Pics of places you have swum [Archive]

Wildswimmer

24-09-2006, 08:03 AM

Pete, you are SERIOUSLY odd, but we love you for it!

Aww shucks - it's nice to be appreciated. :)

Meanwhile, here's a pic of "Aquacise" with a vengeance. Earlier this month two of us made the two-mile crossing to Hilbre Island from West Kirby, Wirral - while the tide was still in.

My pal had given me a lift there and refused a contribution towards petrol, so I carried the food, drink and clothing for two on my back - trying to keep it dry! This was halfway across and is about as deep as it got, and we'd timed it so the tide had just turned when we started out. When indulging in this sort of shenanigans a book of tide-tables is a necessity.

Water and air temp were both around 19C, and the intermittent rain and spray weren't a problem as we were both in swim kit. The water may look dirty but isn't. This is the mouth of the Dee estuary and is Grade 1 in terms of water quality - as confirmed by the huge numbers of lugworms in the sands. The waters of Liverpool Bay always look murky because the water is shallow and fast tides stir up sediments. As a result both Dee and Mersey estuaries are quite muddy.

I'm passionate about my sport, and this sort of activity is quite literally, "diff'rent strokes". Just a different aspect of the sport we all love.

Big Nev

24-09-2006, 08:56 AM

Brilliant pictures, Wildswimmer.

I used to live in Crosby. Me and my mates "waded" out to Hilbre Island one summer when I was a teenager. It was a guided "walk" with the coast guard keeping our guide informed about the tide depth and time.

ruthcp

24-09-2006, 09:01 AM

Not quite in the same league but I've swum (badly!!) in both these places!
Brazil and the Bahamas!!!

ruthcp

24-09-2006, 09:01 AM

This was taken on 10th August, from mid-stream in the River Dee in Chester, at Earle's Eye.

Looks amazing!! :)

Wildswimmer

24-09-2006, 08:27 PM

Not quite in the same league but I've swum (badly!!) in both these places!
Brazil and the Bahamas!!!

Oh how I envy you - there's no comparison between the places in your pics and mine. I'd just love to get out of Britain for good - there's nowhere in this country that isn't cold, grey and dreary.

Wildswimmer Pete

Wildswimmer

24-09-2006, 11:35 PM

I've used fairly strong jpeg compression on the pics posted here so as not to use up too much space on the Swimclub server. As a result picture quality is a little degraded. Anyone is welcome to the full-resolution originals should they want them.

Wildswimmer Pete

Alan Rowson

25-09-2006, 07:40 AM

Wildswimmer

25-09-2006, 07:51 AM

What camera are you using? Is it waterproof?

Digital: Sealife ReefMaster DC250 dive camera - waterproof to 200 feet.

35mm: Minolta Weathermatic 350DL - waterproof to 15 feet.

When I have my 35mm films processed I have a CD made at the same time just in case there are any pics worth putting on my website or sharing. I'm one of those Luddites who still think that conventional silver-based "analogue" photography is superior to digital. Anyway I can drool over my swim pics by just picking up my photo album.

Wildswimmer Pete

Leprechaun

25-09-2006, 07:58 AM

Not quite the same persepctive as Wildswimmer Pete but scarcely time to breathe let alone take a pic or two in the water.

This is the Lee River Swim (Race!) in Cork end July this year

Wildswimmer

25-09-2006, 08:17 AM

This is the Lee River Swim (Race!) in Cork end July this year

I'm green with envy. If I'd known the Mersey swim was going to be cancelled I'd have tried to make it to Cork.

Here's a shot taken in the Dee estuary off the Wirral coast while collecting water samples for environmental monitoring. It's taken in a gully, and I'd just waded a good 100 yards in lukewarm, waist-deep mud to get there. My work-gear was - a pair of Speedos and swim-cap.

Alan Rowson

25-09-2006, 08:47 AM

Digital: Sealife ReefMaster DC250 dive camera - waterproof to 200 feet.

35mm: Minolta Weathermatic 350DL - waterproof to 15 feet.

When I have my 35mm films processed I have a CD made at the same time just in case there are any pics worth putting on my website or sharing. I'm one of those Luddites who still think that conventional silver-based "analogue" photography is superior to digital. Anyway I can drool over my swim pics by just picking up my photo album.

Wildswimmer Pete

that sounds like one might expensive camera to be waterproof to that depth.

I have never been in to photography in any big way, more a holiday snapshot person. I have a digital point and quirt camera. But I would agree of all the photos I have seen film is better than digital. My digital is ok for my holiday snaps, but I wouldn't want to get it in or near water.

Steve

25-09-2006, 12:17 PM

Great pics Pete. For what it's worth (and I think I have posted these before):

1. Byron Bay - I did an ocean swim from the beach in the foreground to the main Byron Beach in the distance (about 2.5km)

http://www.pullbuoy.co.uk/australia/images/panoramas/ByronPanorama_sm.JPG

2. Sydney Harbour - I'm just inside the buoy if you look very, very closely ;)

http://www.pullbuoy.co.uk/australia/images/triathlon.jpg

Wildswimmer

25-09-2006, 10:01 PM

These are my summer "training pools", top pic the River Weaver in Frodsham, Cheshire. A bit industrial to starboard, but miles of open countryside to port. An unusually warm river which is regularly tested for water quality.

The second pic is of Hatchmere Lake in Delamere Forest, Cheshire. This is the lake over which was fought the campaign that led to the formation of the River and Lake Swimming Association.

OpenNewbie

26-09-2006, 02:45 PM

Spidey

26-09-2006, 03:51 PM

Sydney Harbour - I'm just inside the buoy if you look very, very closely ;)

Buoy - looks like a line up to go on the banana boat to me!

Leprechaun

26-09-2006, 04:21 PM

Cool pics people.

