The plan had been to swim four circuits of the buoys today. Problem was, a sharp WNW wind was creating a wicked swell in the mottled green sea under an overcast sky. We have seen better days at SSF so this probably explains the absence of the rest of the gang who, I am reliably informed, are waiting for the warmer weather in August. We were also without another regular stalwart in the shape of Sara, so it was just us three today.
After a jog along the coast to warm up, we debated whether today would be the day for our first 2011 swim to Rottingdean, or maybe from Rottingdean. We opted against this because "Sara would be p****ed if we did it without her". And coupled with this, the size of the waves made for a useful deterrent.
Ollie was first out of the blocks, bravely finding his slot in the oncoming waves and without hesitating diving in. I have to admit, I was somewhat apprehensive about swimming out to the far buoys in these rough seas, I felt we could easily encounter problems if the current was strong. Fortunately it wasn't, although after some deliberations Ollie and I decided to swim a couple of widths between the near buoys. It made sense, and I wasn't sorry that the original plan was postponed.
The swim back to shore was a bit tough, with an undertow always threatening to drag us back out to sea. Joan was stood on the beach in the centre by the water's edge and seemed genuinely pleased that we made it back without difficulties.
Not much training today for the big one on August 6th, but good to experience some of the rougher seas if only for a short while. Tea and croissants on the beach completed the morning.
Time In: 7:16
Time Out: 7:34
Swimmers: Ollie, Joan and Paul
Air Temp: 16C
Sea Temp: 13C (Felt a little colder)
Friday 27 May 2011
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Where have all the good men (and women) gone ?
Better conditions today. Sun, calmish sea, but a lack of numbers. There seems to be two sets of swimmers right now, and both groups never seem to quite meet :)
So, the four of us head into the water. Ollie and Sara set off to do two full laps, I swim a couple of widths in order to warm up, catching Ollie and Sara on the way through. Ollie and Sara are swimming laps in 12 minutes, which is pretty good for this time of year although some way off the pace set by Hildi and Paul W last year. But there is still time.
A decent current dragging us West, so the back strait was the hardest leg of the swim. A final sprint consisting of 2 widths, which saw Ollie set a commendable 5 minute time.
Back in for some rhubarb cake, and another SSF swim is completed. Where are all the others? It's not that cold anymore?
Time In: 7:13
Time Out:7:48
Swimmers:Ollie, Joan, Sara and Paul
Air Temp: 16C
Sea Temp: 13.5C
So, the four of us head into the water. Ollie and Sara set off to do two full laps, I swim a couple of widths in order to warm up, catching Ollie and Sara on the way through. Ollie and Sara are swimming laps in 12 minutes, which is pretty good for this time of year although some way off the pace set by Hildi and Paul W last year. But there is still time.
A decent current dragging us West, so the back strait was the hardest leg of the swim. A final sprint consisting of 2 widths, which saw Ollie set a commendable 5 minute time.
Back in for some rhubarb cake, and another SSF swim is completed. Where are all the others? It's not that cold anymore?
Time In: 7:13
Time Out:7:48
Swimmers:Ollie, Joan, Sara and Paul
Air Temp: 16C
Sea Temp: 13.5C
Friday 20 May 2011
A fisherman's tale
We had an almost completely different cast list from Wednesday, with only Sara and myself attending both sessions. There was a welcome return for Ollie and Joan, and a rare cameo from iron-man Jon.
I arrived in the middle of a discussion about basking sharks. Now, I have heard the Brighton crowd speak about this, so offered up the helpful advice that they were "perfectly harmless". Ollie looked incredulous, wondering if I would be concerned about seeing shark fins appearing around me in the sea. He had a point. And also, a seal has been spotted between the piers recently. Again, I tried to be helpful, "they can nip you which, without a wetsuit on might hurt quite a bit. A bit like being attacked by a bear". I then realised Ollie and myself were not wearing wetsuits....
