
Guests frequently wonder how they may celebrate New Year’s at Sea Ranch, especially given the Home Owner’s Association’s rules for maintaining peace and quiet at all times.
Celebrate New Year at Sea Ranch Polar Plunge
The Sea Ranch Polar Plunge has become an annual “unofficial event” held at the south end of Shell Beach.
The event occurs New Year’s Day, January 1 at 10:00 am. Announcements for the event currently are via in-house emails. However as details emerge, we happily inform our guests of the event and others who may be staying at our private Sea Ranch community.
While the revelers freeze their tutus off, for those who would rather stay sort of dry, or at least warm, there’s always tide pooling, a favorite activity fo kids visiting Sea Ranch.
Read on to learn how our intrepid residents and guests have celebrated the first day of the year previously. Will you be up to joining them this coming New Year? Or perhaps with some training the next year to come!
Past Polar Plunge Escapades
Sea Ranch New Years Day 2018 was kicked off by residents and guests alike charging into the chilly waters of the Pacific. The 19th Annual Sea Ranch Polar Plunge was held once again at the south end of Shell Beach. But that year’s plunge was unique in two ways.
A Great Interim Leader of the Charge
First our traditional leader of the “popsicled” brigade into the Pacific, Sea Rancher John Nelson, was unavailable to lead the charge with the clanging of his cowbell. Thankfully he entrusted the starting bell to Sea Rancher, Bonnie Plakos. Through her great organization the event went off without a hitch.
Super Moon with King Tides
Secondly, the year’s first Super Moon occurring on New Year’s Day made this Sea Ranch New Years Day event even more unique. In fact, the first Super Moon of the year was the closest it would ever be in all of 2018. It also resulted in King Tides across the Pacific.
When will King Tides Happen in 2024?
Tides are the movement of water across Earth’s surface caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, Sun, and the rotation of Earth which cause the local rise and fall of sea levels. However, King Tides describe an especially high tide event, when there is alignment of the gravitational pull between sun and moon. When King Tides occur during cyclones, floods or storms, water levels can rise to higher levels and have the potential to cause great damage to property
The upcoming official King Tide dates in 2024 are January 11 and 12, 2024, and February 9, 2024, however, there are even more dates with these extreme tides! Extreme low tides (and high tides) will be present on the days leading up to and after the dates listed above
A Perfect Time for A Winter Getaway
For those from out of the area, California King Tides is the perfect time to plan a winter getaway to the Sonoma coast, especially at The Sea Ranch. Book your stay and don’t miss this extraordinary time of year on the coast.
Tide charts near Sea Ranch
For those of you staying at Sea Ranch this year the tides for New Year’s Eve and Day 2024 are:
For other dates and location check here:
2018 Polar Freeze Missed Sea Ranch New Years Day
That the Polar Plunge occurred at The Sea Ranch was ideal. New Years Day 2019 was also one of the coldest days on record for much of the continental United States! Eight degrees. That was the predicted average low temperature for the lower 48 States on New Year’s Day. In fact, it was so bitterly cold it even froze the Niagara River in place!
A Balmy Sea Ranch New Years Day- Well Almost
Meanwhile, back in The Sea Ranch, the weather warmed up to a balmy 64 degrees. Compared to the east coast waters, checking in at a frigid 30 degrees or less, our corner of the Pacific came in at “toasty” 54 degrees. Actually it was so cold, some areas, including Chicago, had to cancel their plunge event.
Winter Weather Averages in Sea Ranch
January in Sea Ranch, California, is a moderate winter month, with an average temperature varying between 41°F and 56.7°F.
Temperature
January reports an average high-temperature of a moderate 56.7°F, slightly varied from December‘s 54.7°F. Nightly temperatures in Sea Ranch drop to an average low of 41°F in January.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in January in Sea Ranch is 75%.
Rainfall
In January, in Sea Ranch, the rain falls for 11.1 days. Throughout January, 3.66″ of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, in Sea Ranch, California, there are 83.1 rainfall days, and 21.38″ of precipitation is accumulated.
