Let's call this one, 'Goodbye 2011'.

Hildi and Sara arrived under an ink blue sky which promised a beautiful sunrise. Conditions calmer than Wednesday, although air temp only about 5-6.

Soon joined by Joan who told us Alex was expected. A little bit of procrastinating on the beach and then a shadowy figure coming over the pebbles. Was us our leader, Ollie AKA Kim Jong Il, or was he lying in state under the duvet? No, it was Paul, coming for some more cold water training and to show off his new yoda robie.

Lovely swim with lots of jumping over waves (about an hour after low tide with rolling white water so hopefully similar to Sunday for the NYD swim) and some swimming east to west against the current. Ten minutes in then running on the beach and a race to get dressed before the inevitable shakes.

Delicious cake from Alex. Discussions about catering for Sunday (Joan is worried 50 sausages won't be enough. Hildi also has 4 packs of bacon). Camping tables and flasks also allocated.

Can't wait!!!

Swimmers: Hildi, Sara, Joan, alex, Paul.
Swim time: 10 min
Temperature: 8 but it felt much colder

In which Hildi realises that she has an addiction

It was dark, windy and precipitous when Hildi arrived in the car park, soon followed by Sarah and her chauffeur, Domino. Walking to the beach, we swapped information on CWA (cold water acclimatisation) - Hildi having got a new swimming book for Christmas (as had Sarah).

Decided to all go up the top to the sheltered area and looked out nervously towards the dark water, watching the rain gust up and down and around in the light from the lampost. Hildi suggested that is might be a bit too rough for swimming, but Joan assured her that it was fine because it was low tide. Hildi suggested it might be a bit cold for swimming, but the others gave a look which said that they weren't even going to answer that. Then Hildi remembered she had a slight post-Xmas cold, so she wouldn't go in, just keep Domino company on the beach. So she lent Joan her gloves and we all headed off.

It was wet and it was windy. Sarah wished briefly that she had her wetsuit, but the two ladies ran across the sand and into the waves. Hildi and Domino watched until Hildi could restrain herself no longer. It looked so much fun and it was cold on the beach. Stripping off and leaving Domino looking like an umpire under a pile of yodas, tracksuits and coats, she ran only in a swimming costume (no boots, no gloves, no hat, no goggles) into the waves. Sarah and Joan, seeing her silhouetted against the cliffs, thought she was 'doing a Steffan' and coming in fully clothed! Soon all three girls were romping about.

Hildi's feet soon cold, she ran out and into her sheepskin boots - continuing up the beach and quickly to get changed. The others more leisurely.

Post swim short-bread and plans for Friday. Hope to see more there. 7.15 meet for 7.30ish swim although it will still be darkish.

Time in: various

Time out: various

Temperature: cold and windy (out), cold and lovely (in)

Swimmers: Joan and Sarah

Paddlers/Rompers: Hildi

Umpire: Domino

On the way back we saw Ollie's advertising campaign for NYD in full swing. Hildi and Joan bringing sausages and bacon. Hope there will be enough!!

Santa came to play

Well, highly anticipated on this shortest day swim was the appearance of santa, but people were sadly let down by hi as he made final preparations for his forthcoming round the world trip.  Something about having to replace a shiny red swimsuit for someone as the last one was bought by a lady in Rottingdean....I'm not sure of the details.

But on the beach, Ollie, Hildi and Paul C huddled in rather a clam air that was relatvely mild for this time of year.  The se waves hit the shore over and over again inthe same place at high tide, which had created a shelf that was going to prve a little tricky to get in and out.  Stefan joined us soon after, and we sighed relief as there would be someone to pick up the two halves if we got cut in two by the big bashers.

Next, the headlamps of Joan's range rover gave her away up on the ridge, and at the same time two dark figures walked over the stones towards us.  It was Santa's little helpers Pete and Alison!.  Pete wasted no time in setting up his Santa's grotto with bells and music..."jingle bell, jingle bell jingle bell rock.." he was caught in the act!  see pic.

Then another dark figure emerged from the tunnel, this time with a huge sack.  Could this be Santa himself?  He looked laden with gifts, but we all agreed we hadn't been good enough this year to warrant some face time with santa himself, and as the figure moved nearer it was clear that he was clean shaven and not as "well fed" as we imagine Santa to be...of course...DOMINO!!  Without his beloved Sara, we all wished her well in her absence and know that she'll be back as soon as possible leading the charge to the sea...

Domino promptly suggested that we delve into his sack  and take a pressie, so we did and we were rewarded with homemade goods to take home.  Thank you Sara and Domino!!

On to the swim, after a couple of runs up the beach we headed in, picking the spot that seemed to be less big wavey, although that spot moved up and down the beach depending on when you ooked, so it was all a bit of a lottery.  I sensed a gap in the waves and went for it, closely followed by Pete, then Joan, Paul and Hildi.  Wearing my santa's hat in the sea was lovely.  Not only did I not get my face and head wet, it kept me strangley warm, although my fingers said this is cold!.  Later we found that it was 9 degrees, but it felt colder!
A few yelps of ooh! and eek! as we patted about until we got the lovely tingley feeling of the blood rushing back thrugh the body warming it, after 6 or 7 minutes.  With our free euphoria hit we regrouped and made our exits.  Paul opting for a few more strokes in prep for his Latvian adventure...