Ive not got any of my usual traning spot, but i do have a couple of the forth that i sawm :D Oh - note how rather wasted i look in the second one! I have to say tho, its one of those pics where you look much worse than you feel - i was feeling amazing :)

I think I would look and feel pretty wasted if I had had to carry that fire extinguisher (in your second picture?) round with me! The spectators would not make you feel warm, looking at them!
:)

OpenNewbie

27-09-2006, 10:59 AM

I think I would look and feel pretty wasted if I had had to carry that fire extinguisher (in your second picture?) round with me! The spectators would not make you feel warm, looking at them!
:)

lol, what can i say, i enjoy the challange! I dont think it was the warmest day, was raning all morning and when we started you could not see the other side! Anyway, here are a couple of pics i found on the net of my swimming grounds.

P.S. I have no idea who the randoms are!

Brick

28-09-2006, 03:35 PM

I'm seriously jealous. Though while when I was young my family swum in "wild water" all the time, it's been decades since I have. When my swimming improves I'm hoping to do it again. Here are some places I have swum.

Kare Kare beach. And lots of other places on the west coast of Auckland, New Zealand.

http://www.karekarebeachlodge.co.nz/big_popup_photos/beach-la-trobe.jpg

Fitzroy beach
http://www.toa.co.nz/graphics/New%20Plymouth/fizt%2004.jpg

Lake Pupuke. I'm told that there are "water quality issues" these days. I wonder if the water is any different or if people's perceptions have changed. Certainly I remember having to avoid the floating mats of algae and the like. This is a volcanic crater lake.

http://www.danzl.at/hannes/nzl2/2888837IMG.jpg

Lots of small pools, particularly at the bases of waterfalls in the Waitakere ranges. None that I remember were quite this big, but I'm unlikely to find pictures.

http://www.waitakereranges.org.nz/index_files/wfall.jpg

Waikato River, further upstream where it's smaller than this.

http://www.virtualoceania.net/newzealand/photos/cities/hamilton/nz0166.jpg

Hot water beach. In a thermal area, so if you dig a big hole in the sand, it fills with water hot enough to make a warm salt water bath.

http://www.hotwaterbedandbreakfast.co.nz/images/beachpeople.jpg

nickcooney

05-10-2006, 12:28 PM

The Cork Masters swimming club organise a full season of shenanigans down in Kinsale.

This shot taken as we did reconnaisance prior to swim, which didn't go round the island due to fairly hairy conditions, but a great - and slightly hairy - swim down the estuary nontheless.

Does anybody know about anymore UK events this year?

Great to find this forum!

GettingFaster

05-10-2006, 01:54 PM

Great pic, Nick, and many warm welcomes. You'll find lots of like-minded (for that read stark, staring bonkers) people on here. :wave:

Bully

05-10-2006, 02:35 PM

It Wasn't So Bad Until I Weee'd In The Pool

589

Wildswimmer

05-10-2006, 02:42 PM

CRASH!!!!!!......another thread falls into the gutter :joker:

By the way, Bully, if it's that colour and quantity I'd suggest a rather urgent visit to your GP (vet?) may be in order.

On a more serious note, isn't it a scandal we can't swim anymore in Bath's Roman baths? Yet another victory for the anti-swimming Health and Safety Gestapo. :(

Wildswimmer Pete

Brick

05-10-2006, 06:01 PM

On a more serious note, isn't it a scandal we can't swim anymore in Bath's Roman baths? Yet another victory for the anti-swimming Health and Safety Gestapo. :(

What's the story behind this one?

Wildswimmer

05-10-2006, 06:56 PM

My impression of what happened:

Swimming took place regularly in the Roman Bath until the mid Seventies, when it was stopped on the grounds of some organism or other being found in the water. An organism that had no doubt been present during the centuries the bath had been in existence without causing any large scale epidemic of something nasty.

I don't believe a word of it. I suspect that some suit-collar-and-tie wearing tinpot little bureaucratic dictator intended to stop all that naked (OK swimsuit clad) cavorting in the pool, and as is usual, closed it to swimming on (spurious) "Health and Safety" grounds - always a good excuse to stop anything. Because of course, if there was a risk to health, all they needed to do was chlorinate the water. The offending organism was some sort of amoeba, not chlorine-resistant cryptosporidium. Anyway, I don't make a habit of drinking the water I'm swimming in - and after reading the "peeing in the pool" thread I'm even less convinced that "normal" public swimming pools are all that clean.

No, I believe some little Hitler wanted swimming in the Roman Bath stopped, on whatever pretext he could find.

Any resident of Bath able to shed any more light on the subject?

Note to City of Bath Council: If you opened the Roman Bath for swimming I'd be down there like a shot spending my money. As no doubt would many other water-lovers. I'm not interested in visiting that sad glass-and-plastic replacement that's not even open yet, despite being years overtime and millions overbudget.

What would I do with all the Health and Safety industry? Invite them all to a huge H&S conference at RoSPA headquarters, then nuke the place. :rocket:

The world would be a much happier place without them. Sad little people who can't stand seeing others take part in activities they themselves don't have the bottle to take part in. Why am I so bitter? Because RoSPA is the main driving force behind official attempts to stamp out open water swimming in England and Wales. They have little or no influence in Scotland thanks to Scots law's "Right to Swim".

Wildswimmer Pete

Wildswimmer

12-10-2006, 07:31 PM

This was taken today in the Dee estuary at Thurstaston, Wirral. It does look rather Autumnal but despite it being mid-October, water temp was a somewhat surprising 15.9C (60F). Pic and temp reading taken at slack high water, so the estuary was full of Irish Sea water from Liverpool Bay.

The strange light is partly down to the weather conditions, and partly due to my dive camera's exposure being a little confused by direct sunlight - it is designed more for use underwater. The lens window was also spattered with water droplets, mud and salt.

It may look cold but it wasn't. I was fully immersed in just my swimming trunks. The opposite coast is North Wales, across five miles of deep, cold grey water. Luvvverly!!!!! :thumb:

ruthcp

12-10-2006, 08:42 PM

Ok, you've spurred me on Wildswimmer - here are a couple more!

