North Fork Polar Bear Plunge Returns Feb. 1
Update Jan. 23
Due to the impending snowstorm, the plunge has been rescheduled to next Sunday, Feb. 1. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the plunge will be held at 10 a.m. sharp.
Original Story Follows:
For the fourth year in a row, North Forkers will head to the shore later this month to plunge into the icy waters in support of our neighbors in need — both people living on shore and the aquatic life under the surface of the Peconic Estuary system.
The North Fork Polar Bears, an informal group of cold water enthusiasts, host their 4th Annual North Fork Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday, Jan. 25. The event starts at 8:30 a.m., with the plunge at 10 a.m. (sharp!) at Veterans Beach in Mattituck. Registration is online here.
The event raises money for the Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation (CAST) and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Back to the Bays Initiative.
Founded in 1965, CAST provides a vital social safety net for residents of the North Fork and Shelter Island, providing food relief, education, and support.
Back to the Bays is a CCE program that gets the community involved with enhancing marine habitat and shellfish populations throughout local waterways.
“Now that we are in our fourth year, it’s exciting to see the difference the Plunge makes, both for the community we live in and the water we swim in,” say Patricia and Dav, co-founders of the North Fork Polar Bears. “It’s invigorating and joyful, with hundreds of people from all over showing up to brave the cold, cheer us on, and celebrate the things we love: community, water, joy on the North Fork.
The North Fork Polar Bears, who often lounge in the bay at the plunge long after new plungers have run back to the warmth of the shore, happily share cold water advice with the crowd at the Plunge. They have set a goal of 500 participants and a fundraising target of $50,000. Plunge Teams—community groups competing to raise funds — are welcome.
Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately based upon weather conditions, whether that means bathing suits, neoprene suits, or warm accessories like swim gloves and winter hats. The plunge will take place rain, shine or snow. In the event of extreme weather, registrants will be notified via email in advance.
At the 2025 North Fork Polar Bear Plunge.
This past year, the North Fork Polar Bears began collaborating with Back to the Bays by sponsoring a Marine Stewardship Site, building seahorse hotels and establishing a new oyster reef in Cedar Beach Creek, adjacent to CCE’s Marine Center in Southold.
“Over the past few years, the Polar Bear Plunge has become a meaningful and memorable experience that brings our community together” says Erica Steindl, Executive Director of CAST. “While it’s a fun and energizing event, it also raises critical funds at a time when the need for our services is greater than ever. Every dollar raised for CAST helps ensure we can continue providing food access, education, and essential support to our neighbors who rely on us. We are incredibly grateful to the individuals, businesses, sponsors, and volunteers who make this event possible year after year. This generosity and commitment help strengthen our community and ensure that no one is left without support.”
“What better way to connect with and help give back to our bays than taking the plunge and raising funds to enable us to continue to expand our oyster reef, seahorse conservation program, and hard clam seeding efforts,” says Kimberly Barbour, Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’sBack to the Bays initiative. “This event really encompasses the spirit of what the Back to the Bays Initiative represents, bringing together community and partners in support of advancing restoration and water quality improvement projects in our local waters.”
Ms. Barbour said proceeds from the event will be used toward the expansion of the North Fork Polar Bear-sponsored Stewardship Site in Southold, and to allow Back to the Bays to work with CAST on hands-on education and stewardship-based programming.
Registration levels are $15 (youth), $25, $50, and $125, with all participants receiving North Fork Polar Bear Plunge-branded merchandise and coupons to local businesses based on their registration tier. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, online here.
Veterans Beach is at 11280 Peconic Bay Boulevard in Mattituck, on the Peconic Bay.
The East End Beacon is a proud media sponsor of this event, and we encourage our readers to join in and help our neighbors in this place we call home.