Once out we had more pics, and a lovely hot shower (thanks Joan) and were treated to further presents, this time from Hildi.  We had to open them before we got dressed, so all thinking it would be a hand warmer or something, we opened them to find new pants for everyone!  how amazing.  And not just any pants, these were comedy pants.  I would say super man had his thumb up my @rse, but you had to be there to fully understand the joke :).  I can't remmeber everyone elses, but I remember something along the lines of sex, drugs and sausage rolls....

more tunes, Pete's homeade mince pies, and hot drinks and before we new it, it was time to leave.  thanks everyone, have a lovely xmas and see you on New Years Day!! (if not before on a Wed or Fri)

Swimmers' Bike Ride

The now annual Saltdean Seaswim Fitness/Virgin Active collaboration that is the Christmas bike ride took a bizzare twist this year when Pete the Bike decided that his strategy for keeping the pace down was to lead the pack on his Penny Farthing AKA the Ordinary.

We met at the Phoenix Brewery car park in Lewes: SSF regulars Hildi, Domino, Pete and Ollie, plus tropical water specialists Sharon, Nick and Theresa, sometime swimmer Clive, Alison, and the enthusiastic James with Paul and Helen. Theresa's dad, coach Brian, also joined us, giving his new bike an outing and not looking anywhere near his new pensionable age. Have I left anyone out? Oh, Anita was there and not late for once, and Anneka came to see us all off. Paul even had a go on the Ordinary!

It was a planned 25km route, taking in some off-road walking in order to keep to a nice route, but the temperatures conspired against us. Even those who had chosen the mountain bike option (rather than the Ordinary or the traditional road bike) found their wheels unsteady underneath them, and after Alison and Hildi had taken tumbles, it seemed sensible to make a return to Lewes and the mulled wine/mince pies on offer at Pete and Alison's via the main road. It was still enjoyable and lovely to have a little more respect from motorists than is usual on a group ride. The Penny Farthing definately having something to do with this!!

All finished strongly. James in particular deserves a mention for completing the ride. Back to Lewes, a bit of surgery on Hildi's overshoes so she could get them off after getting the zip stuck, some mince pies, Terry's chocolate orange (have they changed the recipe? It was delish!), hot drinks and a lot of giggling while we warmed up.

Many thanks to Pete for organising and for keeping the mentalness quotient high. Back to the water on Wednesday. Santa has gifts for the regulars and Sarah has one of her famous lucky dips.

Blog by Hildi

3 of us in a 3C morning

Again a night swim! Alex, Joan and Sarah dare to enter in a very chilled and choppy sea. After a quick undress, the 3 of us run down to the beach on a fast pace in an 'I race you' behaviour, ending in a courageous entry in a low tide at  saltdean beach. We started at left groyne, hopping, jumping and diving through the waves, but due to the strong current, the 3 of us found theirselves very close the right groynes. Running 'stef style' and swimming away from the right groyne we aim back to the left groyne. After 10 intense minutes of varies fitness swimming exercises, we run back to the most wanted, Joan's mince pies. What a delight! and still warm :)

At the end the 3 of us left the beach with warm thoughts and wishes of a next week fun christmas dip.

water temp: maybe 8C

Outside temp: 3C "

 

by Alex.

Cold Water Training

Let's call this one... Cold Water Training Tips

7am, Hildi, Domino and Ollie in the car park. Domino tells us Sara and Joan had arranged to meet a little later because of the dark and because they thought no-one else was coming. Met Joan on the sea front and soon joined by Sara for pre-dip briefing from leader Ollie (not swimming because of a cold). No Pete today because of illness and Hildi thought she might only manage a post-flu paddle, but once the light appeared it seemed wrong not to embrace the sea. The three girls in for a romp in the waves. But who was that coming down the beach...?? Paul!! Come in in, Paul! But Paul had forgotten his hat. Amazing what a difference one small thing like that can make. It seemed to be a struggle against the cold but in the end he managed head under. Very very good training for the cold water champs in January.

All of us pink like Sara's hat on emerging from the sea. Hildi posing in half removed swim suit and Ugg boots, modelling surfer chic (she thinks). Paul urgently needs a yoda/robie - hope he makes it to Santa's 'nice list'. Sara showing off her new post-swim booties. What a fashion parade we are!

Disappointed we weren't joined by Hildi's colleagues for the beginning of their 'staff treat day' but a cup of tea spilt all over you when you're shaking from cold isn't everybody's cup of tea.

Swimmers: Hildi, Joan, Sara, Paul (no hat) - not a wetsuit in sight
Nonswimmers: Domino and Ollie
Temperature: 8.5
Time in: unsure due to deranged seagull impressions to warm up for a while before entry
Time out: 7.45

Swim on Friday - meet at 7.15 for swimming by 7.30, depending on light

Nightswim with Joan and Sara

Good Morning, Sea Swimmers

Some say, the coldest hour is just before sunrise, so the ideal time for Joan and Sarah to go for a swim. I came along for lifeguarding cover and to take some photos.

After a quick run up and down the beach in the dark, our heroes braved the big waves for a refreshing splash. Keeping within health and safety guidelines, they did not swim out into the big waves.

After frolicking in the water for a good while, they came out and rushed back to our base by the groyne. Joan brought a bottle of fresh water for a shower, nice and cool, fresh from the freezer. Sarah loved it, sort of. We had a big laugh.

Unedited photos are available here:
http://brightonswimmingteam.com/ssf/

Today's photos are at the bottom of the list.
Some are a bit blurred because it was too dark.

Sarah asks if someone with a colour printer can print out the photos for her.

