Asbury Park Polar Bear Plunge
Ring in the New Year with the Sons of Ireland! This beloved tradition has been welcoming brave souls to the Berkeley Hotel beach since 1994. Start 2026 with an icy splash and warm community spirit.
Sons of Ireland Tradition
Over 30 years of welcoming the New Year with courage and community!
Quick Facts
Jan 1, 2026
New Year's Day
12:00 PM
Plunge Time
Berkeley Hotel
Location
All Welcome
Registration
About the Asbury Park Polar Plunge
The Asbury Park Polar Bear Plunge is one of the Jersey Shore's most cherished New Year's Day traditions. Organized by the Sons of Ireland since 1994, this annual event brings together hundreds of brave souls who start their year with an invigorating plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.
Held at the historic Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel at the south end of the Asbury Park boardwalk, the plunge combines Irish-American camaraderie with the thrill of facing the cold January surf. The Sons of Ireland, a prominent New Jersey Irish-American organization, has made this event a cornerstone of their community service.
The atmosphere is festive and welcoming - plungers of all ages gather on the beach, many in costume or green attire, before making the dash into the frigid Atlantic. After the plunge, participants warm up with hot beverages and celebrate the start of a new year together. The nearby Ocean Grove community and greater Asbury Park area offer plenty of post-plunge dining and entertainment options.
Plunge Day Schedule
What to Bring Checklist
Swimsuit
EssentialOne-piece or wetsuit shorts recommended - easier to change quickly
Large Towel
EssentialBeach towel or oversized bath towel. Bring two if you run cold.
Warm Dry Clothes
EssentialComplete change - layers, fleece, warm socks. You'll want them immediately.
Water Shoes
EssentialBeach has rocks/shells. Don't cut your foot running into the water.
Waterproof Bag
EssentialFor wet swimsuit and towel. Grocery bag works in a pinch.
Hot Beverage
Thermos of coffee or hot cocoa for after. Game-changer.
Robe or Poncho
Changing on beach is easier with cover. Faster warm-up too.
Camera/Phone
Get the classic plunge photo! Use waterproof case if bringing in.
How to Prepare for Cold Water
Take cold showers ending on cold for 30 seconds. Gets your body used to the shock.
Hydrate well. Dehydration makes cold feel worse. Skip alcohol night before.
Light breakfast 2 hours before. Warm up with light movement. Positive mindset.
Stay warm until last minute. Do jumping jacks. Build up adrenaline with group.
Short controlled breath before entry. Arms up high. Get shoulders under. Celebrate!
Towel off immediately. Change in sheltered spot. Warm liquids. Light movement.
Plunge Day Budget
Asbury Park is one of the most affordable plunges - small registration fee and great post-plunge options.
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $10-20 | Small fee supports Sons of Ireland charitable work |
| Parking (street/lot) | $0-10 | Free street parking or $5-10 municipal lots |
| NYE Hotel Stay | $150-300 | Make it a 2-night NYE celebration in Asbury! |
| Post-Plunge Brunch | $25-50 | Toast of Asbury, Porta, or Berkeley Hotel |
| Celebration Drinks | $30-60 | Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, or downtown spots |
| Total (Day Trip) | $65-140 | Registration + parking + food + drinks |
| Total (Overnight) | $215-440 | Full NYE experience with hotel |
First-Timer Tips
Don't overthink it
Everyone is nervous. The anticipation is worse than the plunge. Once you're in, adrenaline takes over.
Go with a group
Everything is easier with friends. You'll push each other in. Plus, someone to hold your stuff.
Run in, don't walk
Slow entry makes it worse. Charge in, get fully wet, and get out. 30 seconds total.
Don't go deep
Waist-high is plenty. You want to dunk but still have footing. Cold water can take your breath away.
Have warm clothes ready
Stage everything before plunge. You won't be coordinated after - shaking hands struggle with zippers.
Skip breakfast or go light
Cold water shock can upset stomachs. Light meal 2 hours before is ideal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing cotton underwear under swimsuit
Cotton stays wet and cold against your skin while changing. Adds 20 minutes to warm-up.
✓ Wear just your swimsuit. Change into dry underwear immediately after.
Bringing clothes without considering the change
Struggling with jeans, boots, buttons while wet and shaking in 40°F weather.
✓ Bring slip-on everything: hoodie, sweatpants, Crocs. One smooth motion.
Parking far away
Long cold walk back to car in wet swimsuit. Hypothermia risk.
✓ Pay for close parking or have someone drive you to door after plunge.
Not doing a test dunk
Freeze-up at water's edge, then walking out without getting fully wet.
✓ Commit before you arrive: I'm going in, I'm going under, I'm coming out.
Drinking heavily before the plunge
Alcohol impairs cold response and judgment. Increased hypothermia risk.
✓ Celebrate AFTER the plunge, not before. A coffee is fine.
Location & Parking
Plunge Location
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel Beach
1401 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
South end of the Asbury Park boardwalk
Parking
Street parking along Ocean Avenue and side streets. The Berkeley Hotel has limited parking for guests. Arrive early - New Year's Day can be busy!
Paid parking available in municipal lots along the boardwalk
Where to Stay
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Plunge site
Historic hotel right at the plunge location
Asbury Park Hotels
Walking distance
The Asbury, Asbury Ocean Club, and more
Ocean Grove
0.5 miles
Charming Victorian B&Bs next door
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After the Plunge
Warm up and celebrate at these nearby Asbury Park venues:
Stone Pony
Live Music Venue
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Silverball Museum
Arcade & Museum
Wonder Bar
Bar & Live Music
Other Polar Bear Plunges
Frequently Asked Questions
Start 2026 with a Splash!
Join the Sons of Ireland for their annual New Year's Day tradition.