\A beautiful day for a swim. I arrived just to say hello to the guys who appeared to have spent most of the morning eating a selection of cakes brought down by Hildi and Sara. There was no real evidence that any swimming had occurred, although Pete and Ollie looked as though they might have been in for a paddle. The ladies all had broad grins across their faces, so I guess they had all been doing synchronised sea swimming. Certainly looked that way to me.
Swimmers: Ollie, Pete, Sara, Joan, Hildi, Sharon and a few others.
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Friday 26 August 2011
"I like to wrap my feet in these chains" - Pete Barnes
today was very still on the water. Seeing all four buoys easily on flat water meant a good opportunity to try somthing a little different...keep the customers guessing! - And only one day after the news of Paul making his way across the gulf of Corryvreckan, we felt that laps of the buoys would just not be enough. so, after pondering it for a minute or two, and rather lacking in inspriation i suddenly plumped for the "Figure of eight". To my surprise and delight it met with noises of oooh. A small change seemed to excite the few that joined us on the beach. Pete, Dave, Sara and ollie headed out to the first buoy whilst Joan enjoyed the shallower shores.
After confusing each other about how a figure of eight would and should look, we started at the West Buoy, decided to head diagonally out to sea to the outer East buoy, turn right and head West to other outer buoy before heading in land diagonally and then across the shore to the starter buoy. We stopped briefly at the half way point to make sure no one got lost!! Which is still a definite possibility for us, (especially with Pete internal sat nave still taking him towards the french coast). Stefan who was sat on the beach was missed for his role in passport control.
Upon completing the figure of eight, pete nestled in close to the buoy uttering the words in the title. He then said he enjoyed sticking his big toe in the chain links. Well, each to their own, and if you see Pete lagging behind on a lap of the buoys, its probably because he likes to pause at each one, dip his toe in like plugging your phone in to charge, befor esetting off again. :)
then, I think the cold was getting to us as we suggested doing a "Devil's Horshoe". An approriate tag for anti-clockwise round the the three outer sides of the square of buoys. this led to various shouts of suggestions of other course names to help identify them to the wider group. Watch out for these!
Coming back in Ollie was joined by nephew Lucas and tracy to have a last dip before he headed back north to the comforts of his swimming pool! We made it out beyond the end of the groynes and back (without a suit)
Swimmers: Pete, Joan, Sara, Dave, Ollie, Lucas, Tracy
non swimmers: Stefan
in 7:05
out 7:55
After confusing each other about how a figure of eight would and should look, we started at the West Buoy, decided to head diagonally out to sea to the outer East buoy, turn right and head West to other outer buoy before heading in land diagonally and then across the shore to the starter buoy. We stopped briefly at the half way point to make sure no one got lost!! Which is still a definite possibility for us, (especially with Pete internal sat nave still taking him towards the french coast). Stefan who was sat on the beach was missed for his role in passport control.
Upon completing the figure of eight, pete nestled in close to the buoy uttering the words in the title. He then said he enjoyed sticking his big toe in the chain links. Well, each to their own, and if you see Pete lagging behind on a lap of the buoys, its probably because he likes to pause at each one, dip his toe in like plugging your phone in to charge, befor esetting off again. :)
then, I think the cold was getting to us as we suggested doing a "Devil's Horshoe". An approriate tag for anti-clockwise round the the three outer sides of the square of buoys. this led to various shouts of suggestions of other course names to help identify them to the wider group. Watch out for these!
