45th Annual Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip saw thousands jump into the New Year
Photos and story by Neil Farrell
A few thousand revelers converged on Cayucos Beach and splashed their way into 2025 at the 45th Annual Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip. The annual dip into the Pacific to wash away the old year and welcome the new saw sunny skies and fairly warm temperatures, even though the water temperature was a chilly 59 degrees.
And huge swells that slammed the coastline the previous few days settled down considerably for the dip, but as they say, “Never turn your back on the ocean,” as occasional large waves greeted the shivering waders too timid to dive in.
As in years past, the party started hours before on the beach as folks from far and wide settled in for a day at the beach. The costume contest was a blast once again with the youngest dipper aged 2, and the oldest 89.
The dipper who came farthest for the event was from New Zealand, with Ireland a close second. A scurvy bloke dressed like Popeye the Sailor Man took the prize for the Best Costume and a fellow dressed like Reno 9-1-1 character Deputy Travis got Funniest Costume.
And a toast goes out to Cal Fire, county lifeguards, the Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol, along with sheriff’s deputies who made sure that everyone who went into the water came out again safe, and if not entirely sound.
