Photos by Neil Farrell
The 45th Annual Carlin Soulé Memorial Polar Bear Dip filled Cayucos Beach Jan. 1 for the annual cleansing of the old and ringing in the New Year. Thousands of revelers turned out to pack the beach near the Cayucos Pier with a zany party on the sand before the drenching at noon. Several prizes were awarded in the costume contest.

The Polar Bear that traveled the farthest to get here came from New Zealand, with second best from Ireland.
The oldest dipper was 89 and the youngest 2.

Popeye, or at least someone dressed like the sailor man, took the Best Costume Award and a fellow in cop attire straight out of out of Reno 9-1-1 was the Funniest.

Water temperature was a chilly 59 degrees and the surf, which had been monstrous in the days before New Year’s Day, came down considerably and while there were the occasional over-head breakers, most were knee high and not too dangerous.

And as is always the goal — “everyone who goes into the water comes out safely”— was ensured by Cal Fire, lifeguards, Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol, along with Sheriff’s deputies. The Morro Bay Harbor Patrol lent their support, spraying water as part of a heartfelt tribute to Buzz Morasca, the founder of Toobs Bodyboards, a cherished community member who passed away on Christmas.

This year, a new tradition was born alongside the longstanding Polar Bear Dip. The Polar Cub Dip, held at Widow Wall Beach in Morro Bay, provided a more family-friendly option for young children and their parents. Organized by local mom Hayley Schaffer, the event was inspired by her desire to make the New Year plunge more accessible for families.