Coming back in Ollie was joined by nephew Lucas and tracy to have a last dip before he headed back north to the comforts of his swimming pool! We made it out beyond the end of the groynes and back (without a suit)
Swimmers: Pete, Joan, Sara, Dave, Ollie, Lucas, Tracy
non swimmers: Stefan
in 7:05
out 7:55
Wednesday 24 August 2011
I love the sound of rain on the swim hat
A lumpy sea, with some big old waves met us this morning. Moments of completely losing sight of the buoys meant we had to rely on our sighting landmarks. Yes, for us thats cranes that move, Southern water still not falling into line and working to our schedule at Peachaven....tut tut.
but we soldiered on. Having left newcomer Andy on the beach (who ppopped by to say hello, jolly nice of him) we ventured out. timing the entry to perfection, almost, through the surf. At the east buoy we congregated. We were aiming to do two laps anti-clockwise with a timed effort on the second length (back straight) of each lap. Point of this was to keep pacing at race speed. The waves proved it difficult, so a standard error of 15 secs was granted, and those with watches managed to come in very consistently - nice work!
after two laps of these sloppy and rainy conditions, (I love the sound of rain on the swim hat!) ollie stayed out doing another half lap whilst the others went in. Ollie later joined by tracy and newest recruit - Lucas - aged 10 (ollies nephew). Holidaying down here he had the courage to jump in and play on the waves without a suit. Not really suitable conditions for him to swim but he gave it a good go.
swimmers: Lucas, Tracy, Ollie, Teresa, Sharon, Sara, Pete, Joan.
but we soldiered on. Having left newcomer Andy on the beach (who ppopped by to say hello, jolly nice of him) we ventured out. timing the entry to perfection, almost, through the surf. At the east buoy we congregated. We were aiming to do two laps anti-clockwise with a timed effort on the second length (back straight) of each lap. Point of this was to keep pacing at race speed. The waves proved it difficult, so a standard error of 15 secs was granted, and those with watches managed to come in very consistently - nice work!
after two laps of these sloppy and rainy conditions, (I love the sound of rain on the swim hat!) ollie stayed out doing another half lap whilst the others went in. Ollie later joined by tracy and newest recruit - Lucas - aged 10 (ollies nephew). Holidaying down here he had the courage to jump in and play on the waves without a suit. Not really suitable conditions for him to swim but he gave it a good go.
swimmers: Lucas, Tracy, Ollie, Teresa, Sharon, Sara, Pete, Joan.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
The stalwart returns
Joan taking a rare day off today.
Not sure quite where the Summer has gone. Temperatures a little bit sluggish, as were the SSF swimmers who rolled out of bed to partake in an ea:rly morning swim. Actually, the sea did look quite inviting, tide going out, mostly flat, choice of routes.
Today saw the welcome return of one-time stalwart Keith, who decided it was high time he rejoined the group that had made him a great sea swimmer in 2010. Despite meeting up at 6:50, we still didn't make it into the water until 7:15 - so much to say!
Off out to the first buoy, although could still safely stand on the bottom. Then off to the second buoy, I could still stand although the ladies could not. At which point the group split into two. Keith and Ollie decided to swim circuits, the rest of us chose to re-explore new frontiers, first heading out to the further buoy, then east towards the outer limits which was about 200m away.
We swam in formation on the way there, with Sharon out front, Sara tucked in behind and myself and Dave left and right. The low sun made it difficult to actually see where we were headed although Sharon seemed to know where she was going. The two cranes in the background also provided a sighting point.
The way back was a bit more difficult as we were against the tide. This seemed to take Sharon out to France, and believing that she knew the way, we all dutifully followed her. Well, somehow we made it back, regrouped, then headed towards the far buoy on the other side of the square. Again, another good swim was required. Then back to the buoy from where we started and then in.
Maybe 1 to 1.5Km in distance, a good workout to start the day. Could so with a few more people, it is August after all !
Time In: 7:11
Time Out: 7:41
Water Temp: 17C
Air Temp: 18C
Swimmers: Keith, Ollie, Dave, Sara, Sharon, Paul
Not sure quite where the Summer has gone. Temperatures a little bit sluggish, as were the SSF swimmers who rolled out of bed to partake in an ea:rly morning swim. Actually, the sea did look quite inviting, tide going out, mostly flat, choice of routes.
