End of the year

No fog, no sun, adequate visibility, high tide, slight roll, Water temp approx 6-7 deg C,  air temp 3 deg C, Sara and I enjoyed a long and relaxing swim. Paul C again checked on us on his way to work.

The Saltdean Sea Swim Fitness Duo - will we have company tomorrow at 10.30???

Swimmers: Sara and Joan

In: 0740, Out: 0755

Swimming in the Christmas half-light

I met Isabella, the cleaner of the beaches with torch in hand warning that no one would come down and I should return home!  Then her spotlight shone on a faint figure at the tunnel and it was Sara.  It  was: dark; dank; gloomy; no sunrise; no light; poor visibility and we could barely see each other's faces. The fog was thick but the air temperature was pleasantly warm with a light drizzle. Then suddenly a light appeared on the brow of the shingle and a form slowly walked towards us and Paul C appeared with his usual smile checking on us  as he headed for work.  There was a roll on the edge as Sara took the plunge and Joan slowly made her way in; both promising to keep the dim  glow of the street lights in the distance within our sight as disorientation could so easily be had. Water temp. a fraction warmer than previously and it was noticeable on changing; no numb fingers and toes. At least that compensated for the gloom that surrounded us. We confirmed our meet on Friday morning at 0730 and hope that the hellrunners/riders/pool swimmers/iron folk will join us for an acclimatisation dip prior to the meet on NY's D. It gets a bit lonesome at times.

Swimmers: Sara and Joan

In: 0740, Out: 0750

(written by Joan)

Ollie goes hardcore

We swam again today and this time I thought I would bite the bullet and take the plunge without a suit on.  Unsurprisingly, it was cold and rather a shock to the system.  I used to describe it as a kiss from mother nature but after some time in a wetsuit I think I need to re-catagorize it as a slap round the chops from mother nature.  Joan I don't know how you stay in for so long...!! I managed about 5 mins! and never caught my breath!  Still, warm tea and home cooked goodies supplied by Joan and Sara helped tremendously.   I'm sure my resilliance will grow with time as I get used to it.

Time: In 7:39, Out 7:49.

Swimmers: Ollie, Joan, Sara and Paul C

(written by Ollie)

Ollie, Sara and Joan

Duvets at minus 3C

The stones on the beach did not scatter under foot because they were all frozen solid. Air temperature a steady -3C (that's minus three). Sea temperature - well, you get the idea. Whilst I thought I would be too late to do anything other than lend moral support, Sara and Joan had kindly waited patiently for me to arrive. Clearly I was not going to get away with it.

So, to business, Joan and Sara were first into the sea, I laboured as much as I could whilst putting my body armour on, which was not completely without merit as the temperatures had rendered my fingers mostly useless. Eventually, after much huffing and puffing everything popped into place and I gingerly headed down to the water, just as iron-Joan was getting out. High tide, so quick and easy to get in, no lengthy journey across the sand as has been the norm in recent weeks. The swell was a little more pronounced than I originally thought, although this was only an issue whilst getting past the breaking waves. I quickly joined Sara who was having a wonderful time swimming a slalom through the ice field. "It's beautiful", she exclaimed several times, as the lazy sun attempted to rise above a blanket of cloud, However, the red tints and hues also surely bore testimony to the snow that was menacingly gathering pace just beyond the horizon...I opted to take my inspiration from the SeaSwimFitness Duvet Chapter (who were not present) by practising my breast stroke, largely to avoid my face (my only exposed skin) having to go anywhere near the freezing water. Back on the beach, Joan distributed mince pies, and our cups of tea provided welcome respite for frostbitten fingers. And Joan also had the foresight to bring a bottle of hot water, although by the time it was poured down the inside of my wetsuit ... ! So, once the windchill had worn off, we continued to admire the sunrise and the tapestry of rich colours adorning this wintry scene. Sara pointed out some comorants and penguins that had drifted into view although and a lively debate followed as to whether these were of the Emporer or Rockhopper variety. It all happens on Saltdean beach folks!

The stones were still frozen as we left to go home.

Time: In 7:38, Out 7:52.
Swimmers: Sara, Joan and Paul C

On the second day of Christmas ... two girls a swimming ... and a ...

