It's time to take the plunge!
On Saturday, February 15, hundreds of people will gather for the OBX Polar Plunge, part of a huge statewide effort to cold plunge to benefit Special Olympics NC. The Polar Plunge is a unique fundraising opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics NC by jumping or running into a cold body of water in the middle of winter. The funds raised provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities and health services to nearly 45,000 Special Olympics North Carolina athletes.
The OBX Polar Plunge takes place at Jennette's Pier. Costumes are encouraged. Registration is open from 10 to 11 a.m., and the Opening Ceremony, parade of costumes and costum and fundraising awards begin at 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. there will be a safety briefing, followed by the plunge. Be sure to visit the photo booth and coffee and donut stations.
Plungers of all ages are welcome! Each person must register and raise the minimum fundraising amount. All individuals under the age of 18 must have the waiver filled out during registration signed by a parent or legal guardian.
The cost to plunge for an individual is $50. Fundraising goals are also available for teams and schools. So far, the OBX Polar Plunge has raised more than $43,000 and hopes to get to $55,000 so your registration will make a difference. If you don't want to plunge, teams are accepting donations on the website.
Prizes are awarded in categories such as Best Individual Costume, Best Team Costume, Cool School Top Team Fundraising Prize, Largest Plunge Team Award, Top Individual Fundraiser and Top Team Fundraiser.
To register, go to the website.
The Benefits of Cold Plunging
A quick cold plunge in the ocean gives you a boost of energy and motivation and a high that lasts for hours. Plus, if you've done it for a good reason, like benefitting Special Olympics NC, you'll have an additional feel-good boost.
Longer, regular cold plunging is popular these days, with many people having ice baths at home to take advantage of its many benefits. Some people plunge daily, or several times a week, and not just for a quick dip. Regular cold plungers will spend up from two to 10 minutes in water of 50 degrees or colder!
On the Outer Banks we are treated to a free cold plunge source in the ocean all winter long, making it possible to test out the benefits of cold plunging before you invest in your own at-home ice bath. If you want to try cold plunging in a controlled environment, head to OBX Hot Yoga in Nags Head. They have a Cold Therapy Tub, which costs $25 for a 10-minute session.
If you can’t get to the ocean or the studio, you can take a cold bath or shower at home. If you make a consistent habit out of cold water exposure, you will see more benefits.
So what are the cumulative benefits of cold plunging? I’ve listed a few below. With regular cold water immersion, you will see more results. However, as a sporadic cold plunger, I can attest that even an occasional plunge is rewarding for its exhilarating and mood-lifting benefits.
Reduces Inflammation
According to the UCLA Health Department, cold water therapy makes your blood vessels constrict. This triggers a response that sends blood to your organs. Once you are out of the water and your body warms back up, your blood vessels carry blood back to your soft tissues, which helps decrease inflammation. This also helps to increase circulation throughout your body, which improves your cardiovascular health and metabolism.
Boosts Immune System
With repetition, cold plunging can give your immune system a boost. According to a Study in the National Library of Medicine, repeated cold water exposure, along with regulated breathwork and other healthy habits, can help to strengthen the system and build up resilience to diseases. This can also help lessen the duration of disease, such as colds or flus.
Helps with Performance and Recovery
Cold plunging reduces the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles, helping ease soreness. Regular cold plungers report a reduction in joint inflammation and muscle soreness.
Improves Mood and Focus
When you cold plunge you get a burst of adrenaline from the initial shock of cold, and your body produces feel-good hormones known as dopamine. According to the Stanford Center on Longevity, the release of hormones and neurotransmitters from taking the plunge can result in immediate and long-term benefits for your mind. People report an increase in motivation, focus and overall mood and decreased stress, depressive thoughts and fatigue. Cold plunging also stimulates memory function.
Regulates Sleep
The Standford Center on Longevity also reports sleep regulation as a benefit of regular cold plunging. In turn, that contributes to lower stress levels and increased energy for the day and strong muscle and mindset recovery.
Safety Tips:
- For regular plunging, start out slowly to get your mind and body used to the temperature and process. Ease into longer and colder plunges safely.
- Focus on your body and your breath. Be mindful of how your body is responding.
- Be well hydrated when you plunge, as dehydration can affect your body's response to the dramatic change of temperature.
- Get out of the water if you start to feel lightheaded, numb or have difficulty breathing.
- Don’t cold plunge at the beach alone. Have someone with you to ensure your safety.
- If plunging in the ocean, ensure that the conditions are safe. There are no safety flags off-season so you will have to judge this for yourself. Learn how to look for rip currents and don’t enter the ocean on days when the surf is rough.
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