Today saw the welcome return of one-time stalwart Keith, who decided it was high time he rejoined the group that had made him a great sea swimmer in 2010. Despite meeting up at 6:50, we still didn't make it into the water until 7:15 - so much to say!
Off out to the first buoy, although could still safely stand on the bottom. Then off to the second buoy, I could still stand although the ladies could not. At which point the group split into two. Keith and Ollie decided to swim circuits, the rest of us chose to re-explore new frontiers, first heading out to the further buoy, then east towards the outer limits which was about 200m away.
We swam in formation on the way there, with Sharon out front, Sara tucked in behind and myself and Dave left and right. The low sun made it difficult to actually see where we were headed although Sharon seemed to know where she was going. The two cranes in the background also provided a sighting point.
The way back was a bit more difficult as we were against the tide. This seemed to take Sharon out to France, and believing that she knew the way, we all dutifully followed her. Well, somehow we made it back, regrouped, then headed towards the far buoy on the other side of the square. Again, another good swim was required. Then back to the buoy from where we started and then in.
Maybe 1 to 1.5Km in distance, a good workout to start the day. Could so with a few more people, it is August after all !
Time In: 7:11
Time Out: 7:41
Water Temp: 17C
Air Temp: 18C
Swimmers: Keith, Ollie, Dave, Sara, Sharon, Paul
Friday 12 August 2011
"Its going to be a bit choppy out there"
This morning i met Joan on the beach after arriving in the carpark the same time as sara. We nattered in usual form. Dave arrived up by the Cafe and was soon joined by a 'new guy'. alex joined us today, which is always nice to have a new friendly face join the group...note to self...try to push the branded swim caps but don't sound pushy.....
after introductions and Paul and Anita joining us on the beach we changed and headed towards the water. the lure of shortbread from sara crossed my mind, how quickly would I like to get out. but as I noticed waves thumping on the beach I turned to the group and said its going to be a bit choppy out there. that seemed to receive lots of "na, you don't say" to the groups amusement. we headed off aiming to do two laps.
Well, the waves got bigger and bigger and we were tossed about like when you see those chefs flicking food in a frying pan without a wooden sppon. sort of sliding it to the end and then flicking it up so all the onions fall down to the other side. I don't really know where I'm going with this but suffice to say it was rough, you got knocked about, you climbed up waves, you fell down the other side and you had no chane of seeing a buoy until you were 50 m passed it or to the left of it. Add to that a natural current with the incomming tide it led to challenging conditions for the group. We set off on two laps with a hard interval on the 3rd straight. so medium, medium, hard, medium to finish the square. Actually we all got into our own rthythm and met at various buoys to regoup. the water felt warm today which is why there was only 1 wetsuit on show. Dave made the plunge, now he can officially say he is a member of the club :). Sara opted for a shorter lapo in prep for her birdman swim on sunday and I thinnk Joan had a fantastic time playing on the waves between the groynes.
delicious shortbread followed, I managed to resist trying 1 of each flavour noting that I can't really count friday morning as the weekend yet to indulge.
Swimmers: alex - welcome to the gang! - ollie, anita, Dave, Sara, Paul, Joan.
after introductions and Paul and Anita joining us on the beach we changed and headed towards the water. the lure of shortbread from sara crossed my mind, how quickly would I like to get out. but as I noticed waves thumping on the beach I turned to the group and said its going to be a bit choppy out there. that seemed to receive lots of "na, you don't say" to the groups amusement. we headed off aiming to do two laps.
