Share your Plunge Stories!

The best Plunge stories we hear are from our Bears themselves. And yet we know, we don’t even hear half of them.

That’s why we’ve created this page. It’s an opportunity for our Bears to tell their stories: Why they plunge; how they started; what keeps them going; who they plunge with; and any other interesting tidbits.

What makes a story good enough for this page? Simple - no true story will be turned down. It might be edited, but it will be told.

And if you know a friend who has a great story – let them know about this page.

We will add stories as they are submitted.

Added Feb. 1, 2010

This will be my third year plunging. I plunge with my cheerleading team from Smyrna High School, where I am a senior this year. When our coach first told us that she would like for us to participate in the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge we all went into shock. We thought this woman was crazy if she thought all of us were going to get in our bathing suits and jump in the freezing water in the middle of winter. That year a few girls, including me, plunged, I would have never expected it to be so much fun and for a great cause so we thought why not do it again. Last year we decided to do some cheerleading stunts on the beach. It caught the attention of many and people began to take pictures. Each year we encourage the new girls to plunge and our numbers increase. This year we are looking to do a fun theme for the plunge and everyone is excited. So watch out for the Smyrna High School cheerleaders this year at the plunge!                 Tayler Scuse

Added Jan. 7, 2010

This will be my eighth plunge at 79 years old and my 47-year-old son's third. I am proud to tell you my 12 year-old grandson and 7 year-old great-granddaughter will be making their first plunge with us this year. Wow!!!! This will be four generations of my family plunging together this year. How's that for bragging rights. They have given me my pre-80th birthday gift this year. I also plunge in Ocean City, N.J. and Sea Isle City N.J. A proud plunger and supporter of Special Olympics.  Joe de Rosa

Added Dec. 2, 2009

My name is Savannah Haines and this year will be my fourth year plunging. When my mom came home from work one day asking, “Do you want to do the polar bear plunge?” I looked at her like she had five heads! Teresa Grunert is who I’ve been plunging with. Her family was VERY inviting and is so much fun to plunge with. I feel like when I plunge, I'm supporting such a great cause. I'm one of those people that always has to help somebody else in order for me to be happy myself. I'm happy that by running into the freezing cold water, I'm helping someone else. This year I plan on making my boyfriend and ALL his friends run in with me. I’ll get to hear all the boys whine about how cold it is. GET READY POLAR BEARS !!!!!
 

Added Oct. 27, 2010

I am Suzy Harper and 2009 is my ninth year participating in the plunge. I have experienced having to run over ice to get into the water and getting out of the water to have ice pellets hitting my frigid head. Why do I do it some ask? The answer is simple: for those who are less fortunate than I am. I have my physical limitations and it takes about a week for me to recover but it is all worth it when you see those who benefit from this special event. My goal is to plunge in 2010, and then retire from plunging due to my health, but then become a volunteer and help wherever needed.

Questions? Please contact us at info@sode.org  or 302-831-4653