Sara and Joan made their way in the darkness down the shingle bank and set up for their swim. A hint of a golden glow sparked on the eastern horizon. There was a stiff north wind blowing and the calm waters lapped gently on the shingle. They walked into the freezing waters and Sara sped off to the visible end off the groyne.  Returning to say to Joan, "I'm enjoying this" and with that ploughed into the waters doing two widths of the groynes. Joan meanwhile  wallowed around looking at the flocks of gulls and cormorants overhead. Water temperature nearer 8 degrees C now. We came out of the sea and Sara had her hot water bottle to the ready with Joan pouring a bottle of warm water over her and her numb fingers.  The sun was rising; a great orange ball. A hot drink was had with mince pies and a promise to meet again at 0730 on Friday.

Time: In 7:40, Out 7:50.

Swimmers: Sara and Joan

(written by Joan)

Look for those bare extremities, those simple bare extremities, forget about your worries and your strife ...

Something of a heatwave today, air temperature up to 4C. Having initially thought I would be joining the ranks of the iron-men busying themselves in the duvet division, I headed down to the beach to link up with the other brave souls who were planning a dip. I'm late and I cannot see anyone else, and I am beginning to think that the iron-men and hellrunners have the right idea. But then I notice two silhouettes scampering across the sand into the water of the low tide, so armed with my new gloves and boots I head in after them. The cold is not so noticeable today, probably a combination of my body armour and the warmer air temperature, but it is still very hard on the face and takes a bit of getting used to, so it is not possible to swim more than a width between the groynes. At least these conditions provide Keith and myself with an opportunity to polish up our breaststroke and backstroke. The three of us continue to amuse ourselves with a variety of different strokes, purposeful thrashing around and frozen smiles like synchronised swimmers. After five minutes of this, we seem collectively uncertain if we ought to attempt some longer distances or whether we are just being foolish. Joan was out first, which makes sense as she was first in, followed by Keith and myself. Sea conditions were generally good although there was a wicked current coming in from the west (at least there was where I was standing). However, the real satisfaction is just being able to get into the sea water on a morning such as this. As has become customary, Joan supplied a bottle of hot water to revive those extremities that were feeling decidedly numb and frost-bitten. Thawed out, we drank our tea before trooping off home, confidently promising to see each other again on Wednesday but secretly wishing there were a few more swimmers in attendance just so that we did not have to feel guilty in the event of the alarm not going off.

Time: In 7:36, Out 7:54.

Swimmers: Keith, Joan and Paul C

(written by Paul)

Hot water bottles and balmy seas

I knew it was going to be a tough swim when, setting foot onto the beach, the stones did not scatter under foot, instead remaining frozen solid like slabs of rock. Joan and Sara were already on the beach preparing for their swim with the aid of hot water bottles. We began with some discussion about sea and air temperatures, the consensus being that the sea would seem to be quite "balmy" at a mighty 7C. In keeping with tradition, Joan was first in, followed by Sara and then myself. Sara suggested swimming a width between the groynes and then back to base. Gingerly I agreed, although on this morning the cold got to my exposed fingers so I had to abandon that. Sara went on to complete the course, Joan following, with myself heading out of the sea first, looking for any source of heat that might be available. Fortunately Joan had brought a bottle of hot water with her, and this was the most welcome respite. These unseasonal conditions continue ... but so does the SSF group. Just.

Time: In 7:40, Out 7:51.

Swimmers: Sara, Joan and Paul C

(written by Paul)

Mind over matter

Thick snow on the stones, bitterly cold air temperature and much soul-searching as whether getting into the sea was a good idea. I arrived on my bike, impossible to drive in these conditions. Joan was waiting on the beach for an accomplice. I duly obliged, but decided it was far too cold to even take my coat off, let alone venture into the wet stuff. Joan had no such inhibitions, and true to form just headed in. I winced, paced around the beach, hoping some sensation would return to my fingers and toes, waiting for Joan to finish her swim. Feeling somewhat cowardly, I decided to go in after all. Actually the sea  temperature was a lot warmer than the air, the effect was a bit like getting into a hot bath in a cold bathroom. Nice whilst you are in there, bit getting out is unpleasant. After a few minutes I decided to call it a day, honour had been preserved, no need for martyrdom. Joan was on hand to supply mince pies, it certainly helped. We trekked back through the snow, following our earlier footprints. This will take some beating.