First is a place called Maitencillo (Chile), the water here gets the Humboldt Current, and is therefore SO cold your feet go numb after only a few minutes!!
Second is in the Docklands (Blackwall Basin), where I actually fell in while boating so didn't really mean to 'swim' (!!) :king:

OpenNewbie

12-10-2006, 10:12 PM

hehe, nice pics :)

I jumed in the sea today, first time ive properly swam in the sea for a long time. Was at YellowCraig beach, pic attached. I need to get a digital camera so i dont have to keep attaching random pics from the net.

Waves were rather big today, felt amazing as they go over you!! Anyway, as it was rather nippy was only in for 20mins or so, with a run inbetween to warm up. :)

ruthcp

13-10-2006, 06:08 AM

Looks great OpenNewbie - where is this place? :read:

Wildswimmer

14-10-2006, 07:17 PM

This was a very autumnal Hatchmere, taken today while I was bare-skin in water at around 14C.

OpenNewbie

15-10-2006, 04:03 PM

ruthcp - YellowCraig Beach, its just north of North Berwick on the A198. It is as nice as it looks. You can see across to Fife way from the Beach :)

Wildswimmer

17-10-2006, 08:35 AM

Another pic of the Mersey at Runcorn, but this time from a muddy gully with the tide fully out. Despite it being mid-October both air and water temp were around 16C (61F).

The lower pic is one of the thigh-deep liquid mud pools. You can see how soft and sloppy it is. Well, marine mud is good for the skin, and it's nice being a big kid when no-one can see you. :)

rubber ducky

17-10-2006, 09:51 AM

apart from swimming pools, I mainly swim in the sea....have tried a few rivers out here and there but have no pictures.....here's one place I have swum....

Wildswimmer

19-10-2006, 04:46 PM

Here's another October shot of the Dee estuary at Thurstaston, Wirral. This was taken in mid-October 2004 with the sun out! It's taken from a 35mm film print.

mirror

19-10-2006, 09:48 PM

Cool!
We've walked the dogs at Thurstaston in the past but never ventured to the beach... think we might all go in the water next time!

selkie

21-10-2006, 02:45 PM

Beach cam for my neck of the swamp:

http://www.destincam.com/

Current water temperature- 75F
Current air temperature- 61F
Today's high air temp will be- 75F

I love fall in these parts.

Wildswimmer

24-10-2006, 04:39 PM

This is the mouth of the Mersey estaury at New Brighton on August 12th. As the day's cross-Mersey swim had been cancelled I decided to have my own personal swim. Conditions were very rough for early August, in fact the red flags were flying. I was only allowed in the water because the lifeguards know me and that I'm not going to take any risks.

The problem at New Brighton is that when there's a combination of high tide and rough conditions, you can be picked up and smashed against the sea wall, then to fall unconscious into several feet of water. I was nearly knocked flying several times when taking these pics, despite having my bare feet firmly planted in the sand. Water temp was nice at 20C.

Wildswimmer

24-10-2006, 04:50 PM

Bully

24-10-2006, 09:04 PM

And this is the upper Mersey estuary at Runcorn, taken from the same spot as the earlier ones but looking the other way towards Warrington. That's Fiddlers Ferry Power Station in the background. This was a hot June day last summer and taken while the tide was in. I'd gone down there to escape both the heat and the wall-to-wall football.

Power station, are you telling me you've now got electricity up North, or does that just generate power to keep us southern softies warm in winter?

Wildswimmer

25-10-2006, 11:25 AM

Power station, are you telling me you've now got electricity up North, or does that just generate power to keep us southern softies warm in winter?

Look carefully and you can see the pylons. Those going towards the left are taking power to the land of whippets, cloth caps and clogs. Those to the right go "dahn Sarf" to softie land. ;) Meanwhile, I'd better shovel some more coke into the boiler otherwise my computer will run out of steam. :king:

Wildswimmer Pete

Bully

25-10-2006, 11:39 AM

Look carefully and you can see the pylons. Those going towards the left are taking power to the land of whippets, cloth caps and clogs. Those to the right go "dahn Sarf" to softie land. ;) Meanwhile, I'd better shovel some more coke into the boiler otherwise my computer will run out of steam. :king:

Wildswimmer Pete

I did notice the pylons I also noticed you have a few trees, or are they big bushes?

Wildswimmer

28-10-2006, 12:10 PM

This was Loch Ness on September 9th 2005. Water temp was 18C (64F) and I spent a happy hour just swimming up and down.

Wildswimmer

31-10-2006, 09:29 PM

Many will have no doubt heard of the "Another Place" display comprised of 100 cast-iron statues on Crosby beach, just north of Liverpool's Seaforth Container Port.

Well I thought I'd boogie on up there and take a look, as well as having a sea dip on yet another exceptionally warm Autumn day. This is one of the many pics I took, looking down into the Mersey with Seaforth's radar tower in centre of view, flanked by one of the six wind turbines that supply power to the dock complex. Very green we are up here. ;)

Pete

31-10-2006, 09:54 PM

http://shutter04.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/03/009/6F/AD/C5/3F/cUd1eZLWKg17LMPLv51Klof9ez8UwYPo015E.jpg
This is my favourite swimming pool spend 3-4 hours a day in there. Not at sunrise though as I am usually just going to bed.
Tolo, Greece.

Wildswimmer

01-11-2006, 10:08 AM

Here's a pic of one of the Iron Men. These are of cast-iron and made from a mould of artists Antony Gormley's naked body. Antony Gormley is famous for his "Angel of the North" sculpture.

The lower pic shows how I was taking them using my dive camera. Thought I'd get some shots of the barnacle encrusted ones from actually in the water.

Incidentally, despite it being the end of October, the water temp was a very respectable 14.5C (58F)!

ruthcp

01-11-2006, 10:30 AM

More great pics Pete and Pete!!

Two more from Cyprus - did I already say it was a great warm weather training camp? :king:
The second one was from the coach, as we were leaving :cry:

ruthcp

01-11-2006, 10:31 AM

Wildswimmer

01-11-2006, 10:46 AM

ruthcp

01-11-2006, 10:49 AM

Crosby is just up the coast from Liverpool, on the Irish Sea just before the mouth of the Mersey. If you look carefully at the top pic, a little to the right of the radar tower and wind turbine, you can just make out the Liver Building on Liverpool's waterfront, about two miles into the river.

