LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP — Just hours before Super Bowl 51, nearly 200 people took a dip in the frigid ocean off Brant Beach to raise money for good causes.
Luckily for the participants of the 13th Annual “Super Plunge,” the sun was shining and the wind chill was minimal.
“I feel fresh, it feels like summer,” said 16-year-old Alexa Fierra, just minutes after she took the daring plunge.
Held every Super Bowl Sunday, the Long Beach Island “Super Plunge” raises money for the St. Francis Community Center and the Southern Regional High School boys and girls swim teams. This year, the event had about 190 participants, down from 233 in 2016, said Lori Dudek, special events planner and volunteer coordinator for St. Francis Church in Brant Beach.
“It’s the comradery between all the kids … it’s a fun event,” Dudek said, adding that it’s one of the church’s hallmark events.
Participants in the event said that comradery among the local residents in the area is what draws them each year.
“I’m excited to come back to the beach during the winter,” said Noah Rogers, 17. “That’s what this is all about. It’s always good doing community stuff.”
Mike Levine, 16, said the plunge was a good way to start Super Bowl Sunday — and help support local organizations.
“It was pretty cold, I feel awake now,” Levine said. “That’s what this is all about, bringing everyone together, having fun and raising money.”
Ocean temperatures off Long Beach Island were at 42 degrees on Sunday. The air temperature was just below 50 degrees, with clear and sunny skies. The winds were around 16 mph.
Surfers who take to the ocean during the wintertime strap on thick wetsuits, with special wetsuit boots and gloves. But these daring plungers had only bathing suits on.
Shannon Lytle, 17, of Manahawkin, said this year wasn’t as cold as last year. Though warmer, Lytle said she had the same mindset: “You can’t think about it, you just gotta’ go.”
Justin Fall, 17, of Toms River, agreed. “I just went for it,” he said. “It actually wasn’t that cold.”
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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