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