Pool swimming is on tonight at 20:00h in Seahaven Pool, Newhaven.

Enjoy!
Stefan

James and the Giant Beach

A solitary figure arrived at the appointed time this morning to be greeted by giant waves and an empty beach.  Eventually after throwing a few pebbles into the briney, Pete was about 
to wander back when Sara emerged from the tunnel clutching Herman (Hildi's continually evolving life form of a cake) and a birthday ode.
 
We were soon joined by Joan, Paul, Helen and birthday boy James. The tide was nearly in and the rollers were imposing.
All decided that a paddle was the order of the day seeing as the undertow was a good 15m down the beach and cappucino surf was frothing all around.
 
James, Joan, Sara and Pete ventured into the coffee fest with the former three electing for extreme leg exfoliation by high velocity pebbles, 
while Pete strode Canute like into the maelstrom. About this time, Paul noted the imminent arrival of a particularly large wave. Had Pete seen it?
 
Of course not, he was too busy extricating himself from the previous one. The wave hit and he disappeared, tumbling and scrabbling through the foam. Crawling back up the beach past fast receding pebbles, he decided to call it a day, and looked up just in time to see Sara and Joan sliding down the beach, bourne seaward by a fresh dose of cappucino.
 
All decided that they had made an effort and that tea cake and limerick were the remainders for the session.
James was pleased that he would have braggng rights at school and Pete was pleased that at least this week he would have retained the fine 
motor skills required to put his socks on.
 
Verdict: exciting sea, a display of cormorants and two new species of cake discovered.
Water: a balmy 10 degrees
In: 7.10 out: 7.25
 
Pete

The usual Friday madness

Friday had ticked round - wha-hey!  The weekend of litter picking and partying loomed, but this morning it was time to get on with the job in hand.  That would be:

1.  Strip down in 5 deg air temp.
2.  Immerse oneself in 9 deg water
3.  Exit pretending you can still feel your nuts (some of the group excluded)
4.  Proceed to re-dress with what feels like frozen cucumbers for fingers.
5.  Walk up the beach with great big smile on ones face.

We got there in the end, cutting through that list was some tea spilling and some actual swimming in rather gentle waters compared to lately.

Swimmers: Paul, Alex, Hildi, Joan, Sara, Ollie.

It ain't 'arf hot mum!

Swim number 100 this year. That is a lot of swims!

Unseasonably mild. This time last year saw the snow arrive bringing much colder sea and air temperatures and fewer SSF members willing to brave the elements. Today saw a good turnout although group leader Ollie chose not to swim and headed off after providing a pep talk.

Still almost dark at 7am, although temperatures reasonable and not too much wind. Tide going out, plenty of white water, but nothing too difficult. Rain clouds overhead and threatening a downpour. With this in mind the group got quickly changed with myself (Paul) leading the charge and Pete following close behind. I realise now that it is much easier to follow somebody else into a cold sea, a leadership role Ollie performs admirably. Today it was my turn. Once acclimatised to the water it is not that difficult and its fun dodging under the incoming waves, but it does take a few minutes to become adjusted. Looking back I could see Hildi and Sara pacing up and down the beach looking for the warm bit in which to enter the water. Joan had no such qualms. After a few minutes, a green swim hat rose up out of the sea beside me - it was Hilidi - who had taken the plunge and made up a lot of distance very quickly. Soon all were swimming, or trying to, the current seemed to be defying logic and was acting as though the tide was coming in (ie going the wrong way). We had to be careful of this and continually correct our position. I kept a close eye on the time and decided that we would stay out no more than 20 minutes. As we were heading back in, the heavens opened and the rain started. This made changing out of our wet swimming costumes and into dry clothes somewhat challenging. Fortunately, just a shower - the rain that is - not the swimmers.

Impressive that the group has made it to the end of November without the need for wetsuits. Who will be the first to crack?

Swimmers: Joan, Hildi, Pete, Sara and Paul
Sea Temp: 9.5C
Air Temp: 7C

Joan Ain't Never Gonna Act Her Age !

We had a wet start for a belated celebration of Joan's birthday with Alex, Sara and Joan baring all, a neoprened Paul Winter and Domino manning up the land-crew on his rusty bike in a non-assuming pair of yellow lycra racing shorts.

A fly-by of 10 cormorants battling the wind cleared the clouds and we hobbled down to a rough sea under blue skies.

Crashing rollers made getting in quite tricky. Joan kept disappearing beside me and then bouncing up through the foam laughing like a schoolgirl.

While I was plucking up courage to get my shoulders under, Paul Winter's torpedo whizzed past me and up the shingle at about 90mph. He claimed it was a porpoise.

We all managed a few strokes between body surfing and tumbling. I was tied to a dead man floating, idly wondering what was going to happen next when a herd of white horses came galloping towards me. They ripped off both my swimming costumes and spun me like a sock in a washing machine.

Brilliant!

We stayed in for around 20 minutes. Back on dry land we enjoyed generous helping of carrot cake and Joan's famous mushroom flapjacks, followed by an impressive 13 cormorant black arrow fly by. (Editors note: just to clarify, those present did not eat the cormorants).


Joan's birthday limerick

There once was a swimmer named Joan,
Along Saltdean shore she would roam,
She'd meet friends on the beach,
Flashing boobs and bum cheeks,
Together they would frolick in the foam

(The Water Weasel).

Hey, let's have a race!

After a week off due to child-care commitments, Hildi was very apprehensive at the news that the sea temp was probably now in single figures. Luckily she had not brought her wetsuit, so there was nothing for it but to wail and shriek and eventually get into the water.