Well, the waves got bigger and bigger and we were tossed about like when you see those chefs flicking food in a frying pan without a wooden sppon. sort of sliding it to the end and then flicking it up so all the onions fall down to the other side. I don't really know where I'm going with this but suffice to say it was rough, you got knocked about, you climbed up waves, you fell down the other side and you had no chane of seeing a buoy until you were 50 m passed it or to the left of it. Add to that a natural current with the incomming tide it led to challenging conditions for the group. We set off on two laps with a hard interval on the 3rd straight. so medium, medium, hard, medium to finish the square. Actually we all got into our own rthythm and met at various buoys to regoup. the water felt warm today which is why there was only 1 wetsuit on show. Dave made the plunge, now he can officially say he is a member of the club :). Sara opted for a shorter lapo in prep for her birdman swim on sunday and I thinnk Joan had a fantastic time playing on the waves between the groynes.
delicious shortbread followed, I managed to resist trying 1 of each flavour noting that I can't really count friday morning as the weekend yet to indulge.
Swimmers: alex - welcome to the gang! - ollie, anita, Dave, Sara, Paul, Joan.
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Who is going to save and lead us?
We were both rudderless and without life support today. Steffan out in Switzerland, Ollie in the less glamourous climes of Reading. But we were buoyed by the welcome return of Hildi, fresh from her superb Iron Man achievements in Germany.
We didn't really know what we were supposed to be doing. Conditions a bit choppy, and everyone was either preparing for some event or recovering from one. So, we just headed off to the buoys for some devil swimming.
Theresa was already in the water and knocking out laps whilst the rest of us were limbering up and complaining just how cold the water was for August.
Boys did a couple of laps, girls did just the one. And Theresa did 3 or 4.
Swimmers: Hildi, Paul, Joan, Sara, Dave, Theresa
We didn't really know what we were supposed to be doing. Conditions a bit choppy, and everyone was either preparing for some event or recovering from one. So, we just headed off to the buoys for some devil swimming.
Theresa was already in the water and knocking out laps whilst the rest of us were limbering up and complaining just how cold the water was for August.
Boys did a couple of laps, girls did just the one. And Theresa did 3 or 4.
Swimmers: Hildi, Paul, Joan, Sara, Dave, Theresa
Saturday 6 August 2011
The big 5K
The one we have all been waiting for. A round trip to Ovingdean and back in time for brunch. It was to be the longest swim SSF has embarked on to date.
Those present were organised into four teams: pink, red, yellow and green - denoted by swim hats.
The ladies limbered up, as did the men, many of whom chose to sport industrial strength wetsuits for the occasion. But they need not have worried, the sea temperature was quite mild, and to prove this I chose to swim without a wetsuit.
Conditions were not perfect, some surface chop going on. So once congregated at the first Saltdean buoy we were off. The field quickly spread out into formation with the usual suspects taking up positions in the leading pack whilst the less accomplished among us (me), followed at the back.
Fortunately each group had its own kayak support which was reassuringly given the length of the swim. A couple of pink hats kept me company right up until Ovingdean, at which point I discovered their identity - Sara and Anita.
Up ahead, the leading group (looking like a shoul of mackeral) were jockeying for position, and were soon to pass us as they turned the buoy at Ovingdean on their way back to Saltdean.
We did misjudge things, hoping that we would be swimming on the cusp of the low tide, with slack water on the way and a helpful incoming tide on the way back. It didn't work like that as we were late starting so had a bit of a struggle on the way up, but easier on the way back.
Generally the swim went well, with Anita deciding that she didn't fancy the return leg in view of upcoming competitions and the need to conserve strength, exiting at Rottingdean.