Wildswimmer Pete

Ok, I know Crosby (lived in Liverpool for a year or so, Sheil Rd) - I missed you mentioning it! The scuptures weren't there then though!

ruthcp

01-11-2006, 10:53 AM

And I was here (sunny Spain) only 2 weeks ago!! :)
Lovely little bay, the water was ok for me (though I suspect it would have been warm for you Pete!).

Wildswimmer

01-11-2006, 10:56 AM

They've only been there for a couple of years. Sefton Council recently decided to have them removed on the usual spurious health and safety grounds, but the suits had to back down in the face of furious local opposition. :thumb:

Wildswimmer Pete

Bully

01-11-2006, 12:48 PM

Wildswimmer

01-11-2006, 02:18 PM

One of the finest examples of a Northern erection I've ever seen, you all must be very proud???

I've got to be very careful how I answer this or else Linny will have my Speedo-clad rump well and truly planted on the Naughty Stair. :zip:

Shall we say all that cold water had a similar effect on my........er.......man's bits? I'm sure they hadn't dropped into their normal place until I was well on my way home. :)

There's one thing you can say about the Iron Men: they're well 'ard!! :thumb:

Wildswimmer Pete

Pete

01-11-2006, 05:45 PM

It was great to swim here.
http://shutter01.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/04/004/3B/7D/24/82/pDQXvBEMTvg-fUgxS--NXNHmveIqjPuF0300.jpg
You could see all this just swimming around with goggles. The snorkellers were just taken away with the current. Just swimming meant you were in control and saw just as much.
http://shutter01.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/06/00A/7F/37/77/93/ms2Yl34m4ExTDJE3L6l64QzxQCfDQ7oV0300.jpg
Michalmas Cay off Cairns.

gogs

01-11-2006, 05:51 PM

Does this count?

http://static.flickr.com/119/285923462_46f1fe0268_o.jpg

Photo Credit Steve Pullbuoy

Wildswimmer

01-11-2006, 06:15 PM

Does this count?

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=285923462&size=o

Photo Credit Steve Pullbuoy

Of course :thumb: Doesn't have to be outdoors.

Wildswimmer Pete

gogs

01-11-2006, 07:11 PM

Does this count?

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=285923462&size=o

Photo Credit Steve Pullbuoy

I still haven't figured out how to post these so they appear as pictures rather than web links, anyone care to educate me?

Thanks

Gogs

Steve

01-11-2006, 08:28 PM

I still haven't figured out how to post these so they appear as pictures rather than web links, anyone care to educate me?

Thanks

Gogs
I don't think you can because the urls that Yahoo and Flickr use aren't fixed to a file but to a script that retrieves the photo from a database.

Vincent

01-11-2006, 09:22 PM

Martinique Island, May 2005.

Pete

01-11-2006, 10:14 PM

I still haven't figured out how to post these so they appear as pictures rather than web links, anyone care to educate me?

Thanks

Gogs

If you go to your photo on line, right click, click properties and copy the URL from there. Back at the page here; go to the insert image and paste the URL there. Go Preview Post and see if it transfers. I had the same problem with AOL but got past it by using this method. It should work as I went to your photo and you can do it. Thought it better if you try it yourself.

Spidey

01-11-2006, 11:02 PM

Morzine - in the French Alps.

The T Shirt, from New Zealand, reads "To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid"

gogs

02-11-2006, 08:36 AM

If you go to your photo on line, right click, click properties and copy the URL from there. Back at the page here; go to the insert image and paste the URL there. Go Preview Post and see if it transfers. I had the same problem with AOL but got past it by using this method. It should work as I went to your photo and you can do it. Thought it better if you try it yourself.

Nice tip, that works perfectly, thanks Pete!:wave:

Wildswimmer

07-11-2006, 05:18 PM

Thurstaston Shore, Wirral, on a gloriously sunny and mild early November day. In the muddy Dee Estuary just past a high spring tide. Wish the rest of the winter could be like this.

Bully

07-11-2006, 11:18 PM

How on earth did you manage to take this photo of yourself by yourself, mind you I can't quite see your left arm???
Only 3 more to go!!!

Wildswimmer

08-11-2006, 08:54 AM

How on earth did you manage to take this photo of yourself by yourself, mind you I can't quite see your left arm???
Only 3 more to go!!!

I didn't. The pic was taken by a friend who'd run me up there. The "missing" limb was holding my waterproof camera as I was taking a pic myself at the time.

Wildswimmer Pete

Bully

26-11-2006, 11:17 AM

670

Bully

26-11-2006, 11:18 AM

671

Wildswimmer

07-12-2006, 10:10 AM

This was taken 29th October in the Irish Sea at Llandudno. Not at the Promenade but west of the Great Orme, near the Lewis Carroll monument. Behind me is the Conwy Estuary with Anglesey visible in the distance upper right. Water temp was 13.5C

Bully

07-12-2006, 12:34 PM

I might as well be the first to ask Pete, nah I'm not going to...dam it yes I am what were you doing with the left hand?

Dunc

07-12-2006, 01:11 PM

I might as well be the first to ask Pete, nah I'm not going to...dam it yes I am what were you doing with the left hand?

The answer to Wildebeeste's question is an emphatic 'Yes'.

The question was 'Does my bum look big in this?'

Wildswimmer

07-12-2006, 04:36 PM

I might as well be the first to ask Pete, nah I'm not going to...dam it yes I am what were you doing with the left hand?

Well I'm certainly not indulging in auto-eroticism. I'd have a bit of a job in water that cold. :zip: Anyway I'm right-handed, and I don't have one overdeveloped wrist. :) They're (almost) the same size. ;)

Wildswimmer Pete

Taxiandbank

07-12-2006, 05:53 PM

Thurstaston Shore, Wirral, on a gloriously sunny and mild early November day. In the muddy Dee Estuary just past a high spring tide. Wish the rest of the winter could be like this.