By the time she had pronounced it impossible, and run along the beach for a warm up, Ollie had already tombstoned in and he, Pete and Paul were well on their way to their first length of the groins, and Sara was in the water. Joining in, we all swam to Pete and then headed off for a shared length. To keep warm, Hildi suggested a race, and Ollie an impromptu time trial. Start at the Westerly groin, hands touching, and swim to the East, to touch. Ollie won, Hildi second with a 2:22 (I think?). Back for a more leisurely length then some dead man's floating (or was that before, the cold is starting to addle the memory?). Sarah out first, the boys moaning that it wasn't as warm as it has been (I did my best - was obviously dehydrated) and then turning to swim breast-stroke and goggle-less into a beautiful sunrise. Hildi last in, last out.

Race against time to get dressed before the shakes. Ollie showing off a snazzy pair of pants, Hildi extolling the virtues of the sockless solution (Ugg boots) and deciding that yes, putting on tights was going to be completely out of the question (cue comfy joggers under the work dress). Coats and hats now de rigour for most, although Ollie still showing off his Lanza tan under shorts.

In honour of Joan's birthday (and in her absence), we shared the rather pathetic cake rations (3 left over mince pies) that Ollie had brought and Hildi ate her instant porridge. A bit of bike repatriation/redistribution (Pete reverting to natural 'Pete the Bike' type for the winter, clearly), some discussion about Joan's birthday swim to come on Friday and wishing Hildi luck for her Headteacher assessment on that day too.

Sea calm and tide high. Company quietly mad and appreciative of all the morning had to offer.

Hildi

PS please post time trial times if you have them.

from Ollie:

thanks for the funny blog Hildi.....times for the race are below.
Ollie: 02:07
Hildi: 02:22
Paul: 02:47
Sara: 03:??
Pete: 03:41

What a shame I missed it (Undertow)

I wasn't there but I took an account from Sara. 

"You missed a lovely swim.  The sea was perfect, just how you like it.  Really rough!. And I baked scones with orange and home made honey.  Just me, Joan and Paul there to savour them!. What a shame you missed it."

It left me thinking, as she said, what a shame I missed it :-(

Just for the record, the tide was going out and there were some quite tasty looking waves. Sara and myself headed out into them and just mingled. A pronounced undertow made the session a little challenging, but thankfully we managed to get back to dry land without a problem. A strong southerly wind guaranteed that there would be no respite when changing on the beach.

We trotted off home wondering just where Ollie had got to today.

Time In: 7:15
Time Out: 7:37

Swimmers: Paul, Sara and Joan

Cooling up and warming down

A nice warmish kind of morning. Flat sea and partly sunny skies. Ollie leads the charge by having us run up and down the sand, groyne to groyne in order to warm up. In we go, bounding across those unhelpful waves that rise up to greet our bodies. It is at this moment that my mind wanders to that time a couple of weeks back when I swam in Hampton Lido, an outside swimming pool that is heated to 28C. Lovely. I am wondering if Ollie could have a word with the council and get it sorted to have our beach installed with the same facility? Just a thought. We all preteneded it was fine, but each of us winced as the water rose. Except Joan that is, who complained that she preferred the snow. At least that is what I think she said, couldn't hear much with those ear plugs in. So, swimming groyne to groyne, which was easy enough as the current was very gentle. There then followed some synchronised swimming and starfish impersonations. Good to see that there are no wetsuits yet, this must be a record, who will be the first to break? Pete is looking a little twitchy, Sara is thinking about it, Ollie remembers it wasn't this cold last year, Paul wonders why it isn't this cold at the end of the Pier and Joan is just made of granite. The session ended with further running up and down the sand on the beach. This was a "warm-down", although I felt this had mostly been accomplished whilst in the sea. Just saying.

Stay tuned, next week I write the end of term report for all attendent swimmers !

Swimmers: Ollie, Joan, Paul, Sara and Pete
Sea Temp: 11C
Air Temp: 7C

Shaky hands man

Hang on a minute.  What happened to the weather?  Suddenly Saltdean’s sea was seriously sobering.  Cold was generous.  Blood clotting was a better description.  We soldiered on with a pattern I’m beginning to notice develop down on the beach before heading in.  Each swimmer glancing round just before another item of clothing comes off.  The logic behind this can only be what I know myself to be thinking at the same time.  “I’m not taking off my jumper until all you lot do”.  And so on and so on with each layer until finally It seems we suddenly all take the last item off at the same time and dash into the water J

Well, off we did go with our usual Friday widths of the groynes.  We managed 4 with some stops on the way to chat with Joan, and we all had a go at floating star shapes.  Very therapeutic!

Out of the sea we are slowly getting worse at getting dressed shivering.  You would imagine we would be improving our technique, but it doesn’t appear so.  Even fully showered, clothed and with tea in hand the shakes take over.  Scoulding tea dousing the fleshy hands as it ripples and splashes out of the cup thrown out by our uncontrollable shakiness.  Well, it makes us giggle at the time.  Guess its one of those where you have to be there J.

Have a good wkd everyone!

Alex, sara, paul, hildi, joan, Ollie

13 deg. 21 minute swim.

I’ve lost my mojo

Pete, hildi, joan, ollie, sara, paul, alex Domino as land crew.  water temp 13 deg.