Time: In 7:42, Out 7:49.

Swimmers: Joan and Paul C

(written by Paul)

The snow arrives - about 2 months too early !

The Steel Woman event

Joan in the sea ...

... Joan still in the sea

 Paul looking for a reason - any reason - not to go in

Sea Swim Fitness is 6 months old - and I am still here !

Swimming in the snow

It doesn't get any better than this. Stones covered in snow, a dull cloudy sky, a gentle east wind and a calm grey-blue sea that invited us all to test our mettle. Even the mighty Joan did not arrive in her usual blue dressing gown - it was going to be a cold one. And it was. After a few minutes trying on our brand new Sea Swim Fitness swim hats, we got down to the rather more serious business of getting into the water. Ollie poured some hot water down the inside of our wetsuits to create a tighter seal, but by this time the snow was beginning to come down, so the heat of the water was all too brief. Joan was first in, but then came bounding out just as quickly. This was not a good omen, what chance us mere mortals? But not to worry, it was just to get some gloves, then straight back in. Sara put her hot water bottle away, I took a few photographs just in case we froze into blocks of ice and somebody happened upon us later in the day. Ollie bounded into the water and headed for France, clearly delirious at the sudden drop in temperature. Sara joined him, and finally after much deliberation, so did I. A quick course correction saw us heading off to the groyne on the west side, before swimming back to our starting point on the east. It was the best we could all do, but it was good to get in and swim. Once out, we chatted aimlessly, drank our tea, got changed and then meandered back up the beach whilst promising each other that we would do it again on Friday - maybe. Water temperature: Brass monkeys. Snowing quite heavily as we left.

Time: In 7:40, Out 7:50.

Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Joan and Paul C

(written by Paul)

Paul and Sara

Sara and Ollie

Ollie pouring water into Paul's wetsuit

Club hunk Ollie cooling off

And then there were three

On arguably the coldest day of the year so far, three hardy SSF veterans appeared on the beach to venture into the still and welcoming blue waters of the English Channel. Air temperatures were at a bracing -1C, confirmed by the ice adorning the stones. Brave Joan was first into the water, setting an example for the rest of us. Paul and Sara followed. As it was low tide, there was a reasonable walk out to the deeper water, and whilst conditions were calm with just minimal waves, it was not possible to stay in the water for much more than 10 minutes due to the temperatures. Sara swam out, then back in, then side-to-side between the groynes, with Paul gingerly following behind. We were witnessed by a winter sun climbing deliberately from the clear horizon, Following this, we all called it a day and headed up beach to change and some conversation about contemporary art and the quality of Turner prize applicants. It took our minds away from the icicles that were forming on our noses! Water temperature: 7C.
(Written by Paul)

Time: In 7:38, Out 7:47.
Swimmers: Sara, Joan and Paul C

We're right behind you Joan, about a mile behind you in actual fact!

Birthday cake after a calm swim

After getting kitted up to go in the water (it seems to take longer and longer these days as more layers go on!) we made our way to a low tide coming in quite rapidly. easy to wade out to waist deep and a little breath taking to take the plunge into the deep blue. It is starting to make the face numb now which takes about 5-10 mins to get used to it (or just lose feeling). We swam four lengths of the beach in time to a lovely sunrise, before coming ashore. After hurriedly getting warm dry clothes on we tucked into some birthday cake - many happy returns Joan! A quick discussion took place where we agreed to up the swims to twice a week adding Friday to the morning swims. Maybe we were cold and delirious at the time. :)
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:40, Out 8:00.
Swimmers: Ollie, Paul C, Joan, Sara and Keith

Keith, Ollie, Sara and Joan

Some rough seas and steel women

A shortage of iron-men today. Still, a plucky Joan and steely Sara maintained the SeaSwimFitness tradition and ventured into some extremely rough seas.
(Written by Paul)

Time: In 7:30, Out 7:45.
Swimmers: Sara and Joan

Our first taste of the winter

The time has changed to 0730 now that Winter is heading our way as it is less likely we can stay in the water for the same length of time as previous sessions. The usual suspects arrived on Saltdean beach. Conditions good, low tide, sunny skies but a chilly north wind made its presence felt. Definitely time for wetsuits, gloves and boots, plus a couple of swim hats - except for Joan who shows the rest of us what "Iron Man" really means. Ollie, Sarah, Joan and Paul C headed out, swimming halfway to Rottingdean before returning back.
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:37, Out 7:59.
Swimmers: Sara, Ollie, Joan, Paul C

Ollie, Sara and Joan

Paul, Sara and Joan

So, Keith, how are we getting back in again ... ?

