Brrr-eathtaking Annual Rite : Club Goes Off Deep End in Cold Ocean

Knifing winds and 45-degree temperatures couldn’t deter a hearty group of Walrus Club members Friday from taking their traditional December plunge into the chilly Pacific.

About 95 otherwise clear-thinking men and women--clad only in shorts or swimsuits--walked, jogged and later jumped into the ocean as part of the fifth-annual Walrus Run. The teeth-chattering event covered nearly 2 miles, starting from the Newport Beach Athletic Club and ending in the 58-degree waters off Corona del Mar.

The brainchild of Rudy Svrcek and a small group of Walrus Club members, the run has become a quirky holiday tradition.

“It’s like a Christmas party for us,” said second-year Walrus runner Tina Bazacas, 35, and a manager at the athletic club. “It’s not a fund-raiser or anything. It’s just for fun.”

Tim Rhone, a Newport Beach real estate broker and five-year Walrus veteran, added: “It’s a little craziness.” He said the best way to prepare is “just get up, get out of bed and do it.”

Five-time veteran Rick Blake, 41, of Newport Beach said just the thought of hitting the water in such cold weather makes him shiver.

“I think it’s crazy,” he said. “It’s Newport Beach crazy people. That’s what it is. Crazy.”

Craig Ryan, the Walrus’ unofficial Santa Claus, said the runners are a hearty group of jokesters.

“They almost threw me in last year,” said Ryan, who wore a red Santa suit and white beard as he greeted runners as they crossed from the sand to the water.

Although some Walrus runners were experienced, others were not. Aiko Kris, a determined second-year runner, huffed and puffed nearly a mile before accepting a ride from a van traveling down the First Avenue route.

“I’m always the last guy,” said Kris, who is in her 50s.

The Walrus Club accepts new members each year, but participants said it’s sometimes difficult to convince prospects that jumping into the ocean during winter can be fun.

“I try to get my friends to do it, but they’re a little more sane than I am,” said Tom Van Over, 41, a three-year Walrus veteran. “In December, running into the water is stupidity.”

Knox Brooks of Irvine is a self-proclaimed old-timer in the club. At 60, the two-time runner said there’s only one thing that motivates him to face the cold beach sands each December: “Pure insanity. It runs in the family.”