Changing in the shelter of the café wall, hildi mentioned that she had lost her mojo for the swim.  The wind had picked up, and the sky grey, it looked cold and wet.  Well I suppose it would look wet being the sea. I decided to inject some spontaneity.  “We are going to swim from a different beach this morning” I exclaimed.  Met by gasps of mistrust the gang reluctantly followed.  Under the watchful eye of Domino and Joan, we marched West to the last beach in Saltdean, ne which we normally refer to as “first beach” as it is the first beach you can get out if you have a failed attempt to Rottingdean.  Over he sleeper wall and down on to the shingle.  Suddenly I began regretting my decision.  The waves were more ‘crashy’ here.  We looked East, our beach seemed a long way away.  In reality only about 200m but the sea was fierce.  It was going to be an effort just to get out, let alone turn into the south easterly and plough home. I hid my regret and led from the front.   3 meters into the water it suddenly took a deep step, not quite the mid-Atlantic trench but you get the idea.  I lifted my feet off, ducking under waves as I went.  The cold rushed over me but in a nice way.  Then suddenly I felt rocks below me.  Fairly close to the surface I tried to warn the incoming swimmers but there really was no way round these fella’s.  We are all fairly good at crabbing across nightmare low tides so I left it to their own confidence. Apart from Sara getting , how would you described it?.....”close’ with a rock, we all made it out unscathed and 30 meters out we regrouped and steadied ourselves for the straight swim home.  Off we did trot as fast as we could caper, past the first groyne of big boulders, and before we knew it the solid concrete groyne was approaching.  I was keeping tabs on everyone as it was a rough sea, but we made steady progress.  At ne point Pete did head straight out to sea but soon corrected.  We made it back to the middle of our beach where we saw Domino on the beach in his hi-vis bike jersey sparking memories of the 8 km where while he watched us swim the swim I watched him walk the walk as the only noticeable colour against the cliffs.  Back to our swim….we were gong to head on to the silver railing about two beaches further on, but it was getting ccold and current was more noticeable on our beach.  We decided to traverse the beach once more and get out by our favorite groyne where Domino was standing.  Clocked 18 mins.  I managed to sprain my wrist on the way out, being bowled over by a dumping wave, but at time of writing it appears to be easing up.

Jolly good swim, some funny looks at us walking to the start line in cossies only, but then the people here are used to our mad ways by now.

Don't mess with the skipper's lovely daughters - or else !!

I had entertained the idea of a lay-in this morning, but Ollie put paid to that by sending a text asking to relay his apologies for not being able to attend. Drat! That means I have no choice but to get up and head down. I could hear wind whistling around outside, it was going to be a rough one. And I wasn't disappointed. Upon arriving on the beach there were three other hardy souls ready to wage battle on the fiercest sea I had seen for awhile. Sara, Joan and David were limbering up but I had already decided that I would only spectate. The wind was uncharacteristically coming in from the south, fueling waves a quick succession of large powerful waves, some of which were taller than myself. Joan provided a detailed meteorological analysis of the weather conditions (translation: windy, cold and dangerous), Sara described the nature of the waves we were watching - skipper's daughters (translation: not to messed with). And David advised that if Ollie were here, he would make us go into the sea come hell or ... er ... high water. Anyway, I suggested we didn't try to get past the waves, Sara and Joan agreed and David eventually saw the logic. So we all just played around by the water's edge, rushing down to the waves, then running back up the slope before they crashed and snatched us back into the swell.

Those skipper's daughters certainly did look appealing to David and I. An entire harem full of them in actual fact. Just wanted to throw ourselves into their midst but knowing full well there would be consequences we wouldn't like very much. We spent maybe 15 minutes at this, but really there was not much else to do so called it a day a little earlier than usual. Sometimes you just have to know when the odds are against you.

Time In: 7:17
Time Out: 7:40
Swimmers: David, Sara, Joan and Paul

Nowt’ so good as a shower adaptor

A slight change of tactics today, a stiff South Easterly wind swept across the beach offering us shelter at the other end of the beach, so a walk across the length of the beach we did, in our dribs and drabs.  Scouring the litter on the beach we could see a lot has been washed up.  Doing our little bit we cleared up what was in reach and vowed to organize a litter picking day on Dec 3^rd.  Most interesting bit of litter?  A large crate from Portsmouth fish market! J

So the wind swept, and the waves crashed and the clothes came off under the shelter of the East Groyne.  Our general chat of comparing neoprene kit for the extremities turned a high point when Pete was about to unveil his hood – but not sure what happened to it.  Moments later I was in the sea and Pete didn’t have a suit on so I was confused – it was early, forgive me.   We had to wade through the breakers, bashing us as a warning not to come in unless you wanted to play hard.  But we all took no notice of the warning and headed in.  I love going in when its rough like that.  Picking your moment, diving under a wave, jumping another.  Just a moment of madness between yourself and the sea.  You can’t hear anyone else, or see anyone else, you just have to pick your own way through and meet everyone 25m out, great stuff.  First to join me out there was Paul, followed closely by Alex. We noticed the girls a little way back so head off for our first width.  Upon returning to the middle of the beach the rest of the gang were out, including Pete (which is when I noticed the no-suit).   From a distance we could see Stefan heading across the beach, but at this stage we all needed to get moving and watch the conditions.  Turning round we all completed several widths of the groynes enjoying the rolling waves and occasional dumping with white water.

