First Day Firsts

—Claire Andrews, State Park Interpreter I, South Carlsbad State Beach and San Elijo State Beach

While taking on new tasks and trying new things can be intimidating, this winter I realized it is something I often ask park visitors to do but rarely practice myself. Planning an out-of-the-box approach to a First Day “Hike” gave me the opportunity to change that. After planning and executing the event—rain or shine—my honest advice is to take the plunge you’ve been considering. You may surprise yourself with the results.

When I began planning our First Day Hike event, I struggled with the concept. Our state beach has no trails, and past attempts at beachcomber walks had limited success. Eventually, I internalized the true intention behind the First Day Hike initiative—to get people outdoors enjoying nature and community to start the year—and once that clicked, I had an ocean of ideas.

State Park Interpreter I, Claire Andrews, celebrates two “polar bears” preparing for their plunge.

Rather than forcing a traditional hike, I proposed hosting a polar plunge-style ocean dip event. To move forward, I needed lifeguard support and leadership approval. When I met with our Sector Superintendent and State Park Interpreter III, they supported the idea and agreed to staff several lifeguards. With more staff involved, I felt pressure to make the event worth everyone’s time on New Year’s Day and to ensure strong participation. What began as a small program quickly evolved into a full-scale special event.

My confidence in planning came from both leadership support and attending the Interpretive Special Events Training in October 2025. Fresh from the training, I was eager to apply what I had learned. I coordinated with our team to confirm that public safety, aquatic safety, maintenance, the special events coordinator, and visitor services were informed and supportive. Once internal coordination was complete, I turned my attention to community partnerships to bring the event to life.

Swimmers of all ages came out to Cardiff State Beach’s 2026 Polar Plunge, and some took home a self-decorated souvenir.

As enticing as a swim in the cold ocean on a cloudy winter day is, I knew hot drinks, warm firepits, and kids’ activities would encourage attendance. I partnered with two returning organizations, borrowed propane firepits from other district parks, and secured donated coffee from a local shop. With logistics in place, I shifted my focus to marketing.

Alongside traditional in-park flyers and a-frames, we created a Facebook event and a promotional video for Instagram. When we chose the idea for the video, neither of us expected the response. We filmed a silly clip of myself diving into the ocean in full uniform, which received over 20,000 views on Instagram alone.

With planning falling into place, I felt confident—until I checked the weather forecast about three days prior: heavy rain expected. I knew fellow interpreters were facing the same issue and watched social media as hikes were rained out or postponed. We monitored the hourly forecast, delaying any cancellation as long as possible. After all, participants were planning to get wet anyway. With cautious optimism and no water quality warnings, we decided to move forward, rain or shine.

State Park Interpreter I, Anita Balcar, wasn’t afraid to take her own plunge to celebrate the brave souls ringing in the New Year with a unique First Day “Hike” at Cardiff State Beach. Photograph by Tanya Perez.

The morning of the event brought the heaviest rain I had experienced in years. I worried no one would show, but set those concerns aside, geared up, and prepared. Through sideways rain, strong winds, and ankle-deep puddles, we set up and waited. Once everything was in place, we huddled together for warmth. About ten minutes before the scheduled plunge, the first car arrived, then another, and then more. As people gathered, the rain eased and spirits lifted. Before long, nearly 75 participants were huddled up, ready to plunge into the Pacific. After a quick safety briefing and countdown from our lifeguard, the group charged into the ocean—joined by another full-uniform plunge from a fellow interpreter.

After the initial plunge, participants warmed up around firepits with cocoa and coffee, sharing stories and resolutions for the year ahead. Over the next hour, families continued to arrive, each group cheered on as they braved the waves. One pair fully embraced the theme, wearing polar bear onesies and holding signs that read “Plunge into 2026,” while another family traveled from Orange County to attend. The casual setting allowed staff to build personal connections and hear genuine feedback from our community. Participants overwhelmingly expressed gratitude for State Parks organizing the event and requested its continuation. Several families even committed on the spot to making it an annual tradition—effectively committing our team as well.

Bathers take a “Polar Plunge” at Cardiff State Beach under the gray skies of New Year’s Day 2026.

When the event was first imagined, the hope was that 20 people might attend, and 50 was considered a raving success. Those expectations were far exceeded, with just over 150 participants over the two-hour inaugural event. The team aimed high, remained ambitious, and believed they were being realistic about the outcome. In the end, the results were better than expected.

The team handled a much larger crowd than anticipated and recognized that with better weather, attendance could be even higher next year. With our proof-of-concept year a success, we look forward to growing the event with commemorative souvenirs, more food and drink vendors, a costume contest, and music—an ocean of possibilities waiting for us to dive in.

State Park Interpreter I, Anita Balcar, and two other swimmers emerge from their chilly plunge all smiles. Photograph by Tanya Perez.