Look carefully and you can find dinosaur fossils here!

Wildswimmer

07-12-2006, 06:21 PM

Look carefully and you can find dinosaur fossils here!

Some of the more unkind SwimClubbers may say there's one standing in the water.

Seriously, yes I believe so. However despite spending my childhood nearby, and hours playing on theat beach I nver came across any. Of course that's probably 'cos I wasn't looking for them.

Wildswimmer Pete

Bully

08-12-2006, 06:29 AM

Pete have you noticed how your nose casts a very big shadow?

Dunc

08-12-2006, 06:51 AM

Pete have you noticed how your nose casts a very big shadow?

If you were up all night thinking that one up, it was worth it.
Hilarious.

Wildswimmer

08-12-2006, 09:06 AM

Pete have you noticed how your nose casts a very big shadow?

Just a very low sun, hence the flaring at the top of the pic. This was 3pm on a late October day, and the clocks had gone back the night before.

Wildswimmer Pete

Dunc

08-12-2006, 10:17 AM

Just a very low sun, hence the flaring at the top of the pic. This was 3pm on a late October day, and the clocks had gone back the night before.

Wildswimmer Pete
More likely your nostrils were flaring at the thought of Juicy, hence the great shadow.

Ever thought about buying a clock instead of hiring one? Then it wouldn't have to go back.

Wildswimmer

14-12-2006, 09:35 PM

This was taken whilst up to my chest in the Irish Sea on an exceptionally mild but VERY windy December day. Water temp was 10.5C. Hill in middle distance is Llandudno's Little Orme. Note the spray being whipped back to sea by the off-shore gale (it was as well, I had difficulty walking into it.)

ruthcp

14-12-2006, 11:19 PM

That's a fab photo Pete - looks like a Turner painting!! :king:

Wildswimmer

15-12-2006, 08:59 AM

That's a fab photo Pete - looks like a Turner painting!! :king:

Why thank you Ruth. I was initially disappointed when I saw my shots after downloading from the camera. All that flying spray had spattered the camera's lens window causing that "soft" effect. And in that rough sea even my 100kg bulk didn't stop me from doing cork impressions.

I must admit I'm not happy unless my pics are pin-sharp, bright and heavily colour-saturated.

Wildswimmer Pete

Stevie_k

15-12-2006, 09:40 AM

Pete. That picture makes me shiver just by looking at it.

I think you are comletely nuts god bless you.

Although this sort of swimming certainly appeals to me, just not until summer, then id love to try it (pool is packed to the rafters in the summer anyway).

I have never swam in cold water, i only imagine i will like it because my local pool is alllllways too warm and im constantly moaning about it.

But putting a toe in that would probably change my mind.

Bully

15-12-2006, 09:59 AM

And in that rough sea even my 100kg bulk didn't stop me from doing cork impressions.

Obviously we have no guarantee that you actually went in, normally your pictures include you in the sea...so we will have to assume you can be trusted???

Wildswimmer

15-12-2006, 12:32 PM

Obviously we have no guarantee that you actually went in, normally your pictures include you in the sea...so we will have to assume you can be trusted???

Well it's pretty obvious it was taken from in the sea. Some of my other pics were taken by others who were with me. Yesterday I travelled by rail so was on my own. My avatar was self-taken in a calm R. Weaver, but there's no way I could do that in those seas.

Wildswimmer Pete

Bully

15-12-2006, 01:09 PM

Well it's pretty obvious it was taken from in the sea. Wildswimmer Pete

Oh no it isn't!!!

Spidey

26-12-2006, 07:43 PM

Yes it is me.

broomhillsaved

30-12-2006, 01:06 AM

Well Pete, this is where i used to swim: three or four times a week.
Broomhill closed in the autumn of 2002 so our fight to save it now moves into its fifth year.

PS Loved the Abergele picture; have you seen the Round Ireland Swim website? Don't know if it's still live, but had some stunning pictures on.

broomhillsaved

30-12-2006, 01:17 AM

This is how it looked just before the water was put in for the first time. The souvenir programme for the opening evening on April 30th was intensely practical: describing the thickness of the concrete, the type of flagstones used etc. None of the political correctness rubbish that we get nowadays!

The Mayor was told that a four minute speech would be quite sufficient, so that the new pool could be used straightaway with a water polo match, swimming races, a diving display by the "Lucratics" and so on.

zanshin

30-12-2006, 01:38 PM

What an amazing pool Broomhill lido looks and I wish you every success in your bid to reopen it. I wish that the people of Hull had the same drive and enthusiasm when it came to saving our lidos. In the west of Hull we had a fantastic lido attached to a two pool indoor facility (Albert Ave Baths) and in the East we had a stand alone lido in the East Park, which the council imaginatively named East Park Lido. The East Park Lido closed in 1985. In this year they didn’t heat it and with the poor summer of that year hardly anyone used it. Coincidently, this was the year that the council opened their new indoor leisure pool which was situated on the edge of the park. Obviously they didn’t want people using the lido, and not their new flagship facility, on nice sunny days. The Albert Ave lido is still there but it is used by a kayaking club who, i think, own it privately.

I have many happy memories of both lidos. The Albert Ave lido was where the annual Civic Gala was held (colour image). The East Park Lido (monochrome image), where I work in 1983/84, was an excellent swimming pool 40 yards long surrounded by grass and trees.

PS. In Hull we pronounce it liedo not leedo.

Wildswimmer

30-12-2006, 04:22 PM

Had a 20-min swim today in clean, cold, peaty lake water at 5.6C. It felt like swimming in liquid silk and I felt great afterwards. My swim was timed by the friend who took these pics. This cold-water game is very addictive as I can't wait for the next one, probably next weekend.

Sassy

30-12-2006, 06:02 PM

I see the hat arrived!

Wildswimmer

30-12-2006, 08:32 PM

I see the hat arrived!

Yep, two of them. I ordered red and that eye-wrenching fluorescent pink. And a rather nice pair of Win waterpolo trunks.