After 20 mins it was time to turn in so we made our way back and let the current sweep us across the beach exiting (with perfect timing and finesse I have to say, towards the western side of the beach, hobbling back over the stones back to the towels.  Joan caught a pic of us leaving the water attached below.  Back to the towels we tried Joan’s amazing shower attachment to her hot water stash, giving us a perfect warm shower on the beach – fancy that, and we all shivered our way to fully clothed again before the working day commenced.  Thoroughly good fun!  Discussion took us on to the subject of the promise of SSF merchandise -  so watch this space!

In: 07:13

Out 07:35

Swimmers:  Joan, Ollie, Alex, Pete, Paul, Hildi, Sara, Steffan.

Swimming blind (and naked)!

Someone (Joan?) prompted a return to a 7am meet - in advance of the clocks going back on Saturday when we will get some time back, meaning that we don't need to get properly onto SSF winter-time yet.

I arrived to find Domino and Pete in the car park, in the dark. Soon joined on the seafront by Alex. Where was Sarah? Apparently going for an early run in training for next year's assault on the 'Swimmers Revenge' Aquathlon!

Not only was Pete going to go 'naked' today after enjoying his wetsuitless romp on Wed, but after a little bit of gentle teasing (possibly bullying?), Alex also ditched his suit!!

A very low tide, so a long walk out, tripping over rocks. Then a swim Eastwards towards, well, nothing... Very cloudy (though still) water, and still really quite dark. The tinted goggles I was wearing a hindrance, not a help. Couldn't see a bloody thing! Actually, I had suggested swimming towards Alex's red hat, which is what I did (not sure what he was sighting on!). We turned when we felt we still had enough warmth to get back, and then sighted first on the lighed up tunnel, then Joan, and Steffan in his lifeguard outfit.

Running up the beach racing Pete I tripped over my socks for a comedy (but painful) headlong fall on the sand. A cut knee - either from that or the rocks. Washed down by warm water from Joan - I'd forgotten how good that feels!

Off the beach at 8am. Lovely!

Temperature - cool

Swim time about 30 mins

Swimmers: Joan, Hildi, Sarah, Alex, Pete (all non wetsuited), Steffan (fully clothed)

Kids play

I approached the beach running from the East.  I had had a little jaunt to Ovingdean and back before the swim to fit in my fartlek run this week.  As I approached at about 7:15, the sun was slowly coming up and I saw a shadowy figure heading on to the beach, turning, looking up and then walking back off the beach.  I was confident enough to hazard guess that the new autumn/winter collection of swimmers had retreated from the groyne up to the shelter of the cafe since we had had major rain and wind through the night.  Spots of rain had fallen during my run too, so fair enough.  I raced back to the car, grabbed my stuff and headed back to join them. 

Once under the shelter I noticed it was windy-er there than on the beach!  but hey-ho, at least if it rained my work clothes wouldn't get soaked.  We quickly de-robed, and headed out on the 1 min hobble over the stones to the sea.  The wind was fairly strong, it felt ok though as I was warm from the run, but the sea had been whipped up to a constant white water mush, wave after wave rolling in.  No chance of a text-book swim this morning, we decided on a route...Out and Back...harder than it sounded.

Joan was first in, making a dash from 20m from the sea, as we reached the water’s edge she was already shoulders under being blasted by the smaller breakers.  Then I skipped in, lifting my legs over each wave as far as I could, until it reached thigh height and I couldn't run/jump any more, then I took a dive in, under the first roller.  All that warmth of the run quickly leaving my body.  Surfaced, took a gulp of air, then it was time to dive under again.  Up again, noticed goggles knocked and leaking water, I quickly repositioned them and then it was time to dive again.  Relentless waves that had broken some way out.  After some quick strokes in between waves I had made it out to tip toes depth and turned to see where the others were.  Pete, was next, front crawling between waves and keeping his head down.  He made quick progress to join me, his suit giving him an injection of pace.  Further back Paul, Hildi and Sara were in and swimming out…where was our life saver on a day like today?  Stefan??

After noticing quite a rip towards the  East groyne we stayed beach central or a little to the west and played in the surf.   To be honest, there wasn’t much swimming going on, just loads of wave diving, body surfing and getting dragged this way and that.  It was so much fun.  We all recollected times of being 10 yrs old and none of us wanted to get out!  To top it off, the sky had gone an amazing pink colour beyond the lower clouds and watching it for five minutes we saw it turn orange and then eventually a blue-ish colour marking the end of the sun rise.  Absolutely gorgeous.

Pete tried to swim but reported back to the group about being completely death-rolled as he traversed the beach.  A few minutes later he was off again though, leading the charge I would say until we lost sight of him.  During the quick 5 secs here and there where we were abve the water, we glanced around but couldn’t see him.  After we became a little worried Sara finally spotted him.  He was on the beach shedding his wetsuit!!  Wetsuitless,  he quickly headed back in the surf more comfortable in only his “well travelled” tri-suit.  I finally caught up with him only to find a huge hunk of seaweed emerging from his suit like a chest wig…fantastic, if only I had a camera.

Eventually succumbing to the time of day, we all emerged from the water and trudged up the beach, completely exhilarated and wanting more.  Tucked into Heston’s mince pies, showed off our finest brighton gay pants and all shivered our way towards fully clothed before heading back to the carpark.  I could have titled this one “as much fun as you can have in the sea”, but “kids play” seemed even better. Roll on Friday.

Ollie

In: 07:25

Out: 07:50

Power Swim and Body Surf

A late morning start for a SSF meetings: 11h30m.