To be safe, Ollie decided to drag a big red bag of shark repellent behind him in the water. It seemed like a good strategy. So, off to the water's edge. Conditions looked favourable, low tide on the turn. Sea and air temps all good. The only fly in the ointment was a fisherman who had set up shop in the middle of the bathing area. Ollie negotiated us safe passage, although the real problem was likely to be him casting out between the buoys whilst we were swimming. He was adamant that he was going to continue fishing, thus potentially disrupting our planned swim. He did promise to keep an eye out for us, although judging by the look on his face, he wasn't planning on trying very hard to keep this promise. A team discussion then followed, clearly swimming between the buoys was likely to be very hazardous if we were having to avoid incoming schrapnel in the form of lead weights. However, we soon began to speculate that there was little chance of him being able to cast out that far, and his belief that he could do so was probably no more likely than his chances of catching a barracuda or blue-finned tuna. Of course, we did opt for caution, so decided to focus our swimming on a triangular route around the left-hand buoys. Once complete, and feeling brave, we all swam the gauntlet across to the right hand buoy, back to the left, back to the right, back to the left and then in. This was a good workout and certainly the way to start the day.
I am not sure who took the photographs attached to this blog entry. All swimmers are in the picture, so there must be a spy prowling around. Personally, I believe it to be one of the Brighton crew doing a quick recce in preparation for the Brighton Pier duel tentatively scheduled for later in the year. They must be worried.
Time In: 7:11
Time Out: 7:43
Swimmers: Jon, Joan, Ollie, Sara and Paul
Air Temp: 15C
Sea Temp: 13.5C
I arrived in the middle of a discussion about basking sharks. Now, I have heard the Brighton crowd speak about this, so offered up the helpful advice that they were "perfectly harmless". Ollie looked incredulous, wondering if I would be concerned about seeing shark fins appearing around me in the sea. He had a point. And also, a seal has been spotted between the piers recently. Again, I tried to be helpful, "they can nip you which, without a wetsuit on might hurt quite a bit. A bit like being attacked by a bear". I then realised Ollie and myself were not wearing wetsuits....
To be safe, Ollie decided to drag a big red bag of shark repellent behind him in the water. It seemed like a good strategy. So, off to the water's edge. Conditions looked favourable, low tide on the turn. Sea and air temps all good. The only fly in the ointment was a fisherman who had set up shop in the middle of the bathing area. Ollie negotiated us safe passage, although the real problem was likely to be him casting out between the buoys whilst we were swimming. He was adamant that he was going to continue fishing, thus potentially disrupting our planned swim. He did promise to keep an eye out for us, although judging by the look on his face, he wasn't planning on trying very hard to keep this promise. A team discussion then followed, clearly swimming between the buoys was likely to be very hazardous if we were having to avoid incoming schrapnel in the form of lead weights. However, we soon began to speculate that there was little chance of him being able to cast out that far, and his belief that he could do so was probably no more likely than his chances of catching a barracuda or blue-finned tuna. Of course, we did opt for caution, so decided to focus our swimming on a triangular route around the left-hand buoys. Once complete, and feeling brave, we all swam the gauntlet across to the right hand buoy, back to the left, back to the right, back to the left and then in. This was a good workout and certainly the way to start the day.
I am not sure who took the photographs attached to this blog entry. All swimmers are in the picture, so there must be a spy prowling around. Personally, I believe it to be one of the Brighton crew doing a quick recce in preparation for the Brighton Pier duel tentatively scheduled for later in the year. They must be worried.
Time In: 7:11
Time Out: 7:43
Swimmers: Jon, Joan, Ollie, Sara and Paul
Air Temp: 15C
Sea Temp: 13.5C
 |
| SSF prepare for a bit of shark hunting. |
 |
| Second thoughts, lets just stay here. |
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Return of the magnificent seven
We were joined by Paul W, Helen and James today as well as spectators Teresa Tamplin (my Tuesday cycling buddy) and her little boy, Ben. So although we missed our leaders (I thought there would be a disruption in the space/time contiuum or some other cosmological disaster when Joan didn't arrive), we were definately quorate. 7 of us ventured in with only Paul non-wetsuited today. Definately a day for booties for protection if not warmth as Helen struggled over the rocks which were hidden under the water. A strong Easterly current gave us a natural hard/easy tempo to our workout. 4 'widths' of the outer swimming bouys, with Pete the Pike trying for a third bouy further towards Eastbourne. Hildi and Sarah both wetsuited and enjoying a 'proper swim' in advance of the Swashbuckler on Sunday and the Arun swim in 2 weeks time gave a little practice to the 'mass start' experience by swimming on top of each other. Perhaps one of out events this year should be a tandem swim? Much enjoyment although without nipping home for a shower I have not warmed up enough to change out of my tracksuit into my work clothes so am having to pretend to be a PE teacher !