At 0700 four brave souls made their way to a trough in the shingle in the shelter of the west groyne. The wind was westerly blowing at 17mph with big swells , a strong current and one hour away from high tide. It was misty and grey as we watched the waves crash throwing up surf and shingle. Keith, Paul C and sara made their way into the surf and Sara's goggles were swiped off her face; steadied herself and returned to face the fury of the sea. Joan played it safe at the water's edge but was pulled off the shingle and into the surf a couple of times. After approx. 20 minutes Sarah made her way out followed by Keith and then Paul's face appeared in a wall of water and he crashed into the surf fighting his way out. A hot drink was had in the warm morning sunshine. All back safely.
(Written by Joan)

Time: In 7:07, Out 7:29.
Swimmers: Sara, Keith, Joan, Paul C

Frolicking in the white stuff

Sara, Paul C, Joan and Ollie met in the dark on the beach where the water was wild, but on its way out to low tide. After a brief discussion of shall we/shan't we we slapped on the swim caps and braved the elements. It was too rough to get into a decent stroke, and with a 21m.p.h wind the current from West to East, the conditions could catch us out if not careful, so putting safety first it was more of a case of enjoying the waves and catching 50yrd dashes between the groynes. We kept within our depth and the height of the tide meant we could stand on a sandy bottom. We managed to catch a few waves body surfing which was ace! After half hour or so we made our way in and all tucked in to hot drinks. thats when we noticed Sara's ankles. At first we thought she had broken several bones but had been unaware due to the cold. they ballooned like 70's flares throughthe wetsuit. Taking off the booties - which must have created a lovely water tight seal - the water gushed out and made its way back down the beach to join the rest of the sea. I know there is a rule about taking pebbles off the beach...but seawater???
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:10, Out 7:40.
Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Paul C, Joan

Some shivering drills

Five slightly mad souls congregated on the beach with a cold westerly wind slowing down the wetsuit fitting. We nattered til about 7:11 after which Keith and Ollie finally managed to get zipped up and goggled, and in we went. We swam out approx 200m and turned right towards Rottingdean approx 200m for some single arm freestyle drills against a moderate current. Different timings on the way back to try to improve sightong and breathing patterns. After this first lap the sun popped around the cliff and gave us a beautiful sunrise. Then we repeated the lap with some sprint efforts (to keep warm!) By the end of the second lap fingers and toes were a bit numb and it was time to come in. We agreed numb feet are excellent for walking across the stones on the beach! Air and sea temp has dropped so come prepared...two swim caps, booties and neoprene gloves if you have them/want them. Sea temp we worked out to be about 12 deg. We can get down to about 5 or 6 so a little way to go yet. Hands and feet didn't work getting changed.
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:12, Out 7:54.
Swimmers: Ollie, Keith, Sara, Paul C, Joan

Calm seas, cold feet and a dash to rotters

We had seven show for a dim light entry into the very calm sea at mid tide going out. dim as there were clouds above (that did managed to clear as the morning wore on). The talk of the need of two hats and new wetsuits was interupted slightly as Joan just dived straight in, still no wetsuit and certainly leading the bravery stakes. The water is a little colder now so two hats are advised if you are in there for more than 30 mins or so, but i'll leave that one up to you. Without the buoys it felt more like an open wilderness. and the very calm waters meant that as you turned to breathe you can see the boats on the horizon as you cut through the water. something I could never get bored of. and then looking down we were treated to a visible sea bed. It was a lovely dash up to Rottingdean with us trying catch up minus 1 where the dea is to hold the lead arm outstretched until the recovering arm pierces the water (level with the elbow of the outstretched arm at which point the lead arm begins the propulsion phase). The aim was to slow down, relax the stroke and feel like you are going faster with less effort and a fewer number of strokes. Holding that lead arm out turns you into a longer slimmer vessel through the water, and this will increase your speed much like a long thin rowing boat. We regrouped and then headed back to saltdean for tea and post swim banter. James acted as support crew walking the distance and watching from the undercliff walkway. Little or no current. No wind.
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:10, Out 8:05.
Swimmers: Ollie, Paul W, Paul C, Sara, Lawrence, Pete, Joan