Me and Anita met in Saltdean for a swim in the Big WAVes. Warm and cosy in our wetsuits we dare to enter in surf waves that were being produce by our sea. After waiting for a calmer wave set we manage to power swim the first waves and swim out enough into the sea were we could swim between the groins without the risk of being pull over. We manage to do 4 lengths between the 3 groins in front of Saltdean and coming back to the beach in 30 min. 

It was a Good fun swimming, with moments of 'digging the wave' style swim, were you get right on the top of the big waves and find yourself digging down to catch your stroke when the wave has pass. Or just feeling like you are on roller coaster, up and down on the waves.

On our way back to the beach we both agreed to aim for the right groin so we could actually come out in the middle of the beach or closer to the left groin, and so we did. We were back on the beach on a good fashion way avoiding rolling overs and bad landings.

At the end, both of us enjoyed the waves, the power swim involved and the fact that we could feel our feet, hands and face warm again.

Outside temperature - felt like 18c

water temperature - felt like 12c 

ALex

PS - I missed the yellow/ red sunrise colors coming from the cliffs that you have from a early morning swim.

A chilling reminder

Well, not 7 days from our tremendous efforts on the Mega Big one, we hit the beach.  I was even contemplating Rottingdean and back.  We arrived in the carpark at the new later meet time, finally conceeding to the dark mornings and the onset of GMT once again.  Its just too dark now at 6:45.  Weird people hanging round the beach in rubber is bad enough, but  in the dark?  well, thats just too weird.  With public interest first, I set the swim time 7:30.

Joan, Paul C, Hildi (with a wonky ear) Ollie, Alex and Jude gathered on the beach and all agreed it was just silly degress centigrade.  Not 7 days passed since those lovely confditions?  what had happened.  suddenly it was dark, overcast, cold and breezy.   The clouds were a dark gun metal grey and the little sun had no chance of getting through it.... oh dear.

Still hoping that the tan I had earned in Lanzarote  would still be generating heat below the epidermis, I stripped off.   Hat on, goggles on, ear plugs in...by jove it was chilly, thanks for nothing tan, see you next year.  I saw Jude and Alex squeezing into neoprene but at least my madness was contained/shared smewhat as Joan,Paul and Hildi all bared flesh before the temperature reading.  Joan danced back up the beach, hot-footing over the pebbles, to get a verified reading of 13 degs.....eek...we headed in.

Lovely clear conditions, albeit seeming very cold at first, sign of things to come.  we agreed on a T20 time trial of widths between the groynes.  I managed 6 in 19:31 with a light current east to west.  I'm not sure how many people did, but as we all emerged with the realisation that a later start is a quicker exit (as work don't respect SSF winter/summer hours) we all shivered our way into clothes.  Joan actually brandshing the first warm shower of the year...oh how the mighty have fallen ;-)

My fingers were freezing after 20 mins of that, thank goodness I'm not doing anything crazy like a cold water champs or anything.  I mean, come on, can you imagine that?  I made a swift exit to get to my new place of work and my toes hurt all the way there.  booties and gloves will be on the shopping list very soon!

Thanks everyone for the laughs and for the conditions, a rather good workout.  see you soon!

In: 7:28
Out: 7:54

The week after the big one

A few tired bodies this morning after the exhilirations of the weekend that saw Ollie swim his way into the SSF record books. Swimming lengths between the groynes, sea getting colder, winder getting stronger. The snow cannot be far away.

The Mega Big One

Ollie’s blog:

Following up from last seasons’s finale, titled “the big one” , where last September the original SSF contingent powered their way through a 4k course from Saltdean to the Marina, the 2011 Season’s finale was set around an 8k version of the same course.  To sit in line with the tides, we were going to attempt the Marina – Saltdean – Marina swim.  I have tried to scour the internet but I don’t think a time for this swim has ever been recorded in history, so perhaps we have a pioneering swim on our hands.

With that thought in mind 3 Pioneers set off from the Marina beach, Alex, Ollie and Johny, all marveling at the generous October conditions.  Bathed in sunshone with  emerald sea awaiting we hit the beach.  Johnny attached his GPS to the support kayak, and we did some final arm swinging before dipping our toes in to the water at about 3 mins to 11.  Start time was 11 sharp – I think this is the first time we have ever been on time!  The sea temp felt cold at first, but we soon got used to it once we had climbed over a few rocks to get deep enough to launch ourselves horizontal.  And that’s how we’d be, horizontal, we guessed at that stage, for the next 2hrs 45 mins.

Setting off we were soon joined by Steffan on the support kayak who had entered at a slightly different beach for ease, and Johnny and I waited as he set his GPS running.  Alex hadn’t seen the call to wait and was off ploughing ahead, becoming a hare for us to chase.  The going was tough, the stiff south-Easterly had formed a 1-2ft chop that clattered into us head on for much of the way there.  Timing of the stroke was key to get through this obstacle, and I noticed the catch phase of the stroke became slightly random, slipping water quite a lot.  However, the current was with us so we made steady progress.  Johnny and I matched each other stroke for stroke enjoying the company and I wondered how alex was doing, out there on his own.  Upon reaching the Ovingdean Café, I checked the watch….  33m:28s… I thought that sounded quite slow.  I had set off at a very relaxed pace mind, keen to save something for later and eek out those energy supplies.  We motored on.  Half way between Ovigdean and Rottingdean we stopped Steffan for a drink of his super duper herbalife sports drink.  Tasted clean against the salty sea water.  Steffan indicated Alex was about 100m ahead.  We had no visibility as the waves were above head height in the water, so it was great to have the support kayak for that.  Setting off again I noticed I was stretching a gap on the kayak and Johnny, he appeared to be slowing a little.  Perhaps it was the sex on the beach before the swim, no not literally, you dirty minded reader, Johnny had been out the night previously knocking back cocktails!  I sized him up at that point and made a decision to cut loose form the kayak and try to catch Alex.  Knowning that the kayak would stay it was a choice of giving up the refueling but I wanted to stretch out and get to Saltdean at the expected elapsed time of 1 hr 20.

