A run into the Pacific Ocean near the Huntington Beach Pier, then grab a towel.

Huntington Beach, California ' The Huntington Beach  Pier in Huntington Beach is the place for some fun on New Year's Day! The annual Pier Plaza Plunge will be at noon. Participate or watch!  Folks brave the chilly water as participants run in to the ocean (the Plunge). The Plunge is at noon, but the day begins with a pancake breakfast at 9:30 hosted by the Huntington Beach Lions Club (who also sponsors the Plunge). For more info or to register, check out www.HBPlunge.com

The Pier Plaza Plunge is a tradition in Huntington Beach to welcome the New Year with a dip into the Pacific Ocean. When the clock strikes 12, a group of swim suit clad adults and kids take off running for the water near the Huntington Beach Pier located at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. There are usually some whoops and hollers as a few hearty souls wake up to a new year with a refreshing pause that awakens.

Charging into the chilly ocean water for a good cause, participants pay a fee and do a good deed with proceeds from donations contributed to benefit Lions Project, Canine Companions for Independence. Call: Lee Love (714) 349-7706; and/or register online at hbplunge.com or day of event at event location.

HB Pier Plunge is a tradition in Huntington Beach to welcome the New Year with a dip into the Pacific Ocean. When the clock strikes 10, a group of swim suit clad adults and kids take off running for the water on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier located at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. There are usually some whoops and hollers as a few hearty souls (usually less than 75)  wake up to a new year with a refreshing pause that awakens.

A quick run into the Pacific Ocean near the Huntington Beach Pier and then grab a towel.

The event began several years ago when Huntington Beach local Michael Parks wanted to run with a club close to home. He didn't find one nearby so he formed his own event and with help of the HB Rotary Club, kept it going and growing.

Charging into the chilly ocean water for a good cause, participants pay a fee and do a good deed with proceeds from donations contributed to local charity organizations.

The event began several years ago when Huntington Beach local Michael Parks wanted to run with a club close to home. He didn't find one nearby so he formed his own event and with help of the Sunrise Rotary Club, kept it going and growing.

The Polar Plunge is not the only activity around on New Year's Day. The Huntington Beach Long Board Club holds a public paddle around the pier each year on January 1 and allows non-members of their group to join in.

Then there's also the Huntington Beach Fun Roll, a group that skates approximately 18 miles at a slow and easy pace, welcoming beginners, intermediate bladers and even bicyclists. They usually take off from Pier Plaza at the Huntington Beach Pier around 10 a.m. to Noon.

For more information on Huntington Beach events held on January 1, see the Huntington Beach calendar.