Ollie writes:
Ollie's group (Ollie, Nick and John), set off at a very comfortable pace, a little slow to what I'm used to but I kept holding back thinking I need to conserve energy, it was a marathon today rather than a dash or sprint. that energy conservation proved very valuable later on. We past Rottingdean and paused at the buoy, taking on a gulp of water. Having the kayaks was so good, especially for visibility. Due to the chop and distance I couldn't see the buoys until they were about 100-200m away. The last 500m to Ovingdean seemed really hard. As Paul wrote, the tide had turned and we were swimming against the incomming channel. Reaching the buoy we noticed how the tide was low and the rocks just centimetres away which allowed some indication of speed as they appeared fleetingly through the murky water before disappearing again. The group split on the home leg, Nick edging away purely by maintaining a clean stroke, fitness seemed to kick in here I think and perhaps the lack of poison consumed the night before, something my wingman John had neglected to tell me at the beginning ;-). It felt quicker on the way back, glimpses of the rocks told us that and it was quick to get back level with Rottingdean beach. Meeting at the buoy John claimed to be feeling "a little rough" and the swell and chop probably hadn't helped all that much. The end was in sight at Saltdean, so we sent the Kayak off to the girls at the front to make sure they got home safe and avoided rocks etc on exiting. Somewhere between them and us was Nick, doing a solo swim in effect (later known to be about 150m ahead at that point). We went on, John was tightning up a little, slowing from hiw usual pace. I turned around and saw him emptying the contents of last nights naughtiness into the deep blue, I said to him nice to feed the seagulls....;-D After a little bit of face wiping we made a quick getaway, fearing basking sharks, shoals of fish and the entire population of seagulls would follow us like they do the fishing boats. not having black bin liner flags suspended above us like sea scarecrows, me got a shift on for fear of being eaten. with 200m to go I stretched out a bit and felt the shoulders complaining a little. It was great to finish it and watched John come in nice and steady. We were perfectly matched in pace so he was the perfect buddy. I was greeted on the beach by Tracy taking pics and it suddenly dawned on me I had completed the longest swim I had ever done. Feeling dead proud and hungry to make the Marina and back one day, I sagged on the beach munching John's cookies watching Sara and then Paul come home.
It is a landmark for the club, well done to all those participating. Next big one is Marina and back at the end of the season. Be ready.
.
I am still not certain who won, although I was unable to keep pace with Sara so finished a creditable last. Times below. The kayakers did a sterling job and kept us all safe. Steffan acted as border control liaison when Sara and Anita decided to make a quick - and unscheduled - trip across the channel.
Other than that, all went well. Next stop the Marina.
Teresa: 1:15
Vicky: 1:15
Nick:
Ollie: 1:28:15
John: 1:29:30
Sara:
Anita: DNF
Paul: 1:45:20
and last but not least...a birthday limerick for Stefan, on kayak 2. Happy Birthday old fella!!
There once was a lifeguard named Stefan,
He was a fine figure of a man,
But he kept himself covered up,
he showed no bare chest or butt,
speedo's did not feature in his plan!
Those present were organised into four teams: pink, red, yellow and green - denoted by swim hats.
The ladies limbered up, as did the men, many of whom chose to sport industrial strength wetsuits for the occasion. But they need not have worried, the sea temperature was quite mild, and to prove this I chose to swim without a wetsuit.
Conditions were not perfect, some surface chop going on. So once congregated at the first Saltdean buoy we were off. The field quickly spread out into formation with the usual suspects taking up positions in the leading pack whilst the less accomplished among us (me), followed at the back.
Fortunately each group had its own kayak support which was reassuringly given the length of the swim. A couple of pink hats kept me company right up until Ovingdean, at which point I discovered their identity - Sara and Anita.
Up ahead, the leading group (looking like a shoul of mackeral) were jockeying for position, and were soon to pass us as they turned the buoy at Ovingdean on their way back to Saltdean.
We did misjudge things, hoping that we would be swimming on the cusp of the low tide, with slack water on the way and a helpful incoming tide on the way back. It didn't work like that as we were late starting so had a bit of a struggle on the way up, but easier on the way back.
Generally the swim went well, with Anita deciding that she didn't fancy the return leg in view of upcoming competitions and the need to conserve strength, exiting at Rottingdean.
