The Plunge 2026

The Plunge is our biggest fundraiser of the year, helping to fund our environmental education programs, including Kids in the Creek. Celebrating its 27th year, this multi-week program is a wonderful example of community partnership and support with the goal to educate, inspire, and engage the next generation of environmental leaders and stewards.

Location: Champion Credit Union Aquatic Center

Directions: 77 Penland St, Canton, NC 28716

Funds will also support Haywood Waterways' many other community education activities that raise awareness of clean water and its values for agriculture, wildlife, recreation, the economy, and human health and well-being.

Register now to raise funds as an individual, a team, or support either through a donation!

As an individual
Start or join a Team
Donate to an Individual or Team to help them reach their goal
or Donate to HWA

Click the Register For this Event button to register as an individual, a new team, or join an existing team. Registration is free, if you desire to plunge (see costs below), check in begins at 10:30am on the day of the event (Feb 7th).

You can also do all of these options off-line. Contact Haywood Waterways for details (info@haywoodwaterways.org, 828-476-4667).



Width: (in pixels)

Height: (in pixels)

Place the following code wherever you would like it to appear on your page:

<iframe class="qgiv-embed" id="qgiv-embed-31116495" src="https://secure.qgiv.com/event/theplunge2026/widget/31116495/?etype=event&amp;entity=1104755" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no"></iframe>

$46,603.75

achieved

$40,000.00

goal

of your goal reached

Register For This Event

Event: 11:30 am to 12:15 pm

Registration: 11:00 to 11:30am

Plunge at 12pm

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Wind chill values will be in the single digits at noon. We are shortening the event (see new times above), allowing Plungers to plunge when they want (no need to wait till 12p) and moving the costume contest online (taking pictures of your costume before you Plunge).

----------------------------------------------

The depth of a plunge is a personal choice, from a dip of the toe to full immersion to jumping off the side of the pool, it's up to you!

Costumes welcomed and prizes awarded for best costumes, top individual fundraiser, and team fundraisers. All ages welcome and having fun is mandatory!

The event will happen rain or shine! Under age 18 will need parent’s permission and sign liability waiver; provided at the event during registration.

The cost is $25 to plunge for non HWA Members (free to HWA members), free for children 17 and under.

HWA Memberships start at $25; become a member today at www.haywoodwaterways.org

Payment occurs at check in from 11:00 - 11:30am the day of the event.

If you donate to or join a team, your plunge costs will be waived; same for business sponsors, your team may Plunge for free!

Polar Bear ($1,000)

Trout ($500)

Stonefly ($250)

Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District

The new playground next to the pool is a great spot for the kids to hang out while we register folks.

~~Sarge's Animal Rescue returns this year to provide hot drinks (free to plungers) and small eats starting at 11am.~~ (too cold!)

Reminder, the first 100 plungers receive a HWA tote bag!

Restrooms are available to change out of wet clothes, we recommend bringing a towel and sandals.

SH Sophia Huston
JR Josh Remillard $20.00 raised
KW Katlin Watson
PS Phoebe Seiler $25.25 raised
EE Elizabeth E Teague

View All

If my team donates via cash or checks, can I bring this amount to the event?

Yes! We would ask you give us a heads up two days before the event (Feb 8th) so we can ensure your team or individual campaign is in the running for top prizes. We can also update your team page to account for cash or check donations, simply email us and we'll take care of it!

If I sign up to raise funds, does that count as an entry fee?

Raising funds qualifies for a free entry. Simply let us know and we'll find you in our database. If you raised cash or check, please bring the donations to check in the day of the event.

Do I need to sign a waiver/liability form?

Yes. All those who are plunging will be required to sign a waiver and liability form, which will be available to fill out and sign at the event.
Children 17 and under will need their parent's permission to plunge and sign the form on their behalf.

The Plunge 2026

February 7th, 2026

Ways to Register or Support