Wildswimmer Pete

broomhillsaved

30-12-2006, 11:09 PM

I think you should get a green cap with tentacles Pete and do some spoof pictures - it looks very impressive rising out of the lake like that!

broomhillsaved

30-12-2006, 11:23 PM

Thanks Zanshin for the kind words; the future remains uncertain as Ipswich Borough Council want to build an indoor Olympic pool and close the other two pools in Ipswich (Crown Pools and Fore St Baths) The proposed new indoor pool was going to cost £14 million; by November 2006 this had risen to £21 million and by December £24 million!! The offer for Broomhill is £1million if the Broomhill Pool Trust can raise the other £2 million or attract that sort of funding. Attached is a photo from the Evening Star Feb 2003 - Broomhill is Doomhill; "broom" rhymes with both doom and gloom as you can see: a boon for the pessimistic.

Bully

31-12-2006, 10:21 AM

Wildswimmer

31-12-2006, 11:34 AM

With no flags out how do you know when to tumble?

???????

Wildswimmer Pete

Bully

31-12-2006, 12:46 PM

???????

Wildswimmer Pete

Perhaps you use the position of the sun, or the formation of clouds?

zanshin

31-12-2006, 02:34 PM

This is Runswick Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. In the 80s we used to holiday in the nearby village of Hinderwell and swim in the bay everyday. This isn’t one of my personal pics (haven’t got around to scanning them yet) it is off a website but it is exactly how I remember it. Used to also swim at Sandsend, Port Mulgrave and Staithes.

Wildswimmer

31-12-2006, 03:58 PM

Perhaps you use the position of the sun, or the formation of clouds?

I still don't understand! If I'm in water how can I tumble? And where do I tumble to?

This is Runswick Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. In the 80s we used to holiday in the nearby village of Hinderwell and swim in the bay everyday. This isn’t one of my personal pics (haven’t got around to scanning them yet) it is off a website but it is exactly how I remember it. Used to also swim at Sandsend, Port Mulgrave and Staithes.

I'm droollng with desire into my mug of mulled wine just looking at it. How did they get the North Sea to look that blue?

Wildswimmer Pete

zanshin

31-12-2006, 04:06 PM

Pete

It really was blue sometimes. Some years it was quite murky others it was crystal clear. Some of my personal snaps show the water as being an inviting blue/green. Even the water at Staithes (which I think won this year’s accolade of worst water quality in the UK) was very clear.

Noticed that one of your pics is already on the Hatchmere website - excellent:thumb:

Wildswimmer

01-01-2007, 02:01 PM

Taken from mid-stream in R. Weaver, Frodsham during my New Year celebratory bare-skin swim. The view upstream is considerably more attractive but would have meant shooting directly into the sun. Sorry about water droplets on lens in the middle of the pic but I couldn't remove them as I was wearing clumsy neoprene gloves.

zanshin

01-01-2007, 05:02 PM

This is the river Humber. No I haven't swam in it, swam in the docks that lead off from it when I was a kid. There was a race across the Humber, Hull to New Holland, in the early 20th century. it was won three times 1910, 1912 and 1913 by Irwin Hale, Jack Hale's father (Bully - you know who Jack Hale is now). Another Humber swimmer was Marcus Bibbero (2nd image) a professor of swimming who would swim one mile with his hands tied behind his back and his ankles strapped together. The image shows him just before one of hi Humber swims

broomhillsaved

01-01-2007, 09:19 PM

Have swum here a few times - quite a few feathers from other occupants of the Serpentine!

Photo from the Outdoor Swimming Society site

Dunc

02-01-2007, 12:08 AM

Wildswimmer

02-01-2007, 10:54 AM

Did you have to wear neoprene gloves because you were providing the mid-stream sample, or was it already in the Weaver?

No. like with any cold-acclimatised swimmer my peripheral circulation shuts down in cold water, and my protective fat layer only extends to my wrists and ankles. So if the water's below 10C I wear wetsuit boots and gloves to keep fingers and toes warm. Above 10C I don't need to.

I swim in very cold water for fun (FUN!? a cardinal sin in the eyes of some), because I really enjoy it, and see no reason to turn it into an ordeal.

Wildswimmer Pete

Dunc

03-01-2007, 03:13 PM

No. like with any cold-acclimatised swimmer my peripheral circulation shuts down in cold water, and my protective fat layer only extends to my wrists and ankles. So if the water's below 10C I wear wetsuit boots and gloves to keep fingers and toes warm. Above 10C I don't need to.

I swim in very cold water for fun (FUN!? a cardinal sin in the eyes of some), because I really enjoy it, and see no reason to turn it into an ordeal.

Wildswimmer Pete

Ordeal, you don't know the meaning of the word.
Nothing is more arduous than to be the solitary swimmer at the Guildford Lido, it gets so lonely having such a large pool to oneself.

748

Spidey

03-01-2007, 07:15 PM

Pictures of places I have swam - made the Swimming Times last month and with a picture. Morzine in 2002 and 2003 - some 1000m of altitude training. Apparently I am in EVO car magazine this month as well.

Dunc

04-01-2007, 05:08 AM

Bully

04-01-2007, 01:07 PM

Spidey

04-01-2007, 07:48 PM

Is that you on the slide?

When Mrs A sets a set, the slide is favourable.

e-fitz

07-01-2007, 05:15 PM

finally figured out how to reduce the file size of photos...so here is one of the first wave of swimmers in the Lee Swim 2006. There were 10 starts of around 30 swimmers each for the 2km swim through Cork, plus a slightly tipsy spectator who jumped from a bridge and a seal.

The Leprechaun and I are in there somewhere.....

Dunc

07-01-2007, 08:32 PM

Leprechaun

08-01-2007, 09:41 AM

It looks like you making a fast getaway (on the stairs).

No e-fitz was at the front jockeying for position at the first bridge. I am the one at the back, chasing an old breaststroke rival, nearest the stairs - but in the water!

The pic I have have attached is the finish. It may look a bit chaotic but some are swimming towards the finish while others, having finished, are heading towards the bar in the hotel on the quay.

