Mind over matter

Thick snow on the stones, bitterly cold air temperature and much soul-searching as whether getting into the sea was a good idea. I arrived on my bike, impossible to drive in these conditions. Joan was waiting on the beach for an accomplice. I duly obliged, but decided it was far too cold to even take my coat off, let alone venture into the wet stuff. Joan had no such inhibitions, and true to form just headed in. I winced, paced around the beach, hoping some sensation would return to my fingers and toes, waiting for Joan to finish her swim. Feeling somewhat cowardly, I decided to go in after all. Actually the sea  temperature was a lot warmer than the air, the effect was a bit like getting into a hot bath in a cold bathroom. Nice whilst you are in there, bit getting out is unpleasant. After a few minutes I decided to call it a day, honour had been preserved, no need for martyrdom. Joan was on hand to supply mince pies, it certainly helped. We trekked back through the snow, following our earlier footprints. This will take some beating.

Time: In 7:42, Out 7:49.

Swimmers: Joan and Paul C

(written by Paul)

The snow arrives - about 2 months too early !

The Steel Woman event

Joan in the sea ...

... Joan still in the sea

 Paul looking for a reason - any reason - not to go in

Sea Swim Fitness is 6 months old - and I am still here !

Swimming in the snow

It doesn't get any better than this. Stones covered in snow, a dull cloudy sky, a gentle east wind and a calm grey-blue sea that invited us all to test our mettle. Even the mighty Joan did not arrive in her usual blue dressing gown - it was going to be a cold one. And it was. After a few minutes trying on our brand new Sea Swim Fitness swim hats, we got down to the rather more serious business of getting into the water. Ollie poured some hot water down the inside of our wetsuits to create a tighter seal, but by this time the snow was beginning to come down, so the heat of the water was all too brief. Joan was first in, but then came bounding out just as quickly. This was not a good omen, what chance us mere mortals? But not to worry, it was just to get some gloves, then straight back in. Sara put her hot water bottle away, I took a few photographs just in case we froze into blocks of ice and somebody happened upon us later in the day. Ollie bounded into the water and headed for France, clearly delirious at the sudden drop in temperature. Sara joined him, and finally after much deliberation, so did I. A quick course correction saw us heading off to the groyne on the west side, before swimming back to our starting point on the east. It was the best we could all do, but it was good to get in and swim. Once out, we chatted aimlessly, drank our tea, got changed and then meandered back up the beach whilst promising each other that we would do it again on Friday - maybe. Water temperature: Brass monkeys. Snowing quite heavily as we left.

Time: In 7:40, Out 7:50.

Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Joan and Paul C

(written by Paul)

Paul and Sara

Sara and Ollie

Ollie pouring water into Paul's wetsuit

Club hunk Ollie cooling off

And then there were three

On arguably the coldest day of the year so far, three hardy SSF veterans appeared on the beach to venture into the still and welcoming blue waters of the English Channel. Air temperatures were at a bracing -1C, confirmed by the ice adorning the stones. Brave Joan was first into the water, setting an example for the rest of us. Paul and Sara followed. As it was low tide, there was a reasonable walk out to the deeper water, and whilst conditions were calm with just minimal waves, it was not possible to stay in the water for much more than 10 minutes due to the temperatures. Sara swam out, then back in, then side-to-side between the groynes, with Paul gingerly following behind. We were witnessed by a winter sun climbing deliberately from the clear horizon, Following this, we all called it a day and headed up beach to change and some conversation about contemporary art and the quality of Turner prize applicants. It took our minds away from the icicles that were forming on our noses! Water temperature: 7C.
(Written by Paul)

Time: In 7:38, Out 7:47.
Swimmers: Sara, Joan and Paul C

We're right behind you Joan, about a mile behind you in actual fact!

Birthday cake after a calm swim

After getting kitted up to go in the water (it seems to take longer and longer these days as more layers go on!) we made our way to a low tide coming in quite rapidly. easy to wade out to waist deep and a little breath taking to take the plunge into the deep blue. It is starting to make the face numb now which takes about 5-10 mins to get used to it (or just lose feeling). We swam four lengths of the beach in time to a lovely sunrise, before coming ashore. After hurriedly getting warm dry clothes on we tucked into some birthday cake - many happy returns Joan! A quick discussion took place where we agreed to up the swims to twice a week adding Friday to the morning swims. Maybe we were cold and delirious at the time. :)
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:40, Out 8:00.
Swimmers: Ollie, Paul C, Joan, Sara and Keith

Keith, Ollie, Sara and Joan

Some rough seas and steel women

A shortage of iron-men today. Still, a plucky Joan and steely Sara maintained the SeaSwimFitness tradition and ventured into some extremely rough seas.
(Written by Paul)

Time: In 7:30, Out 7:45.
Swimmers: Sara and Joan

Our first taste of the winter

The time has changed to 0730 now that Winter is heading our way as it is less likely we can stay in the water for the same length of time as previous sessions. The usual suspects arrived on Saltdean beach. Conditions good, low tide, sunny skies but a chilly north wind made its presence felt. Definitely time for wetsuits, gloves and boots, plus a couple of swim hats - except for Joan who shows the rest of us what "Iron Man" really means. Ollie, Sarah, Joan and Paul C headed out, swimming halfway to Rottingdean before returning back.
(Written by Ollie)

Time: In 7:37, Out 7:59.
Swimmers: Sara, Ollie, Joan, Paul C

Ollie, Sara and Joan

Paul, Sara and Joan

So, Keith, how are we getting back in again ... ?

At 0700 four brave souls made their way to a trough in the shingle in the shelter of the west groyne. The wind was westerly blowing at 17mph with big swells , a strong current and one hour away from high tide. It was misty and grey as we watched the waves crash throwing up surf and shingle. Keith, Paul C and sara made their way into the surf and Sara's goggles were swiped off her face; steadied herself and returned to face the fury of the sea. Joan played it safe at the water's edge but was pulled off the shingle and into the surf a couple of times. After approx. 20 minutes Sarah made her way out followed by Keith and then Paul's face appeared in a wall of water and he crashed into the surf fighting his way out. A hot drink was had in the warm morning sunshine. All back safely.
(Written by Joan)

Time: In 7:07, Out 7:29.
Swimmers: Sara, Keith, Joan, Paul C