Ollie writes:
Ollie's group (Ollie, Nick and John), set off at a very comfortable pace, a little slow to what I'm used to but I kept holding back thinking I need to conserve energy, it was a marathon today rather than a dash or sprint. that energy conservation proved very valuable later on. We past Rottingdean and paused at the buoy, taking on a gulp of water. Having the kayaks was so good, especially for visibility. Due to the chop and distance I couldn't see the buoys until they were about 100-200m away. The last 500m to Ovingdean seemed really hard. As Paul wrote, the tide had turned and we were swimming against the incomming channel. Reaching the buoy we noticed how the tide was low and the rocks just centimetres away which allowed some indication of speed as they appeared fleetingly through the murky water before disappearing again. The group split on the home leg, Nick edging away purely by maintaining a clean stroke, fitness seemed to kick in here I think and perhaps the lack of poison consumed the night before, something my wingman John had neglected to tell me at the beginning ;-). It felt quicker on the way back, glimpses of the rocks told us that and it was quick to get back level with Rottingdean beach. Meeting at the buoy John claimed to be feeling "a little rough" and the swell and chop probably hadn't helped all that much. The end was in sight at Saltdean, so we sent the Kayak off to the girls at the front to make sure they got home safe and avoided rocks etc on exiting. Somewhere between them and us was Nick, doing a solo swim in effect (later known to be about 150m ahead at that point). We went on, John was tightning up a little, slowing from hiw usual pace. I turned around and saw him emptying the contents of last nights naughtiness into the deep blue, I said to him nice to feed the seagulls....;-D After a little bit of face wiping we made a quick getaway, fearing basking sharks, shoals of fish and the entire population of seagulls would follow us like they do the fishing boats. not having black bin liner flags suspended above us like sea scarecrows, me got a shift on for fear of being eaten. with 200m to go I stretched out a bit and felt the shoulders complaining a little. It was great to finish it and watched John come in nice and steady. We were perfectly matched in pace so he was the perfect buddy. I was greeted on the beach by Tracy taking pics and it suddenly dawned on me I had completed the longest swim I had ever done. Feeling dead proud and hungry to make the Marina and back one day, I sagged on the beach munching John's cookies watching Sara and then Paul come home.
It is a landmark for the club, well done to all those participating. Next big one is Marina and back at the end of the season. Be ready.
.
I am still not certain who won, although I was unable to keep pace with Sara so finished a creditable last. Times below. The kayakers did a sterling job and kept us all safe. Steffan acted as border control liaison when Sara and Anita decided to make a quick - and unscheduled - trip across the channel.
Other than that, all went well. Next stop the Marina.
Teresa: 1:15
Vicky: 1:15
Nick:
Ollie: 1:28:15
John: 1:29:30
Sara:
Anita: DNF
Paul: 1:45:20
and last but not least...a birthday limerick for Stefan, on kayak 2. Happy Birthday old fella!!
There once was a lifeguard named Stefan,
He was a fine figure of a man,
But he kept himself covered up,
he showed no bare chest or butt,
speedo's did not feature in his plan!
 |
| the briefing |
 |
| the swimmers and kayakers |
 |
| nick, Vicky and Teresa finishing on Saltdean beach... |
 |
| with ollie not far behind |
 |
| Closely followed by John... |
 |
| then sara... |
 |
| then Paul. |
Friday 5 August 2011
Easy does it
We were joined by a new face this morning. Vicky. I looked at her thinking, I need to do the safety breif stuff, check out how strong a swimmer they are, mentally prepare about whether I need to swim with them this session. who would she buddy up with if it got a bit tough out there or she panicked.
I needn't have bothered.
Like all the esporta offspring that we (very much :)) welcome into the fold, Vicky was at ease with the water, albeit a rather calm day. we opted for 1 lap of the buoys today in preparation for our big 5K mega lung buster shoulder popper tomorrow. A relaxed swim trying to find some rhythm. Not loads more to say than that really. We came out, and discussed final plans for saturday and all went home secretly eyeing up the pace setters for tomorrow and trying to work out where we would finish (or is that just me?). there was a promise of 8 doing the swim tomorrow so looking forward to that.
swimmers: teresa, vicky, Ollie, Paul, Sara, stefan, Joan, anita
I needn't have bothered.