Time In: 7:03
Time Out: 7:38
Swimmers: Hildi, Paul W, Paul C, Pete, Sara, James and Helen
Air Temp: 14C
Sea Temp: 14C
Time In: 7:03
Time Out: 7:38
Swimmers: Hildi, Paul W, Paul C, Pete, Sara, James and Helen
Air Temp: 14C
Sea Temp: 14C
Friday 13 May 2011
Circuit Trainng
The tide was in, the buoys were out, time to start increasing the distance in readiness for the big one in August. Ollie suggested a first trip to Rottingdean, but we decided against it today, preferring instead to start some circuit training around the buoys. Opting to do two, the three of us (Ollie, Sara and Paul) made a start, swimming the "devil's route" anti-clockwise.
We quickly discovered that there was a good current running towards Rottingdean which would have made that particular trip very easy to do, probably setting a new record in the process, but we stuck to Plan A instead. Sea temperatures are now quite manageable, so there were not likely to be any problems in that regard.
The swim to the far buoy was straightforward, the back strait was more problematic, swimming against the current and into the sun. Fortunately, the surface chop was less than recent weeks with a welcome return of the South Westerly wind.
Ollie and Sara completed the course first, with myself following behind. Two laps completed, all went well. Back onto the beach for some chocolate cake prepared by Sara. A good morning's swimming clocking up an impressive 48 minutes in the water.
Time In:7:15
Time Out: 8:03
Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Joan and Paul
Air Temp: 15C
Sea Temp: 14C
We quickly discovered that there was a good current running towards Rottingdean which would have made that particular trip very easy to do, probably setting a new record in the process, but we stuck to Plan A instead. Sea temperatures are now quite manageable, so there were not likely to be any problems in that regard.
The swim to the far buoy was straightforward, the back strait was more problematic, swimming against the current and into the sun. Fortunately, the surface chop was less than recent weeks with a welcome return of the South Westerly wind.
Ollie and Sara completed the course first, with myself following behind. Two laps completed, all went well. Back onto the beach for some chocolate cake prepared by Sara. A good morning's swimming clocking up an impressive 48 minutes in the water.
Time In:7:15
Time Out: 8:03
Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Joan and Paul
Air Temp: 15C
Sea Temp: 14C
 |
| The course - it's further than it looks! |
Thursday 12 May 2011
The square of the hypotenuse is equal to ...
... the sum of the square of the other two sides. Or something like that. Anyway, having studied this particular conundrum at school, today we all decided to do the practical.
A semi-overcast morning, temperature dropped again, the winds return to south-westerly after an extended period of easterlies. The first sight that greeted us all was the algae bloom stretching across the breaking waves. Whilst it has the visual characterisic of effluent, it is actually a good thing, because it will only appear once the sea reaches a certain temperature. I felt encouraged.
I arrived in the middle of a fearsome debate about measurements and the distance between buoys. There was no firm consensus, although Ollie and Joan felt they were not in the same location as last year, which makes any timings a little more challenging this time around. Pete headed off across the beach in an attempt to measure the distance between groynes - but I cannot remember the answer! Anyway, discussion about the algae then ensued - was it dangerous? No, perfectly harmless, and basking sharks love the stuff? What? Sharks? Talk of this coupled with the usual stiff breeze did little to incentivise me. But in we all went, determined to do two full circuits of the bouys - clockwise. We all ventured past the algae bloom without incident and met up at the first buoy. Ready, steady .... gooooooooo !!! And we were off.
Ollie quickly set the pace. There was more of a swell than we are used to, which made breathing and sighting a little more challenging than usual. The buoys bobbed with the waves and it was not always easy to spot them. So instead I sighted off Pete's swimhat which, conveniently, was the same colour - yellow. Although this proved to be a temporary strategy when my goggles misted up and I couldn't see anything....... Back to the action. Second buoy reached, then up to the third. Quite tough along the backstraight but all safely to the fourth buoy then back to the first.
