Clowry has plunged in Wildwood since the event's inception in 2007. She says most of that first half hour is spent waiting for the signal to run en masse into the waves. While some people dive right in, she splashes around for a bit and then runs right back out.
"It's invigorating. It's exciting. You're out there for a great cause and with a great group of people. And then you realize how cold the water is," says Marc S. Edenzon, president of the Special Olympics of New Jersey, who admits that now he usually donates money to plungers who are raising funds for the event rather than jumping in himself.
The Special Olympics has been organizing plunges in New Jersey for more than 20 years. They started with an event in Seaside Heights. In 2011, it brought out more than 5,000 people and raised nearly $1.3 million. This year, that plunge will be held on Feb. 25.
Most, but not all, plunge events are fund-raisers, and all bring summer-sized crowds to what would otherwise be desolate weekends in beach towns. The event in Asbury Park supports the local Rotary club, for example, and the Long Branch plunge raises money for Camp Sunshine, for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Sea Isle City's plunge is going into its 17th year and turns the town into one big party. The event involves a costume contest and crowning of a king, queen, prince, and princess.
For non-football fans, there's Super Plunge Sunday at Brant Beach on Long Beach Island on Feb. 5, the same day as the NFL Super Bowl. It benefits the St. Francis Community Center and the Southern Regional High School Swim Teams. It's an alcohol-free event.