Like all the esporta offspring that we (very much :)) welcome into the fold, Vicky was at ease with the water, albeit a rather calm day. we opted for 1 lap of the buoys today in preparation for our big 5K mega lung buster shoulder popper tomorrow. A relaxed swim trying to find some rhythm. Not loads more to say than that really. We came out, and discussed final plans for saturday and all went home secretly eyeing up the pace setters for tomorrow and trying to work out where we would finish (or is that just me?). there was a promise of 8 doing the swim tomorrow so looking forward to that.
swimmers: teresa, vicky, Ollie, Paul, Sara, stefan, Joan, anita
Wednesday 3 August 2011
New Frontiers and THE measurement on everyone's mind
Todays swim we thought we would try something a little different. A bumper group amassed on the beach for these very generous conditions. It was a low tide which meant a walk to the first left hand buoy. sharon opting for her first dip non wetsuit. Barry was in kayak support and as we reached the first buy he was just completing a lap of the buoys. He had a distance measured.
A gasp went round the group. We had never meaasured the buoys before and we stood up to our thighs in calm waters suddenly trying to recall split times of laps getting ready to calculate how fast we actually are. 0.3 miles was the answer. But still this figure is surrounded in debate. I was h8ungry for further detail, tto the nearest 10th of a mile perhaps isn't accurate enough? After making our way to the outer buoy and once regrouping, Barry confirmed it had clicked over to 0.31 almost immediately after leaving the last buoy. Hundreths of a mile I can cope with ! :) so something like 0.309 miles for the circuit. But as they are taken away and returned each year, last years probably didn't measure the same and a change in current and tide affects them every week. At least we are happy we have a reading - THANK you Barry, you have put hours of debate to rest. The distance is 494m. so let it rest.
We stood at the outer buoy - even weirder - sea perfectly calm we could see in the distance worthing. It was so clear and still. as there was such a mixed group we decided to do different things. The majority went East to a new buoy we haven't visited before. about 300 m away we all cruised through the still sea watching for signs of life below. I did see a fish and not a tiny one, but my knowledge of species etc is right up there with who won america's got talent so I'm afraid I can't share it with you.
Heading back we regrouped and headed in, not wanting to overdo it as the big 5k approaches.
A lovely swim, great visibility and at last - a measurement!!!
swimmers: sharon, anita, Teresa, Ollie, Pete, alison, Paul, Sara, hildi, stefan, Joan
kayak: Barry
A gasp went round the group. We had never meaasured the buoys before and we stood up to our thighs in calm waters suddenly trying to recall split times of laps getting ready to calculate how fast we actually are. 0.3 miles was the answer. But still this figure is surrounded in debate. I was h8ungry for further detail, tto the nearest 10th of a mile perhaps isn't accurate enough? After making our way to the outer buoy and once regrouping, Barry confirmed it had clicked over to 0.31 almost immediately after leaving the last buoy. Hundreths of a mile I can cope with ! :) so something like 0.309 miles for the circuit. But as they are taken away and returned each year, last years probably didn't measure the same and a change in current and tide affects them every week. At least we are happy we have a reading - THANK you Barry, you have put hours of debate to rest. The distance is 494m. so let it rest.
We stood at the outer buoy - even weirder - sea perfectly calm we could see in the distance worthing. It was so clear and still. as there was such a mixed group we decided to do different things. The majority went East to a new buoy we haven't visited before. about 300 m away we all cruised through the still sea watching for signs of life below. I did see a fish and not a tiny one, but my knowledge of species etc is right up there with who won america's got talent so I'm afraid I can't share it with you.
Heading back we regrouped and headed in, not wanting to overdo it as the big 5k approaches.
A lovely swim, great visibility and at last - a measurement!!!
swimmers: sharon, anita, Teresa, Ollie, Pete, alison, Paul, Sara, hildi, stefan, Joan
kayak: Barry
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