Plunging For A Good Cause: Have You? Would You?

Did you hear about the 6000 people who went to the beach in Seaside Heights over the weekend?  They participated in the annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit New Jersey Special Olympics.  How awesome that they raised $1.7 million!  There were similar events in other parts of the Jersey Shore as well.

I remember wondering why people would want to run into the ocean, wearing barely anything, when the water temperature was extremely cold.  It's easy to say, "They're nuts!  I would never be foolish enough to do a plunge in the winter!" But the truth is, I'm going to put this on my list of goals for the near future:  "Participate in one of the cold-water plunges to benefit charity."  I'll let you know which one I decide to do.  Honestly, it may be next winter.  I might need some time to prepare, physically and mentally.

But until the big day, I thought it would be fun to hear from those of you who have braved the frigid temps.   Where in New Jersey have you done a winter plunge?   What was the experience like?  Would you do it again?  Any advice for a first-timer?