‘Not going to miss this day, even with a little bit of rain’: Hardy beachgoers take stormy New Year’s ocean plunge

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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 Strickland, 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.