Scenes From The Riptide's 2017 New Year's Plunge

Scenes From The Riptide's 2017 New Year's PlungePhotos: Rick Marr/Hoodline 
Rick Marr
Published on January 02, 2017

Friendly bartenders, live music, an inviting fireplace and "The Plunge" are all part of what makes the Riptide an Outer Sunset institution.

For the last six years, Riptide patrons have engaged in an invigorating tradition of jumping into the chilly Pacific Ocean at noon on New Year's Day, then heading back to the neighborhood bar to warm up with one of their signature spicy bloody marys.

"It was started by a regular at The Riptide and only two people jumped in the first year," Riptide bar manager Alisha Liscinsky said of the community-driven event. "Now there are hundreds of people each year."

While a fire in August of 2015 gutted the bar, hardy Sunset dwellers were not deterred and "The Plunge" lived on.

This year, with the bar back in business, the crowd of brave participants was bigger than ever. Here's a glimpse at yesterday's celebratory scene, which did include a bit of nudity.

Riptide bartender Jean Fontana took up the megaphone to kick off the event before hurrying back to the Riptide to sling drinks for thirsty revelers.
Riptide bar manager Alisha Liscinsky (center) bartender Michelle (right) back at the bar mixing bloody marys.