The chilly temperatures and fresh snow didn't stop people from enjoying some outdoor New Year's Day traditions around the region.

Divers plunged into 2024 with the annual New Year's day dive off Dobbins Landing. 


Jacobs Hicks, the Vice President of the Blue Dolphin Dive Group explained, "This year we didn't have any horizontal snow or anything, but it is a little windy quick little chop on, the visibilities looks pretty good."


Several divers suited up and braced the chilly waters for a tradition that's been going on for twenty years.


Hicks explained how divers prepare for the cold temperatures. "So you're going to have an insulating layer and then literally a dry suit that keeps you dry so you're not diving wet, that would be a wet suit. With that gear you can stay in quite a bit longer. I'm going to say the average dive here is probably going to be about 20 minutes."


Although winter just began, this event encouraged people to enjoy the beauty of the water. "It gets us out in the winter time, it gets a break from the common cabin fever if you will."


From diving to hiking, the fresh fallen snow didn't deter people from getting outside on the first day of the New Year to take part in some annual traditions.


Asbury Woods had 25 people putting on extra layers for their First Day hike, a way to take in the beauty of the trails and get in some physical activity.
Sarah Bennett, the Director of Education and Community Programs at Asbury Woods explained, "Everyone wants to start the new year out on the right foot and so this is a great way to get some exercise get outdoors enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us even if the weather is cold."


Bennett said outdoor events like the First Day Hike gave people a starting point for new year's goals. "With a new year's resolution the best thing to do is jump right in the very first day of the year, so it's a great way to do that outdoors", said Bennett.


If you are interested in becoming a member of the Blue Dolphin Dive Group, you can find them on Facebook.


Asbury Woods has several upcoming winter activities including their trail runs series which kicks off on February 18 with their Four Mile Trail Run.