Leprechaun

11-01-2007, 12:56 PM

The Glorious Tooting Bec Lido - think it was September and 14-16 degrees

The equally glorious Royal Albert Dock from the ASA Open Water Championships in June. Was warm, maybe 17-18 on the day.

The final frontier....(Relay Aug 05)

Spidey

11-01-2007, 07:34 PM

Leprechaun

11-01-2007, 08:01 PM

The top picture - is the Prof shallow - or was the pool shallow?

Prof is OK, dont go winding her up! Chris (the other in the pic) was more shocked than shallow as he did the fly in the 4 x 100 yd (1 length) Medley relay.Fine stroke for 55yds but he then discovered how much you gain from having a wall to grab - or not as it was for another 45 yds in Tooting!

Spidey

11-01-2007, 08:09 PM

Prof is OK, dont go winding her up! Chris (the other in the pic) was more shocked than shallow as he did the fly in the 4 x 100 yd (1 length) Medley relay.Fine stroke for 55yds but he then discovered how much you gain from having a wall to grab - or not as it was for another 45 yds in Tooting!

Just wondering who stands on the "Deep" sign.

Bully

11-01-2007, 11:12 PM

Just wondering who stands on the "Deep" sign.

and who walks on the wild side?

Spidey

11-01-2007, 11:34 PM

and who walks on the wild side?

Shaved his legs and then He was a She, I said Hey Babe, take a walk on the wild sie.

What a great line.

mirror

11-01-2007, 11:40 PM

..In the backroom she was everybodys darling..

Bully

11-01-2007, 11:47 PM

And the colored girls go
Doo, doo doo, doo doo, doo doo doo...

Spidey

11-01-2007, 11:48 PM

Holly came from miami f.l.a.
Hitch-hiked her way across the u.s.a.

Plucked her eyebrows on the way
Shaved her leg and then he was a she
She says, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
Said, hey honey, take a walk on the wild side

Candy came from out on the island
In the backroom she was everybodys darling

But she never lost her head
Even when she was given head
She says, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
Said, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
And the coloured girls go

Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo)

Little joe never once gave it away
Everybody had to pay and pay

A hustle here and a hustle there
New york city is the place where they said
Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
I said hey joe, take a walk on the wild side

Sugar plum fairy came and hit the streets
Lookin for soul food and a place to eat

Went to the apollo
You should have seen him go go go
They said, hey sugar, take a walk on the wild side
I said, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
All right, huh

Jackie is just speeding away
Thought she was james dean for a day

Then I guess she had to crash
Valium would have helped that dash
She said, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
I said, hey honey, take a walk on the wild side
And the coloured girls say

Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)
(doo)

Spidey

11-01-2007, 11:50 PM

And the colored girls go
Doo, doo doo, doo doo, doo doo doo...

And the coloured girls SAY, there so many other "do's" in the song as it is..

Spidey

11-01-2007, 11:53 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4ditCW2TiA
You could always go to Youtube and sing along to the live performance.

mirror

11-01-2007, 11:58 PM

Oh yes, that would make it a perfect day

Spidey

12-01-2007, 07:47 PM

Oh yes, that would make it a perfect day
You know, Lou Reed did not, himself alone, release Perfect Day as a single in the UK - sadly, still all sing along to the wonderful lyrivs.

Just a perfect day
Drink sangria in the park
And then later, when it gets dark, we'll go home
Just a perfect day
Feed animals in the zoo
Then later a movie too, and then home

[Chorus:]
Oh it's such a perfect day
I'm glad I spent it with you
Oh such a perfect day
You just keep me hanging x2

Just a perfect day
Problems all left alone
Weekenders on our own
It's such fun

Just a perfect day
You make me forget myself
I thought I was someone else
Someone good

[Chorus]

You're going to reap just what you sow
You're going to reap just what you sow
You're going to reap just what you sow
You're going to reap just what you sow

Wildswimmer

14-01-2007, 07:58 PM

As long as no-one objects, just to nudge this thread back on-topic.

This was taken at dawn, Sunday 14th January, at Amesbury, Wilts - about 2 miles frm Stonehenge. I got up to find my tent's fly-sheet frozen stiff, with an air temp of just 2.6C. However a mist over the surface of the R. Avon looked just as though the water were steaming, and it fact it turned out its temperature was a mild 8.3C. So off came my clothes, on went the Speedos and garish swim-cap, and in I plunged for a really nice 20-minute swim in clean, slightly milky chalky water. And a stiff current gave me the chance for some serious counter-current work. Don't know what I'm going to do to get my "cold kicks" in a couple of months' time when open water starts warming up.

Sorry about the lighting, but bear in mind this was taken around 8.00am - just before sunrise.

Wildswimmer Pete

NB For those familiar with the area, this is the Lord's Walk.

Dunc

14-01-2007, 08:20 PM

As long as no-one objects, just to nudge this thread back on-topic.

So off came my clothes, on went the Speedos and garish swim-cap, and in I plunged for a really nice 20-minute swim in clean, slightly milky chalky water. Wildswimmer Pete

NB For those familiar with the area, this is the Lord's Walk.
Nudge accepted.
However our paparazzi cameraman secretly took this photo of what you were really wearing.
Now we understand how you keep so warm, and why you float so well.
It's a gas...

781

Spidey

14-01-2007, 08:29 PM

Nudge accepted.
However our paparazzi cameraman secretly took this photo of what you were really wearing.
Now we understand how you keep so warm, and why you float so well.
It's a gas...

781

Brilliant - just brilliant.

Wildswimmer

14-01-2007, 08:33 PM

Dunc - I dread to think what dodgy websites you must be looking at ;)

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

14-01-2007, 08:38 PM

Dunc - I dread to think what dodgy websites you must be looking at ;)

Wildswimmer Pete

Try not to think of them, just enjoy your open water swimming instead.

mirror

14-01-2007, 10:16 PM

That should be your avatar Dunc!!
Love it! (not in a pervy way, but in a .. oh, I ought to shut up now!)

