The new arrangement underfoot has meant that recently, SSF swims have had to mesh with the tide and for the past few weeks, this has meant either all or nothing. Consequently, when Pete scanned the tables, consulted Yahoo Weather and Magic Seaweed for today - it looked prettymuch perfect for an attempt at Rottingdean.Emma was feeling a little under trained for the event. Ollie was silent on the matter so it left just Hildi & Pete to give it a go. In the event, after both having just completed the Brighton Marathon, fear of cramp and uncertainty about water temp prevailed and the pair decided to do an out & back instead. Whilst Joan, Emma & Ollie did the normal SSF thing in cossies, wetsuited the remaining pair struck out west.
After the usual initial shock of cold water on the face, things settled down, Pete worrying about marathon tiredness, clung to the shore whilst Hildi went for croissants. You'd think that not using legs whilst swimming would mean that the rest of the body could get on with the business at hand but both felt the effects of the weekend in their bodies and after a little over 10 mins, decided to turn back. The rising sun on fogged goggles made navigating the return leg somewhat problematic with Pete almost swimming into the rock groyne but both made it back without incident, the tide level being perfect for Pete to exercise his first groyne dive of the year.
Back on land with hot water showers outside and tea inside, all felt at ease with the world and resolutions made to get to Rotters on the next high tide.Swimmers: Joan, Emma, Ollie, Hildi, Pete
Swim time: Joan, Emma, Ollie - 10 mins Hildi, Pete (wetsuited) 21 mins
Air temp: 7 degrees
Sea temp: 10 degrees (double figures!)
Sea: Welcome back
