With between 300 and 400 participants, the Manzanita Polar plunge is unquestionably the Central Coast’s leading provider of New Year’s tingles. An event in which participants take a dip in the frigid waters off Neahkahnie Beach to ring in the New Year, the Manzanita Polar Plunge is a “fun raiser” that is free to join for anyone brave enough to put on a swimsuit or other “plunging” attire and jump in.

Magnificent costumes, painted bellies and other visual splendors will be immortalized in a group photo taken just before the plunge. Aside from a towel and something warm to change into, feel free to bring a treat to share at the post-plunge beach party that often springs up on years when the weather co-operates. The Polar Plunge occurs at 11:00am, although gathering for the events begins at 10:30am. Note: parking is limited.

Just north of the intersection of Reed Rd & Nehalem Rd