Otters plunge into the new year

By Mark Muckenfuss

Emilia Orta may not have been the first one in the water at Sunday’s Otter Plunge, but she was the first one out. 

Seconds after the first wave of Cal State Monterey Bay students – all clad in navy blue rashguards that said “Raft Up” on the back – rushed into the 63-degree waters of Del Monte Beach in Monterey, Orta’s thin frame broke from the group and raced back onto the beach. 

“It was colder than I thought it would be,” said Orta, a third-year transfer from Long Beach studying public health, as she hugged her sides to warm herself. “I jumped in and jumped right out. It was cold, but it was so fun. I’m really glad I came.”

The plunge into Monterey Bay is part of a 10-day series of student-oriented events kicking off the fall semester. This year, about 1,000 new and returning students braved the bracing temperature to carry on the tradition. Some only ventured in as far as their knees. Braver souls spent time swimming and bobbing offshore under overcast skies. 

One new Otter was experiencing the local waters for the first time. Interim President Carlos Vargas, who arrived on campus just three weeks earlier, was visibly shaking as he tried to recover from his encounter with the bay. 

“Oh my gosh,” he said, as someone warmed him with a towel. “This is wonderful. You should have brought an electric one.”

Although rattled by his own plunge, Vargas said he was impressed by the event and the turnout, adding that he couldn’t think of a comparable event in his years of university experience.

“When I was at other universities, they have events, but people don’t interact with each other that much like they’re doing here,” he said. “That makes a big difference. And to have the deans here and the provost and other administrators, that is very unusual. 

“There are so many students here,” he added, looking at the throngs up and down the strand. “It’s amazing.”

For Carmen Martinez de Lara, a third-year exchange student from Madrid, it was also a bit strange. The typical daytime schedule in her home country of Spain starts substantially later.  

“It’s a weird plan, waking up at 7 to go into the cold water,” said de Lara, a psychology major. “But I’m also crazy like the Americans. I’m never going to have the chance to do this again. I also want to eat a s’more. I came for that.”

After their submersion in the sea, the plungers were able to gather around bonfires and make s’mores. Marshmallows, roasting sticks, graham crackers and chocolate were all provided. 

“It was perfect after being in the water,” said Marissa Jindrich after enjoying the traditional campfire treat. For the first-year psychology student from Garden Valley, Idaho, the plunge was just the latest chapter in her introduction to CSUMB.

“It’s part of coming to the school,” Jindrich said. “I’ve been trying to go to all the events. I’m really enjoying it.”

Her friend and fellow first-year student Hayden Bryant, a marine science major from Apple Valley, said the plunge was a good way to gear up for her coming studies. 

“A cold plunge is like a mind reset,” Bryant said. “It makes me more open to things. And I love the ocean so much, this water’s too beautiful not to jump in.”

Some couldn’t wait to do it again. Daphne Theodore, a junior transfer student studying kinesiology, is from Castro Valley.

"The cold water is my favorite,” she said. “I’ve gone in like three times already.  It kind of calms my mood.”

She came to the plunge not only to connect with the ocean, but also with her classmates.  

“I’ve met so many wonderful people so far,” she said. 

James Kwan, a fourth-year environmental science major from San Jose, was doing the plunge for the second year. He perhaps summed up the semester-opening event best.

“It’s a wake-up call,” he said. “It’s a good way to get things started.”

Welcome events continue through the end of this week. 

Classes begin Monday, and a breakfast bar will be available from 8-10:30 a.m. outside the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library, offering free cereal and donuts. 

On Tuesday, students can take part in Karaoke with the Clubs, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Otter Student Union.

The year’s first Otter Thursday – a weekly school spirit event – will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, on the OSU plaza, featuring food, games and music. 

And on Friday, the OSU hosts Monte Royale: Casino Night from 8-11 p.m. in the ballroom.

A full list of events is available on the Otter Days website.