How brave are you? How thick is your skin? This Saturday is the first following the shortest day of the year. Geddit?
In other words, it is the middle of winter. And it is also the day of the year you can show the local folk how tough you are when you brave the cool waters of an Overberg river.
 Hopefully they will come from far and wide, from Overberg and  beyond, to immerse themselves from head to toe in the icy cold
waters of the Klein River in Stanford. What's in it for me, I hear you mumble.  Well, a glass of Gluwein of course.
Other reasons can be personal pride or an unnatural urge to exhibited your finely-toned winter physique?

 Cold-water swims are not a new thing. In America it is referred to as polar bear plunges. In Canada the zany ritual is held on New Year’s Day. Globally, entrants are spurred on by a commongoal - to raise money for charity. John and Valda Finch have graciously agreed that the local “plunge” be taken from their jetty at the Stanford River Lodge. Springfontein Wine Estate will contribute the wine and Hennie, of Hennie’s Pub in Stanford, has volunteered to make the warm and spicy Gluwein.The idea came from local Derick Menmuir as he challenged resident Anton
Duivestein. The Penguin Plunge has now become a charity event as die optional entrance fee will go to a local charity.
Take the plunge at 12:00 on 25 June at the Stanford River Lodge on Chicken Farm road.
No wetsuits are allowed and swimming gear is optional. Bring your own towel.
For more information phone Tania Weich 0283410651

For events in the Overberg – see the Events Calender on www.overberg.co.za and www.hermanus.co.za