We decided this was proving to be a little more difficult than anticipated so instead of doing the second circuit we swam the diagonal from first to third. It was tough, with Pete and Sara opting to head to France, and myself (Paul), taking an equally curved route in the other direction. Only Ollie managed to swim in a straight line to complete the triangle. But we all linked up again safely. Finally, a sprint to the shore, with myself and Pete getting involved in some race shenanigans. I still had sharks on my mind.
The sea noticeably warmer than usual, no shivers, although the distances will have to improve if we are going to go for the 8K in August.
Time In: 7:17
Time Out: 7:59
Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Pete, Joan and Paul
Air Temp: 15C
Sea Temp: 12-13C
A semi-overcast morning, temperature dropped again, the winds return to south-westerly after an extended period of easterlies. The first sight that greeted us all was the algae bloom stretching across the breaking waves. Whilst it has the visual characterisic of effluent, it is actually a good thing, because it will only appear once the sea reaches a certain temperature. I felt encouraged.
I arrived in the middle of a fearsome debate about measurements and the distance between buoys. There was no firm consensus, although Ollie and Joan felt they were not in the same location as last year, which makes any timings a little more challenging this time around. Pete headed off across the beach in an attempt to measure the distance between groynes - but I cannot remember the answer! Anyway, discussion about the algae then ensued - was it dangerous? No, perfectly harmless, and basking sharks love the stuff? What? Sharks? Talk of this coupled with the usual stiff breeze did little to incentivise me. But in we all went, determined to do two full circuits of the bouys - clockwise. We all ventured past the algae bloom without incident and met up at the first buoy. Ready, steady .... gooooooooo !!! And we were off.
Ollie quickly set the pace. There was more of a swell than we are used to, which made breathing and sighting a little more challenging than usual. The buoys bobbed with the waves and it was not always easy to spot them. So instead I sighted off Pete's swimhat which, conveniently, was the same colour - yellow. Although this proved to be a temporary strategy when my goggles misted up and I couldn't see anything....... Back to the action. Second buoy reached, then up to the third. Quite tough along the backstraight but all safely to the fourth buoy then back to the first.
We decided this was proving to be a little more difficult than anticipated so instead of doing the second circuit we swam the diagonal from first to third. It was tough, with Pete and Sara opting to head to France, and myself (Paul), taking an equally curved route in the other direction. Only Ollie managed to swim in a straight line to complete the triangle. But we all linked up again safely. Finally, a sprint to the shore, with myself and Pete getting involved in some race shenanigans. I still had sharks on my mind.
The sea noticeably warmer than usual, no shivers, although the distances will have to improve if we are going to go for the 8K in August.
Time In: 7:17
Time Out: 7:59
Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Pete, Joan and Paul
Air Temp: 15C
Sea Temp: 12-13C
Saturday 7 May 2011
The Three Muskateers swim again
The alarm goes off at 5:45am. It looks a bit grim outside having rained during the night. Shall I go back to bed or head down to the beach? It is Saturday after all. I know that Joan and Sara will be there. Ollie? 50-50. I do the right thing and head on down. I am late as usual. The air temp is much better, although I am doubtful it has found its way into the sea. A little bit wndy, tide going out. I did have visions of swimming to Rottingdean today, but I was quickly out-voted. Seems that a full circuit of the buoys was the first record of the year to be accomplished. Heading into the wet stuff was the usual ordeal, as the cold waves splashed against exposed skin. Even Joan thought it was cold - which worried me a bit, although later claimed she was just demonstrating the Ollie method of getting into the water.... After a little faffing around on my part, Sara and I headed out to complete a clockwise circuit. The first half was easy enough, the second half required us to swim headlong into the current and east wind, plus plenty of surface chop. The real test was swimming in a straight line and remains the biggest area for improvement, certainly for me. We completed our circuit in around 17 minutes although opted to take it at a leisurely pace. Not a record, but a good start to the season. Upon completion, we linked up with Joan and headed back in for some hot tea and hot waterbottles, hearty discussion and fearsome debate. Meanwhile, we all did speculate on a mouth-watering 2011 Hildi Mitchell v Paul Winter re-match. There is plenty to decide.
