Join Us for the Polar Plunge
Santa Cruz Boardwalk | March 1
Ready to brave the waters for Special Olympics Northern California? On March 1, join the Santa Cruz County Polar Plunge, a fun dip, skip or jump into chilly waters for a great cause! The Polar Plunge is a global Special Olympics fundraising tradition where festive supporters splash into chilly waters in support of our athletes and mission. Gather your friends for this crazy event and come join the fun!
The Polar Plunge isn’t a swim: It's a celebration of community and inclusivity. It’s a chance to be with friends, make new connections, and experience the beautiful beaches of Santa Cruz. Part costume party, part test of will, the Plunge is all for the benefit of Special Olympics.
Plungers can brave the waters however they’d like, from dipping in a toe or two to a fully immersive splash. Don’t want to get wet? No worries! Register as a chicken and you can still raise funds, enjoy the festivities and help support Special Olympics. However you choose to participate, it's time to bear down for the Santa Cruz County Polar Plunge.
HOW IT WORKS

Plungers can form or join teams, or sign up as an individual. Every Plunger must raise a minimum of $125 and will receive a Polar Plunge T-shirt and lunch. Cool School participants must raise a minimum of $50 to Plunge, but need to raise a minimum of $125 to earn the T-shirt and brunch. Everyone is encouraged to raise additional funds and earn cool incentive rewards. The more you raise, the more you can help directly impact the lives of Special Olympics athletes, their families, and our community.

DID SOMEONE SAY AWARDS?

We’ll also present awards to the top individual and team fundraisers, as well as for best costumes. That’s right! Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for the Plunge. They aren't mandatory, but they’re a fun part of the global Polar Plunge tradition. So go with the flow and dress up, whether with your team or solo.

Everyone wins at the Polar Plunge. Be brave in your attempt and make a splash for our amazing Special Olympics NorCal athletes! All funds raised will support the sports, educational, health and leadership programs our athletes enjoy for free.

Register today and make a difference for children and adults with intellectual disabilities!

2025 Santa Cruz Polar Plunge

#JumpInForSO

2025 Santa Cruz Polar Plunge

#JumpInForSO

2024 Santa Cruz Schedule of Events*​

10:00 amPlunge Registration & Silent Auction Opens

10:30 amGames Begin

11:00amBrunch is Served

11:30 amPolar Plunge Opening Ceremony, Costume Contest & Awards

11:45 amSilent Auction Closes12 NoonPLUNGE!!

1:00 PMSilent Auction Winners Claim Prizes

1:30 pmEvent Concludes*subject to change

**2024 Santa Cruz Schedule of Events***

10:00 am
Plunge Registration & Silent Auction Opens

10:30 am
Games Begin

11:00am
Brunch is Served

11:30 am
Polar Plunge Opening Ceremony, Costume Contest & Awards

11:45 am
Silent Auction Closes

12 Noon
PLUNGE!!

1:00 PM
Silent Auction Winners Claim Prizes

1:30 pm
Event Concludes

*subject to change