After watching the Rose Parade from the comfort of the sofa, we went down to Del Mar’s annual Penguin Plunge.  Sure, many places do a polar bear plunge, but we’re Californians, and a slimmer, smoother, better dressed animal from southern climes is a much more appropriate mascot for the local event. 

The Plunge is put on by the Del Mar Lifeguard Association and the City of Del Mar, and there were about 200-300 people out there ready to brave the Pacific surf wearing everything from wetsuits to the skimpiest of lycra suits.  Quite a few party hats were worn out into the surf, and a few even made it back in with their swimmers. 

Personally, I stuck with the minimalist approach and had a nice cold dunking.  Couldn’t quite see the point of doing it halfway, and certainly couldn’t see the point of wearing a wetsuit.  Despite a water temp in the 50s, there was no immediate numbness and some bodysurfing and diving took place before heading back in to shore.  The lifeguards kindly served coffee and doughnuts to the survivors participants and awarded certificates to everyone who braved the conditions.  Sure, it’s kinda crazy, but it’s not about the swim as much as the fun crowd, free snacks and  making some memories.