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. 

Sunday, February 8^th - the Penguin 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 along the beach (meters are not active during the winter), as well as parking on nearby side streets, behind the Casino, and in the municipal lot located directly behind the Casino parking lot. 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 and escorted by volunteers from the Casino to the changing tents on the boardwalk just north of the State Parks building. Every Plunger is assigned a wave at check-in. Waves limit the number of people plunging at one time (about 200 per wave). Teams are always kept together, and Plungers who have participated the longest are placed in earlier waves.

Changing tents are divided into smaller changing rooms, separated by gender, each with 12 stations and folding chairs. Only registered Plungers are allowed in the changing tents and Plunge area. When you enter the tent, a volunteer will direct you to a changing room and station.

Change into the clothes you plan to wear into the ocean. Some Plungers wear their costume into the water, while others change into lighter clothing. Keep in mind that water weighs clothing down—the more you wear, the heavier it will feel.

Pro tip: Wear something on your feet. Wool socks are a game-changer.

You’ll leave anything not going into the water in the changing tent. New this year, each tent will have 30 feet of shelving for belongings. Please bring a recognizable bag for your items and avoid bringing valuables.

When your wave is called, you’ll line up, run down the beach, and enter the ocean together. After exiting the water, you'll be handed a towel and return to your changing room, change into dry clothes, place your towel in the bin provided, and head back to the Casino Ballroom.

The Wild Splash Bash 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.

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

• Top Individual Fundraiser (person that raises the most money)
  
• Top Team (the team that raises the most money)
• Top Athlete Fundraiser
• Top Fundraising Team (the team with the highest per Plunger average)
• Best Individual Costume
• Best Team Costume
• Top 100 Fundraisers

With the Pats heading to the Super Bowl, we promise not to keep you anywhere near kickoff. You’ll be home, settled, and more than ready to cheer!

Other Information

Thinking about staying overnight?

For those considering an overnight stay during Plunge weekend, the Ashworth by the Sea hotel has a limited number of rooms available (approximately 25 total). Rates vary by room type and are listed below (before tax):

• King Standard – $128
• Deluxe King – $195
• Oceanfront King – $250–$290

No double queen rooms available.

Weather: Since this event includes both indoor and outdoor components, we encourage you to keep an eye on the weather as we head into next weekend. As of right now, there is a considerable amount of snow on the ground in Hampton.

Wristbands: Everyone attending the Jungle Splash Bash must have a wristband. Plungers receive one complimentary guest wristband at check-in, and additional wristbands may be purchased for $20 each at check-in or when you arrive to the Casino at the information table.