Super 7 swim the big one

Firstly congratulations to Hildi, Ollie, Ruth, Lawrence, Sara, Paul and Pete - huge effort by everyone and a great acheivement. 4km in the sea is a real challenge. I have a broad smile on my face this morning as I note down the swim log. WE DID IT! Despite the south westerly wind and rain/drizzle those seven made it to the Marina to be greeted by cake and tea/coffee and a very kind Joan giving up her time to watch us home. (By the way that wasn't a choice of drink, that was the drink ;-) ) The sun wasn't quite up at Saltdean when we entered the slightly choppy and mid tide water. A slight eeryness and anxiety in the group obviously as we made it out to the start point level with the groyne. And then we were OFF! At about 6:35/6:40. The water felt patchy in places, sometimes giving us a tow and sometimes stopping us in our tracks, but this is our local water and we know this water now and what to expect having made it through the summer months - also a bonus - you could see the bottom! The first 20-30 mins to Rottingdean was, as usual, a period to warm the body up fully and get into the groove. Rottingdean came and went and we pushed on to Ovingdean. By this time some small groups had formed. Hildi, Ruth and Ollie were at the front, and then a little way back Lawrence and Sara had paired up. Behind that Paul C and then Pete. We made it past the windmill (eventually! - it felt like that was moving down the coast with us!) and then set our sights on to the Ovingdean cliffs that stuck out to the eye. Some waves were forming and it became enjoyable as we got a into the swim. I felt waves coming back off the wall hitting us from shore side, anyone else? The lead group of 3 made it past Ovingdean and on to the approach of the Marina. We had split up a bit by then but not by much at all. Lawrence had a moment where he thought he had lost Sara! And stood up to look around noticing her only a short distance away. The sea showing that it can hide swimmers very well even in smaller waves. And so to the finish, Ollie reached the Marina in 01:19:26 (new club record!) and Ruth followed shortly at 01:25:32. Hildi beached on the next beach along at 01:20:00. Then the others came in shortly afterwards. Lawrence and Sara finishing a couple of beaches down but didn't get the time, please let me know. Paul C came in next and actually touched the Marina wall in 01:58:40. Then binoculars and eyes looked for Pete and there he was making his way a little further back. We did save some cake for him which he garnished with a little seaweed after beaching a couple of beaches down after a 02:20:00 swim. Making it up the beach was a little fun on the rocks, but easier than trying to walk up a slippery groyne, images of the travelator from gladiators and sliding al the way down flashed across lawrence's and Sara's minds! After all warming up and getting changed the team felt thoroughly proud and looked back down from where we swam. The clouds had come in and the drizzle formed a mist over the shore. It had been a long swim, and one to remember. Some awards have to go out:

Ollie: 1st home
Hildi: Best cake and pacemaker
Ruth: Best crab impression over the rocks and biggest fan base
Lawrence: Best first swim with the group
Sara: Best slide down the groyne
Paul C: Best swim with a cracked rib and also the honour of being the only one to actually touch the wall!
Pete: Most heroic effort
Joan: Best support after her own swim at Saltdean and best weather predictions
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 6:30, Out 9:05.
Swimmers: 8

Preparation for the big one

Today offered an excellent way to set ourselves up for the big swim next week. Calm waters, an early start and little fishes in the water. We aimed to swim for minimum 1 hour today by doing laps of the buoys to check we all have what it tales for the behemoth that is the marina to saltdean swim. Today went very well. Everyone settled in to a comfortable pace and after arms had warmed up by the first lap it felt lovely. Swimming clockwise it was hard going out and heading west along the back buoys, with a current pulling us along very nicely back into shore and from west to east. Coming back into shore between buoys 2 and 3 was the perfect water to really practice stretching the stroke out and working on the catch phase. Lots of speed down thisstraight. Laps covered were Ollie = 6, Hildi, Sara and Paul C=5, Pete=4 and Anita who was tapering for the wkd 2. Joan covered distances between the two nearest buoys, it looked like you were in for some time Joan, so good swimming!
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 6:51, Out 8:20.
Swimmers: ollie, hildi, Sara, Paul C, Pete, Joan, Anita

