Plunge in Hampton!

You’ve registered, you’ve fundraised, now it’s time to Plunge!

All Plungers must sign a waiver before Plunging. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian complete their waiver. 

Saturday, February 8^th - the Plunge!

Arrival

Plungers can arrive at Hampton Beach any time after 9 AM. We recommend that Plungers arrive no later than 10 AM. 

There are several metered parking lots available along the beach (meters aren't active during the winter). There are also several parking lots along the side streets, as well as behind the Casino. If you need to check in, head to the Ashworth by the Sea Hotel. If you’ve already checked-in, go directly to the Casino Ballroom.

Plungers and their guests relax at the Casino Ballroom before the Plunge. Enjoy a selection of beverages from our friends at Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast and coffee and hot chocolate from our friends at McDonalds.  

At 11:30 AM the Costume Parade will take place in the Casino Ballroom.  Individuals and teams can participate in the parade.  There will be a panel of judges that will select the winners, which will be announced at the awards ceremony after the Plunge.

The Plunge

After the Costume Parade, Plungers will be called by wave to leave the casino and go to the changing tents located on the boardwalk just north of the State Parks building. Every Plunger will be assigned to a wave at check-in.  Waves limit the number of people taking the Plunge at one time to about 200.  Schools are always kept in the same wave.  Plungers who have participated the longest are put in earlier waves. 

The changing tents are divided into 16-18 smaller changing rooms.  In each changing room there will 12 stations with a folding chair and 5-gallon bucket. Only Plungers are allowed in the changing tent and Plunge area.

When a Plunger enters the changing tent, you will be directed to a changing room which will be labeled with a letter and separated by gender.  Students and staff will not be put in the same changing room.  Once in the changing room, a volunteer will direct you to a station.  The volunteer will write the room letter and station number on your hand with a grease pencil.  You'll change into the clothes you'll wear into the water.  PRO TIP: wear something on your feet - ideally wool socks! You'll leave anything that isn't going in the water with you in the 5-gallon bucket.  Please do not bring items with you that will not fit into a 5-gallon bucket.  We recommend that Plungers do not leave valuables in the changing areas.

Once changed, Plungers will exit the changing tent and head north to the stairs that will bring them onto the beach.  The wave of Plungers will line up at a starting line and when its time the wave will run down the beach and into the Ocean.  As you exit the water, you'll be handed a towel and exit the beach using the south side stairs.  When you return to the changing tent, you'll be directed back to the changing room and station written on your hand.  The 5-gallon bucket with your belongings will be waiting for you.  After changing into dry clothes, you'll put your towel in a bin in the tent and head back to the Casino Ballroom.

Tea Party in the Casino Ballroom

A nice warm lunch provided by our friends at Associated Grocers of New England will be waiting for you. Enjoy a McDonald's chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

• Cheddar broccoli soup
• Beef stew
• Chilli 
• Bread bowls
• Salad

After all Plungers return, there will be an award ceremony.  Awards will be presented for:

• Individual Fundraiser (person that raises the most money)
• Team (the team that raises the most money)
• Fundraising Team (the team with the highest per Plunger average)
• Athlete Fundraiser (Special Olympics athlete that raises the most money)
• Best Individual Costume
• Best Team Costume

Everyone attending the Tea Party must have a wristband.