica Rodriguez, Saskia Foreman and Frances Perry.
"You have to try it at least once," she said.

Frances Perry said the plunge felt great, but she could not wait to get home for a hot shower and a mug of mulled wine.

wyatt.ryder@odt.co.nz

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