Some sprinting around the buoys

With the anticipation of a rough swim we had resigned to swim around the buoys. But upon waking on the day we were treated to a calm morning weather wise with a terrific sunrise and no wind to really speak of. the sea offered a decent swell, but not too rough. approx 4ft waves and no real current, just a very light west to east. Sighting around the buoys was a little tough but we are really getting to know the course in all weather so no problems reported about sighting. We did anticlockwise loop with a sprint effort at the end of each leg and a 20 sec recovery and re-group at the buoy - hopefully you noticed a difference in pace, as we said it can be largely due to a harder leg kick and harder pull in the propulsion phase. Swam in groups to keep the speed work suited to ability. well done everyone, good session. Only one swimmer left wetsuit-less today - well done Joan!
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 6:59, Out 7:45.
Swimmers: 8 - Paul W, Paul C, Ollie, Sarah, Keith, Anita, Pete, Joan

Drizzle and BodyGlide

Well, with the tide quite low we decided to register a timed swim from saltdean to Rottingdean and back, another one for the record books. this is approx a 2.5km swim and made harder as current and wind direction obviously play different roles when you turn around the buoy. Everyone felt the work to get to Rotters with quite a current to work against, and then knocked 25-50% off the time for the return leg. The water was pretty murky but flat-ish. A light drizzle made visability slightly harder with no crisp horizon to spot. I will have to get you to confirm times to me, I think Paul got the fastest around 43 mins, which is about 25 min 1500m pace in the sea. good going over this distance, it'll be on the website. Gathering on the beach we described various pros and cons of anti-chafe creams. We are all learning that the salt water, cold temp and increasing distances highlight areas prone to chaffing, and then spending the next couple of days trying to cover up what looks like a hickie! BodyGlide is an obvious choice but we decided perhaps the best option is for a cheap baby oil/gel from LIDL's! All in all, a nice swim today. Starting to feel stronger in time for the marina swim. Water temp 14-16 deg c.
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:01, last out 8:25.
Swimmers: 9 - Joan, Ollie, Pete, Paul W, Paul C, Ruth, Hildi, Sarah, Keith.

Clearer than the Maldives

A fantastic turnout saw thirteen make it in to the water today with 11 opting for the time trial around the buoys clockwise at Saltdean - thanks to all those who took part. A chance to set a new course record and get in the club's history books was at stake..and.....Hildi managed to take the honours with a cracking 9m45s swim - this will be tough to beat. The water was so calm and after a few days of calm waters we also enjoyed a view of the sea bed all the way round. did anyone else see the turtles and manta ray? Check out the club website in a day or two for your times and pics and also the new section on the club records. A loop back around the buoys warmed us down as I don't think anyone wanted to get out today when the sun came over the cliffs. Welcome to the new members who made up the numbers for 13.
(Written by Ollie)

Swimmers: Paul C, Paul W, Sarah, Ruth, Anita, Joan, Pete, Ollie, Richard, Carol, James, Keith, Hildi.
Time: In 7:05. Out: 7:55.

Sea Swim Fitness - the runners and riders

Limbering up on the starting grid

Look, no hands!

 

I thought you said there were no sharks in the English Channel

Pete completes the course

On a clear day you can see the bottom

The troopers return

Calm with a patchy current and no red container

A good turnout saw three make it to Rottingdean and back and others make it to the corner beach and back. The water was calm enough to spot each other as we spread out along the pass to Rottingdean, which I have never done before with eyes at sea level. Very gentle sets of 1 foot waves meant it was easy to enjoy watching the house on the hill that wouldn't go away no matter how hard you swam, or the pink buoy about half way or 3/4 of the way ;-) that seemed to mark out the area of strange current that was a battle to get through. Once past that area (perhaps slightly deeper water) swimmers were able to move on to Rottingdean and return on a slightly easier leg. A shade warmer than last week it seemed, maybe less breezy, with perfect swimming conditions. At higher tide we may have been able to see the bottom. People were able to sight the two towers in brighton centre on the way there and the large white cliff (second from the right) on the way back. Welcome to Joan for her first swim with us - ask Joan about the conditions, she knows the water and local conditions very well at Saltdean.
(Written by Ollie)

Swimmers: Paul C, Paul W, Sarah, Ruth, Anita, Joan, Pete, Ollie.
Time: In 7:08. Out: 8:01. 

