Who needs a cold plunge tank when you have Tacoma’s Polar Bear Plunge?
They do it at spas and in physical therapy. They do it in tanks and in the Sound.
Cold plunging — where people immerse themselves in icy cold water — is a thing. A big thing.
And it doesn’t get any bigger than at Polar Bear Plunges — community events where hundreds of people — some in costume — throw caution to the wind and jump in cold bodies of water to celebrate New Year’s Day.
It’s the popularity of cold plunging that’s driven up the numbers registering for this year’s plunge sponsored by Metro Parks Tacoma at Point Defiance Marina on Jan. 1, 2025, according to marina manager Cecil Goodson.
“There’s a general growing popularity with cold plunging in general, for physical and mental health benefits,” he said. “It’s certainly got a lot more mainstream to do cold plunging as part of a regular, regulated routine.”
Why the marina?
Sure, you can wade into the Sound just about anywhere. But the Metro Parks event offers camaraderie and bravery.
“It is very hard to walk out into really cold water,” Goodson said. “Sometimes it’s a little easier to mentally make yourself brave enough to jump in.”
Once you jump off the dock, you’re fully committed, he said.
In addition, divers and lifeguards will be on hand for the event in case participants need a little help walking up the boat ramp.
Popularity
The 2025 plunge will mark Goodson’s third. The event was canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. When it returned in 2023, it drew around 400 people. The 2024 plunge pulled in over 800, according to Goodson.
“Last year, there were way more people than we expected, which was awesome,” he said. “We were super excited about that but administratively, we weren’t quite ready for all of it.”
He’s hoping most people will register online this year but they’re ready for in person registration as well.
As of Saturday, around 500 people had signed up for the 2025 event. If the weather is good, on site registrations could tick up. It doesn’t matter if the water is in the 40s — windy and cold weather can diminish turnout, Goodson said.
Youth are welcomed at the event but must be accompanied by an adult. Mass jumps will occur every half hour. Participants get a commemorative patch and headband. Two food trucks will be on hand. Yes, they’ll have hot drinks and outdoor heaters.
If you go
What: Polar Bear Plunge
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 1, 2025
Where: Public boat launch at Point Defiance Marina, 5912 Waterfront Drive, Tacoma (near ferry dock)
Cost: $10
Information: metroparkstacoma.org, 253-404-3960