Past Rottingdean… 55m:48s…. And I caught a glimpse of Alex, he was about 60 m ahead.  I got a lucky high wave which gave me great visibility.  After that I never saw him again until I got to Saltdean after battling a changing tide for the last 500m.  I battled into the waters off Saltdean beach with arms already complaining a little, regretting my decision to try and catch Alex.  The time read 1h:23m:46s….but he wasn’t there????  I saw the girls preparing n the beach, recognizing the pink hat of Sara and the figure of Joan running down the beach for her dip.    Looking back towards Rottingdean I noticed Alex approaching.  I had gone past him??  After meeting up as we watched Hildi and Sara enter the water, he explained he had stopped to talk to Paul C who had set off, and spotted another swimmer (later we found out was Pete) already set off for the Marina.  I had been completely oblivious to them swimming past me as the visibility had been wretched.

The girls joined us and we set off as we saw Johnny and Steffan in the distance, beaching about 400m short of Saltdean.  He had fed the fishes with his breakfast after the motion sickness had accumulated to such an extent.  Nothing to do with the booze!! Wink wink 

I got quickly into a rhythm, noticing the change in tide, I was being pushed along and it felt great.  We flew to Rottingdean, only stopping at the kayak for a long drink at Steffan’s kayak, just before Paul W took over the support kayak.  I managed to return to Rottingdean in 18 mins, and it was no stopping as we headed onto Ovingdean.  The thought of completing the long course was now definitely possible.   We were over half way, and being pushed home a little.  With our emotions buoyed, we cracked on.  Looking round we had opened a little gap on Sara and the kayak, so not wanting to get out of rhythm again, I resigned to the fact that we would take our next feed/drink at the Marina.  Alex and I swam side by side as we approached Ovingdean and then I really tightened up.  I was exhausted.  He crept away and I was unable to keep up with him.  I passed Ovingdean Café and checked the watch… 2:01:29….I was negative splitting on the way back which was great.  I worked out that I would have to finish before 2:35 to negative split on the last leg between Ovingdean and Marina, so I went for it.  My stroke probably suffered even more for this.  With tired arms I tried changing the stroke to recover different muscles and engage the back more but without much difference to be honest.  The marina wall slowly bobbed closer and as I got to within 50m I saw Hildi on the beach, she had stomed ahead and bagged a new club record for the distance. 

I touched my feet down as Alex and and I gave high 5’s, acknowledging this was the longest either of us had swum.  Hildi returned to the water wetsuit less, with the rest of our lovely group greeting us on the beach.  Sara soon beaching after us exiting the water with her usual huge grin having loved the whole affair.  Photo’s, backslapping and exchanging stories - we all caught up and basked in the sunshine.  Pete and Paul C had already finished, both delighted with their times as we all smashed our times set in the previous year, Pete knocking a staggering 59 mins off his.

After changing back up at the cars we returned to the beach to polish off cakes, cookies and other treats before heading home.  What about next year?  How do we go one better?  I’m off to talk to the harbour master……

Times:

1= Marina to Ovingdean

2= Ovingdean to Rottingdean

3 = Rottingdean to Saltdean

4 = Saltdean to Rottingdean

5 = Rottingdean to Ovingdean

6 = Ovingdean to Marina

7 = total swim time

                1             2              3              4              5              6              7

Ollie       33:28     22:20     27:58     18:32     19:32     26:15     2:28:05

Alex            -             -            1:24:47        -               -      1:03:47  2:28:34

Johnny        -            -                 -               -               -           -             -

Hildi            -             -               -                -             16:01    34:24     1:02:52

Sara            -            -                 -               -               -           -             -

Pete            -            -                 -               -               -           -            1:21:00  
Paul C          -            -                -                -               -           -           1:21:14

heaadin' out

Johnny on the way to Saltdean

Where's that high elbow Johnny??

finishing at the marina

One half of the support team - thank you!!

Warmer than Lanzarote (not)

Ollie was away in Lanzarote enjoying warm temperatures, good swimming and keeping a watchful eye on SSF from under his Summer duvet.

Alex, Dave, Jude, Sara and Joan gatherered in the cold dark morning and surveyed  an incoming rolling sea as it crashed on the shingle.

Dave and Sara still in their cossies and Alex in a wetsuit dived into the waves and what waves!  They towered  and crashed on to the shingle. The three set out, grouped and decided to go east. The waves were increasing in size as they tore up the shingle. The group went past the east groyne and at this stage Jude and I had anxious moments as we thought they were drifting on to the next beach. However they turned and headed back to our beach carefully pacing themselves and with lots of backward glances made it safely and confidently to the beach. (Joan was concerned and she even fetched a lifebuoy should it be needed)!  Alex confidently said that he swims, when at home in Portugal, in similar conditions in the Atlantic.

We were joined by Steffan and after some hot drinks and discussion made our way home. 

Air Temp: 10C

Water Temp: approx: 16C

Swimmers: Dave Sara Alex

Shore party: Jude Joan

Joan in Ollie's absence