A slightly chilly time trial

When I woke this morning I sat on the bed, took the binoculars and gazed at the sea (I love the view from my bed!!). I had packed my waterproofs the night before and the waterproof bag to sit on the beach. I was expecting to swim in the rain in rough seas. but on the contrary, the water was calm, we were greeted with a lovely sunrise to the east (obviously) and so I thought today is the day for the timetrial. With the nice weather I thought this should draw those hardy swimmers to the beach and most people can set a time for the 4 buoys. not to be! Paul and I met Paul and Sarah on the beach and went over introductions. We swam to the first buoy on the East and then three of us set a best time for the 4 buoys, anticlockwise. Distance is approx 600m. Paul W 10:26, Ollie 11:22, Sarah 12:20. then had a relaxed swim back around the buoys clockwise. Met Paul C on the beach. We also had two ladies take a dip closer to the shore and meet us on the beach which was lovely to see! i didn't catch both names but Judy was one. Temperature is starting to drop so be aware of that - approx 14 deg c.

Time: In 7:10, out 7:50
Swimmers: 6

(Written by Ollie)

Is this going to be a pain in the ar*e?

When the 4 souls that showed up lined up on the beach, well 3 (Russell had already gone in up to his ankles) we looked at the water and after I said the strapline above it dawned on me we had a title for this swim. the sea looked nice through those binoculars :). It was so far away I thought how are we physically going to do this. We could set a new world record for crossing the channel just by running! The nearest buoy flapped about on the sand helpless with no water to keep it afloat like a beached fish. the seagulls had flown away, nowt going on her for them. Even the little waves had given up that morning, they looked pathetic, barely creating a noise as they gently folded onto themselves. But did that deter SSF? NEVER ;-). The 4 of us waded out over rocks and seaweed and after reaching the furthest buoy (still able to touch the bottom), we turned right and swam to level with the corner beach and back again. Outbound was against the current and took 25 mins, and return leg was obviously with, and took 12 mins. By the time we came back to Saltdean the tide had come in enough to give the buoy some life but not too much to wash away Russel's flip flops. It was a good stretch of the arms at least. Calm waters (note to self, stop trying to predict weather conditions) and slightly colder temp - sign of things to come? (hope not!!)

Time: In 7:10, Out 7:50.
Swimmers/waders: Ollie, Pete, Russell and Anita

(Written by Ollie)

A swell time

Swam at mid to high tide with a 5 ft messy swell. Ollie took to the board to look at strokes and realised that if you don't go out on your borad for a while you get very stiff shoulders!! For those who have never done it its a different workout to swimming, slightly, and your body lets you know! Trying to sit up on it and ride 5ft swell does knck you off balance too! still only came off once. Water temp was lovely, I believe approx 16-18 deg. Swam a warm up to 1st buoy and they turned right to start loops of the buoys. South west to north East current and wave direction made some of the loop quite a challenge. Swam in drafting groups with interval efforts to and away from shore and full race pace efforts or more swimming along the shore. Most manageed two laps which was good in these conditions.

Swimmers: Ollie, Ruth, Anita, Ricardo, Hildi, Keith, Paul C
Time: In 7:05 out 7:50

(Written by Ollie)

Big breakers

Ruth, Paul and I managed a slightly savage swim in the mist on Saturday morning from Saltdean to Rottingdean that took over 1hr 20 mins (!) from beach to beach. Lots of choppy waves, rain and current to swim against.  It was quite good fun actually - I could have taken my surfboard out there with the size of some of those breakers. But more sadly, I have to say the tea and cake got rained off :-( Well done Paul and Ruth for coming down to swim, we were the ONLY ones in the carpark/on the beach/in the water/at Rottingdean apart from one older lady on a bmx asking where did I get my shoes! Its great living here...

Swimmers: Ollie, Ruth and Paul
Time: In 10:00, out 11:20.

(written by Ollie)

All at sea

Low tide, water approx 18deg c. very calm - minimal current. Sunny, conditions very good. Swam to the furthest left-hand buoy and then to the right, back and forth. Most sof us  completed 3-4 repetitions, approximately 600m-800m.

