Bright sunshine and blue skies couldn't mask the frigid temperatures endured by approximately 100 people who braved the 27th annual Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge.
Shorty before noon on New Year's Day, the plungers left the comfort of the Landshark Bar and Grill and walked over the snow-covered beach in front of the Resorts Casino Hotel to take part in annual tradition.
Atlantic City and Asbury Park were the only two plunges to go off as planned. Others cancelled because of the below normal temperatures.
"This is a Polar Bear event on January 1," said organizer Michael Kahlenverg, of Langhorne, Pa., who was not deterred by the below freezing temperatures.
"The other organizations that have cancelled that are going to do it next week or the week after, the temperatures aren't changing," said Kahlenverg. "When are you going to do it, July 4th?"
Jeff Elder, of Oaklyn, Camden County, who sat in a turquoise tent as he waited for the plunge to begin, said the weather is fantastic but admits it was little cold.
"It could be colder," he said.
Just before noon, the air temperature was 17 degrees, but with 17mph winds it felt like 1 degree.
With a count down of three, two, one, the plungers -- all dressed in attire suitable for a Monday in mid-June -- ran into the water, which is currently in the mid-40s.
"It was rough," said first-year Atlantic City plunger Dennis Dunleavy, of Mays Landing. "Initial shock was there."
Dunleavy, who attended the Ocean City plunge last year, said this year was a better experience because the weather was too warm last year.
"Very invigorating," said Kahlenverg, minutes after returning to the warmth of the Landshark Bar and Grill.
All proceeds will go towards different charities.
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