Plunge into the new year

New Year’s revelers can usher in 2014 with a Pacific Ocean plunge at the 14th annual Surf City Splash in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

The International Surfing Museum is hosting the plunge and a costume contest. Events kick off with breakfast and registration at 10 a.m. at the Huntington Beach Pier. The splash will be at noon.

“I think it’s such a great community event,” said museum Director Cindy Cross, “one that is fun and that everyone can do.”

The event, which she described as low-key, costs is $20 for pre-registration and $25 for registration on New Year’s Day. A shirt, breakfast and a certificate of participation are included.

Proceeds will fund educational programs at the museum and also help surf clubs at local schools.

Those who do not want to take the dip can pay the fee and receive the shirt, breakfast and a “certificate of sanity.”

Participants are invited to wear costumes, which in years past have often been hilarious, Cross said. Judging is scheduled for 11 a.m.

A cash award of $50 will go to people with the funniest costume, best celebrity costume, most sparkly costume and best animal-themed costume. The best group costume — three or more people — will be awarded a $100 cash prize.

Vendors will be at the Pier Plaza from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the event.

Last year’s event had about 250 participants, and Cross said that visitors come from other states and even other countries to take the plunge.

Participants can pre-register at hbsurfcitysplash.com, at the International Surfing Museum, 411 Olive Ave., or by calling the museum at (714) 960-3483.

Vendors, who can buy a space at the Pier Plaza for $75, can contact Jodi at surfcity2@verizon.net.