Ninth annual Dophin Dip extravaganza in Surf City

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — Nearly one thousand people plunged into the Atlantic on New Years day during the ninth annual Dolphin Dip in Surf City. This is the first year the event benefited the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.

“We start the New Year fresh with no resolutions really, just a good start with getting rid of the old and no fear in the future,” says Rebecca Moxey, wife of founder Brian Moxey.

This year’s event included acrobatic and belly dancers, a bag piper and even a choreographed dance by a few participants.

More than 2,500 people came out to celebrate the New Year on the beach, but 800 brave men, women, and children charged into the frigid water.

At 66 degrees, the temperature outside was perfect, but the temperature in the water was a frigid 47 degrees.

“It was fantastic,” says Ed Paquarus, who came to the event with his two friends. “It was absolutely freezing cold, but it was invigorating. It was a great way to start off the new year.”

Organizers hope to have raised upwards of $5,000 for the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity and are hoping to raise even more next year.