Ocean temperature
In January, the average ocean temperature is 52.7°F.
Nothing Stops the Polar Plungers
While the Sea Ranch weather can be chilly, it won’t stop the intrepid Polar Plungers!
Enjoy the how the brave souls who took to the waters in 2019 at Sea Ranch’s Shell Beach:
Cool Facts about Participating in a New Year’s Polar Plunge
Are you up to doing something as wacky and wild as this next New Years Day at Sea Ranch? They say there actually are health benefits to freezing your tutu off by swimming in freezing water.
Get Your Doctor’s Ok First
Before you do first be sure you get the okay from your doctor. Jumping into frigid water in the winter can be a shock to your system—your heart, to be more precise.
Benefits of cold therapy
Cold-water immersion (CWI) in the form of cold-water/ice bathing has become a popular activity. More and more people are taking the plunge into ice baths. In popular literature it has been claimed that it can boost the immune system, treat depression, enhance peripheral circulation, increase libido, burn calories and reduce stress.
Cold Water Boosts Your Immunity
TheNextChallenge.org states that cold water swimming can actually be beneficial to your health. After staying in frigid waters for more than an hour causes significant increases in white blood cell counts and several other factors relating to the immune system.
Furthermore, cold body therapy is also linked to improved quality of sleep, more focus, and even an improved immune response.
Wim Hof Method
Get a Cold Water High
Another notable event this first day of January 2018 was the legalization of recreational cannabis in California
But who needs pot when you have frozen your private parts by jumping into freezing water without a wetsuit! Outdoor Swimming Society explains this can lead to what’s known as a “cold water high,” which the source describes as “the pure exhilaration and rush of endorphins that you get from getting in.”
You Meet the Nicest People
The Sea Ranch New Years Day event is a community social activity. By doing a Polar Bear Plunge you meet some great people…who are as brave as you. Who knows, that person you’re high-fiving may turn out to be the love of your life!
Often Polar Plunges also support various charities, including the Special Olympics.
You’ll Want a Towel(s) -STAT!
Getting in the water will be a great shock to your system. But getting out of the ice bath will be even worse, especially if there is any breeze that will further chill you.
You’ll want to be sure you have available many dry and if possible warm towels as you step back onto dry land. Dry off quickly before the water freezes to your skin and you become a human popsicle. Drying off helps your body restore its core temperature. Bring a thick dressing gown, warm puffy coat, or some other snuggly clothes that are easy to slip into with shaking hands. Also don’t forget to cover your head with a cap or scarf.
It’s a Great Hangover Cure- Or Is It?
Odds are you toasted in the New Years with a glass or two or more the night before. Now you’re thinking you’d rather keep your fog brained self in your warm bed and take a couple of aspirin to relieve the thumping in your head.
However, according to some, the Polar Plunge is actually more effective way to survive the morning of the night before. Perhaps it’s the rush of adrenaline that comes when you first stick your foot into the frigid water. Studies suggest the physical activity is beneficial for the brain as it is for the body. Releasing endorphins has a positive feeling and cold water immersion is one way to achieve it.
Cold Water Will Boost Your Libido
Remember when I mentioned above that you might meet someone special at a Polar Plunge? It turns out that you may actually feel more than a shared feeling of freezing to death. You might subconsciously (or consciously) be feeling more amorous after jumping into cold water reports Activebeat.co
Their source cites a study that found participants subjects to cold baths had more production of testosterone (men) and estrogen (women). This not only boosts drive, but also apparently increases fertility in both men and women, adds the source.
Ready for Sea Ranch New Years Day Polar Plunge?
If after all this you are ready to take the plunge next New Year’s Day then by all means give us a call! We’ll be happy to make your arrangements for a great vacation experience.
But don’t feel compelled to have to freeze for fun. You could also be a member of cheering squad or available to hand out a warmed towel to the Sea Ranch New Years Day bather.
Then when you return home to Abalone Bay you and/or your swimming partner can warm up under our rain shower in the Roman tub.
Or better yet, relive the experience as you thaw out in our hot tub.
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