Swimmers: Joan, Sara and Paul
Time In: 7:17
Time Out: 7:40
Air Temp: 19C
Sea Temp: 12ishC
Friday 6 May 2011
The beach and the birds and the buoys
Cycling down the tunnel this morning I saw the sea at the end, and to my delight, the summer swimming buoys have been placed out at sea. Placed at approx 100m and then 200m out and about 150m across from each other East to West they form a square just off shore that will no doubt become a track for time trialling, warming down etc. We missed them over the winter months - not that it was warm enough to circumnavigate them, but now back on our beach it feels like the summer swim season has officially started. And of course, if the council believe its ready to swim then all those still wary of the sea temps can be rest assured and head down there for their first dip in the drink. Get away from those lane ropes and practice sighting!
We marked the occaision with lapping the outer buoys against a stiff south easterly chop forcing some practice with breathing on both sides to avoid mouthfuls of water. Joan joined us at the far buoy where we chatted before heading in and made plans for an additional saturday swim tomorrow. same time, same place, all welcome.
We will begin some longer swims now to get ready for the Saltdean to Marina swim o first weekend in August, incidentally, we will have compelted 100 swims for Sea Swim Fitness that same week if not before so it seems fitting to raise the bar that weekend and aim for the 4km there or 8km there and back.
Swimmers: Joan, Sara, Ollie and Paul
We marked the occaision with lapping the outer buoys against a stiff south easterly chop forcing some practice with breathing on both sides to avoid mouthfuls of water. Joan joined us at the far buoy where we chatted before heading in and made plans for an additional saturday swim tomorrow. same time, same place, all welcome.
We will begin some longer swims now to get ready for the Saltdean to Marina swim o first weekend in August, incidentally, we will have compelted 100 swims for Sea Swim Fitness that same week if not before so it seems fitting to raise the bar that weekend and aim for the 4km there or 8km there and back.
Swimmers: Joan, Sara, Ollie and Paul
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Caught in the Act of Swimming
A chill to the air this morning, 9 deg when we left the beach so about 7-8 when we arrived as the sun was starting to rise. The tide was out but not too low. there were three buoys in a straight line marking out a net we thought, out about 150m which we decided after some debate to do two laps of.
Hildi, Pete, me (Ollie) and Paul set off whilst Joan and Sara decided to soak up the sun in shallower waters, Sara no doubt discussing final plans for Sunday's exhibition although that is only specultation as I was out at sea at the time!
So we powered on, Hildi had set off first but as I got just 30m from the buoy hildi had turned around and was swimming back to me. she had swam into a rope. we speculated that the net the buoys marked was nearer the shore and were proved right as paul ploughed straight into it! We turned to say to Paul mind the net and he said "Yes I know, I'm caught in it!", It was a sheet of vertical net that was huge. A slight moment of panic but when we realised that we could still just touch the bottomwe were able to relax and untangle Paul, while I made it over the net to catch up and warn Pete, who had managed to go straight over it blissfully unaware of the danger.
We retreated, sensibly, to the beach side of the net and swum some hard efforts across the beach to regroup with the others and head in for warm drinks.
Moral of the story, buoys are great swimming markers but people don't put them out their for fun - beware!
swimmers: Joan, Hildi, Sara, Paul, Pete, Ollie
20 min swim, in a little surface chop heading back to shore, slight current as the tide was changing.
Hildi, Pete, me (Ollie) and Paul set off whilst Joan and Sara decided to soak up the sun in shallower waters, Sara no doubt discussing final plans for Sunday's exhibition although that is only specultation as I was out at sea at the time!
So we powered on, Hildi had set off first but as I got just 30m from the buoy hildi had turned around and was swimming back to me. she had swam into a rope. we speculated that the net the buoys marked was nearer the shore and were proved right as paul ploughed straight into it! We turned to say to Paul mind the net and he said "Yes I know, I'm caught in it!", It was a sheet of vertical net that was huge. A slight moment of panic but when we realised that we could still just touch the bottomwe were able to relax and untangle Paul, while I made it over the net to catch up and warn Pete, who had managed to go straight over it blissfully unaware of the danger.
We retreated, sensibly, to the beach side of the net and swum some hard efforts across the beach to regroup with the others and head in for warm drinks.
Moral of the story, buoys are great swimming markers but people don't put them out their for fun - beware!
swimmers: Joan, Hildi, Sara, Paul, Pete, Ollie
20 min swim, in a little surface chop heading back to shore, slight current as the tide was changing.
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