By Walter Ryce

Hundreds of CSUMB students made their way early Sunday morning, Aug. 20, from CSU Monterey Bay to Monterey State Beach at the Tides Hotel in Monterey for CSUMB’s 2nd annual Otter Plunge. 

There, they joined CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones, and university staff, administrators and faculty members wearing swim gear and lined up to run into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. Many ran into the water together, some holding hands, yelping as they went. 

They splashed and swam and played in the tide. Some left just as quickly, but many stayed to enjoy the surf, as some reported the water was not as cold as it looked like it might be. 

Guests of the beachfront hotel watched the gathering in amusement from atop a sea wall. 

Anthony Cervantes, a freshman computer science major raised in Salinas, said his family warned “Mijo, be careful,” but he didn’t hesitate to take the plunge.

“It’s nice that everyone’s out here,” he said. “I thought I could ride the wave but I ended up losing my glasses. And I swallowed seawater.” 

Still, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 

Last year, in October, about 50 people participated in the Otter Plunge. This year, 670 students, faculty, staff and administration RSVP’d. Of those, it’s estimated that about 500 participated in or watched at least one of the two plunges — one shortly after 8 a.m., the next one shortly after 9 a.m.

Otter Plunge 2023 at Monterey State Beach | Photo by Mira Levi

Some students ventured out toward the sizable waves to body surf, and some, identified as the women’s water polo team, floated in the water past the waves like literal sea otters.  

“We encouraged student-athletes to just be part of events, part of the campus community,” said Kirby Garry, director of Athletics at CSUMB. 

Three female freshmen were sitting together after leaving the water. 

“[The water] was cold but fun. I’m glad I did it,” one of them said. 

“There’s been lots of opportunities to connect,” said another regarding Otter Days events such as the Otter Plunge. “The energy is reciprocated. We’re all in the same boat.” 

They said they had just met each other a day or two earlier. Later they invited a male student, who seemed to be by himself, to join them as they were leaving the beach, which he did with apparent gratitude. A demonstration of the Otter Raft taking shape.  

Dan Burfiend, a senior coordinator with Student Organizations, Leadership Development and Assessment, is one of the organizers of the Otter Plunge and said the idea was to use the beach – one of CSUMB’s most popular attributes – to bring the campus community together in the spirit of fun. 

“We’re close to the ocean,” Burfiend said. “A tradition like this has to be simple and repeatable. Vanya has been the biggest cheerleader for it. She runs in the water herself.” 

He said next year, anticipating greater numbers, they’ll secure more buses, towels and lifeguards. 

The university’s Student Engagement and Leadership Development department partnered with Monterey State Lifeguard Association to provide lifeguards (who reported no issues with the event), and with the Monterey Tides Hotel, which provided chairs, fire pits, s’mores and hot drinks. The Wave shuttle service provided transportation for students. 

Quiñones was impressed with the turnout.

“This is a great beginning to a new academic year,” she said. “Everyone here is part of a strong Otter Raft that we are building to support each other — students, faculty, staff, administration. This is the second year and the Otter Plunge is already a strong tradition.”