Dark skies, brisk wind and heavy rain couldn’t deter nearly 200 people from splashing into the cold Pacific Ocean at La Jolla Shores beach Thursday morning as part of the annual Polar Bear Plunge. “We’re trying to start the new year off with some fun,” said City Heights resident Matya Strick land, who wore fluffy headgear shaped like a turkey. Trevor Hoppe, who lives downtown, said the rain was somewhat balanced by the unusually warm water temperature of 63 degrees when the event began at 10 a.m. “It wasn’t that bad — I thought it was going to be a little colder, but it ended up being pretty nice,” Hoppe said. “It gets you going and gives you good energy for a great year.” The weather reduced this year’s attendance to 200 from the usual 350 to 500. But overcoming the weather made those who did attend feel more triumphant and accomplished than usual — and you could see it on their faces. Ariana Kier walks in the ocean at La Jolla Shores beach after participating in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1, 2026 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) “We’re always going to be here,” said Jennifer Baron of Spring Valley, who said her crew never considered sitting this year out despite the daunting forecasts all week. The rain, which came down steadily before and after the plunge, made for fewer selfies than usual and turned the annual group photo into a simple and quick grin and pose. These people had come to focus on the task at hand — not any sort of pomp and circumstance. Some participants wore only a bikini or swim trunks. Others bundled up in winter coats, extensive head gear and scarves. Kristen Johnson, part of the former group, said the rain mattered very little to her. “If you’re going to go in the ocean and do the plunge, you’re going to get wet anyway,” said Johnson, who traveled from Orange County. Noor Bagheri, left, takes photos of friends after they jumped in the ocean at La Jolla Shores beach for the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1, 2026 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) She challenged others to channel some more bravery. “I think people get really in their heads about stuff,” she said. “I think there’s a lot to be said about going out and doing things and living experiences instead of just staying on your couch.” Half an hour before the event, the rain was so strong that most of the participants huddled together under a lifeguard tower overhang and tried to warm up with coffee and chili. Despite the adversity, organizers never had a doubt the event would be well-attended. “It’s an annual tradition — the Polar Bear Plunge is something that people look forward to every year at this time,” said JC Thomas, president of the La Jolla Cove Swim Club, which has organized the event for nearly four decades. “They’re certainly not going to miss this day, even with a little bit of rain.” Thomas said many people have streaks of consecutive plunges they don’t want to break. Others make participating a priority on their list of New Year’s resolutions. Lavy Pham, 16, takes photos in the rain of family participating in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge at La Jolla Shores beach on Jan. 1, 2026 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Melissa Esquivel, who helps lead the Single Marine program at MCAS Miramar, brought three young Marines to La Jolla Shores for the event. “We were looking for things to do for New Year’s in San Diego, and this popped up online,” Esquivel said. The program, which finds events and volunteer opportunities for Marines, hasn’t previously participated, she said. Because of concerns about runoff and bacteria from the rain, some savvy swimmers headed south from the plunge launch point to enter the water at a spot where it was likely to be cleaner. Others only splashed around for a few seconds because of runoff concerns. But most of the participants entered in the usual spot, swam for several minutes and then exited with the typical giant smiles that come with overcoming anxiety — and maybe a little bit of fear. Members of the La Jolla Cove Swim Club take a photo before participating in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge on a windy and rainy day at La Jolla Shores beach on Jan. 1, 2026, in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune) ...read more read less