Splish, splash, the hardy - some might say foolhardy - took an icy bath Monday morning in Delta waters at Boyd's Harbor during Bethel Island's Frozen Bun Run.

Twenty-one brave but somewhat blue and goosebumpy bodies water-skied in the 27th annual event, including show stealer Daniel Witte, 11, who is blind. After a shaky start, the Castro Valley resident yelled, "Hit it," and off he went. Following the successful ride, Witte acknowledged that the water was cold but the thrill was well worth it.

"I don't know how the little kid did it. He was in the water for so long," said skier Rod Summers, 64, of Bethel Island, after emerging from the water.

Summers had a tough act to follow but drew cheers as he rounded the final turn with such force that dock onlookers were drenched.

Other brave spirits in the early morning included Craig Auzenne from Martinez. A skier from last year, he recommends the sport to everyone. "It was awesome," he said.



Photo by Ray Carter

Bundled up spectators crowd the Rusty Porthole deck to watch as skiers hit the frigid water.