Time: In 7:10, out 7:50.

Swimmers: John, James, Pete, Paul, Russell, Ricardo, Hildi and her two little 'uns

(written by Paul)

Having a lay in helps you swim faster

High tide, water approx 18deg c. 3 foot swell that reduced on way back - minimal current.  Swam from Saltdean - Rottingdean - Saltdean approx 2.5- 3km (depending on the wiggly line!!). Ollie, Hildi & Anita went all the way, Pete, Ruth and Paul exited at Rottingdean or just after.  Ollie and Hildi experienced a visit from a seagull (- anyone else?) that checked us out on the way to Rottingdean.

Time: In 6:54, out 7:53

Swimmers: Ollie, Hildi, Ruth, Pete, Anita, Paul

(written by Ollie)

The lowest of low tides

Low tide, some surface chop, water temperature consistent for time of year. Once we had made our way across the rocks, we opted to swim to the furthest right-hand buoy. It was not practical to swim circuits due to the low-tide, so from there we swam to the furthest left-hand buoy and back, repeating six times (12 lengths in total). There was a tangible, current running west to east. Conditions, initially good although the wind did pick up towards the end and the surface chop turned to waves. Pete headed in first after 8 lengths, Anita and Mark completed 12 with Paul following behind. Total distance approx 1300m.

Time: In 07:10, out 08:00.

Swimmers: Pete, Anita, Paul and guest Channel Swimmer Mark Blewitt (website on links page).

(written by Paul)

First trip to Rotters

High tide, 4-5 foot waves, surface chop from wind. Waves breaking medium strength on beach. Water temp - approx 18 deg c. Swam out beyond western groyne on Saltdean beach, then turned right towards Rottingdean as planned.  Group quickly dispersed and it was quite difficult to keep track of each others whereabouts due to up and down of waves. After 400m Russell and Ricardo beached west of Saltdean. Pete and Ollie swam to the corner beach at 1000m. Anita and Paul swam together to the beach at Rottingdean at 1500m.

Time: In 07:10, out 07:55.

Swimmers: Pete, Anita, Russell, Ricardo, Paul C and Ollie

(written by Ollie)

Pete, Anita, Russell, Ricardo and Paul

Ollie and Pete complete their swim

Anita, Paul and Pete

The cavalry arrive

Mid-low tide (chest height at first buoy), 1 foot waves, small surface chop from breeze. Temperature - warmer than last week! Swam out to first Eastern buoy from Saltdean beach, then clockwise loop of buoys. Regrouped and swam back to shore. Anita did two laps!

Time: In 07:10, out 07:45.

Swimmers: Ollie, Paul C, Riccardo, Russell and Anita

(written by Ollie)

It's not this cold in the Med

We swam towards the East against a slow current from a side beach. 3 groynes west of Saltdean back towards swimming buoys in front of Saltdean beach. 100m parallel to Saltdean beach and then returned to shore.  Slow current from East to West.  High tide. Clear water near beach but murky at 250m out to sea.  Calm. Distance: ~800m

Time: In 7:20, Out 7:45

Swimmers: Ollie and Paul C

(written by Ollie)

Is it Summer yet?

We swam from Saltdean beach at low tide to the first swimming buoy on the east side of beach. Turned right and headed parallel to the west side buoy.  Turn left to furthest west side buoy and then diagonally back to nearest eastern buoy. Short swim to shore.  Very low tide, clear water, stiff breeze, slight surface chop. Distance: ~500m

Time: In 7:40, Out 8:00

Swimmers: Ollie and Paul C

(Written by Ollie)

Deep blue sea

We swam from Saltdean beach at low tide to the first swimming buoy on  the east side of beach. Turned right and headed parallel to west side nearest buoy.  Short swim to shore.  Mid-Low tide, calm sea. Distance: ~400m

Time: In 7:40, Out 8:00
Swimmers: Ollie and Paul C

(written by Ollie)

It begins and I was there!

Swam within groynes on Saltdean beach at mid-tide to acclimatise to conditions. Calm sea. Distance: ~200m

Time: In 7:45, Out 7:55

Swimmers: Paul C

(written by Ollie)