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
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
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