Wildswimmer

15-01-2007, 10:16 AM

Firstly, could I respectfully request that this thread not be used for banter? It is intended to be a gazetteer of beautiful, magical and generally interesting swimming places. Thanks.

Here's another shot, taken during my dawn swim in the Avon, but this time from the water's surface. Hope it conveys the magical experience I was enjoying.

chris_lamb

15-01-2007, 10:41 AM

Wow - that almost makes me want to go out swim in the mornings. Then I remember it must be ***** cold :)

ruthcp

15-01-2007, 10:57 AM

icelolly

15-01-2007, 12:25 PM

you know pete that is the 1st one you have actually looked cold in ( yes i know it was the lighting)

i love these pics please keep posting

ta ice

Spidey

15-01-2007, 08:17 PM

The pool is heated but the atmosphere was cold. This was taken early in the morning before every got changed and came pool side, 24 August 2002.

Spidey

15-01-2007, 08:19 PM

The next day we went into the lake - well some of us did - the other end.. I have had to remove the picture - too many posted and need to on another thread. You are missining me infront of a lake.

Wildswimmer

15-01-2007, 08:46 PM

You can see the pool steaming.

Oh but that lake - I only I were there. (drool, slobber). Never been in a mountain lake 'cos I never go into mountains. Just can't stand heights.

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

15-01-2007, 08:48 PM

You can see the pool steaming.

Oh but that lake - I only I were there. (drool, slobber). Never been in a mountain lake 'cos I never go into mountains. Just can't stand heights.

Wildswimmer Pete

To be honest Pete - the drive up to Morzine was fairly steady. 1000m high and the montains beyond you see are higher. You'd be fine.

wendy

15-01-2007, 09:38 PM

I think I am developing a layer of subcutaneous fat just looking at some of Pete's shots :eek: :eek:

ruthcp

16-01-2007, 01:08 PM

ntvhd

16-01-2007, 02:51 PM

how about this place?
http://files.myopera.com/hau1/albums/188949/image237.jpg

zanshin

16-01-2007, 03:01 PM

how about this place?

It looks excellent. Where is it? Have you swum there?:wave:

Wildswimmer

16-01-2007, 03:41 PM

Didn't actually swim, but paddled - I know it's not impressive Pete, but it was VERY cold even just doing that! Obviously the fat in my ankles is not the right type!! :eek:
Taken on Sunday in Swansea, near the Mumbles.

According to Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, the sea surface temp around South Wales is still 10-11C, so I'd have got away without having to wear boots and gloves. Below 10C I have to as my own fat layer doesn't extend past my wrists and ankles. Must admit I've always liked paddling in the sea at any time of the year, but from now on I can go in all the way!

For what it's worth, the surface temp in Liverpool Bay has started rising despite it being only mid-January. However looks as though there may be a mini cold snap first half on next week.

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

16-01-2007, 11:05 PM

22 July 2006 - my first open water swim bbrr - Eastbourne. I gave everyone a head start and reckon I was there in the top 20 at the end. Guess which one is me?

Wildswimmer

16-01-2007, 11:14 PM

Fabulous shot Pete - really atmospheric!!!

This was how it was taken

Wildswimmer

16-01-2007, 11:27 PM

22 July 2006 - my first open water swim bbrr - Eastbourne. I gave everyone a head start and reckon I was there in the top 20 at the end. Guess which one is me?

The one with the harlequin pants? That water looks really inviting.
Can't think why some are wearing wetsuits - water temp must be at least 20C at that time of the year. Especially during the record heat of July 2006.

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

16-01-2007, 11:33 PM

The one with the harlequin pants? That water looks really inviting.
Can't think why some are wearing wetsuits - water temp must be at least 20C at that time of the year. Especially during the record heat of July 2006.

Wildswimmer Pete

Must admit, that when I saw the number in wet suits I thought that the water would be really cold. 2.2 miles later it was not. Yes that is me in the black and yellow.

Spidey

17-01-2007, 07:59 PM

Had fun with photoshop - what do you think.

ruthcp

17-01-2007, 11:24 PM

I love photoshop! Here's your photo back!!

Spidey

19-01-2007, 11:33 PM

Here is another - makes the picture alter so much.

EssBee

20-01-2007, 11:45 AM

Spidey

20-01-2007, 12:17 PM

I feel as if I now know Spidey's back rather well - and that's not just from standing behind him at the start of a race in Guernsey!

(Sorry Wildswimmer - I don't post very often, please be kind to me.)

EssBee
:wave:

Aahh, Guernsey, now that is somewhere I have swam. SB, if you have seen my back at the start you must either be an official or a quicker swimmer than I am - and there are quite a number of them.
Please note the "I love the Boss" cap - thanks linny.

Wildswimmer

20-01-2007, 01:08 PM

I feel as if I now know Spidey's back rather well - and that's not just from standing behind him at the start of a race in Guernsey!

(Sorry Wildswimmer - I don't post very often, please be kind to me.)

EssBee
:wave:

Don't worry, I'm quite nice really. :wave: It's just that I was very disappointed by the nonsense posts a couple of pages back. The subject of this thread means a lot to me. Your post is very relevant so no problem.

Wildswimmer Pete

Wildswimmer

22-01-2007, 04:19 PM

Had a nice swim today in glorious winter sunshine, in a small lake halfway up Winter Hill, in the village of White Coppice. Winter Hill was living up to its name with a light dusting of snow starting just a few hundred feet up from where I was swimming. Water temp was a refreshing 5.2C - a little higher than I'd expected.

Spidey

22-01-2007, 07:22 PM

Had a nice swim today in Water temp was a refreshing 5.2C - a little higher than I'd expected.

Now that is almost freezing.

Bully

22-01-2007, 11:49 PM

Wildswimmer

23-01-2007, 08:56 AM

I'm interested to know do you jump in or wade in slowly, I'll be honest if someone was holding a gun to my head, I don't think I could walk in to that water slowly, it would have to be a jump, and then out as fast as possible, but it would definitely take a gun (with real bullets) to get me in there in the first place!

Snipped from my "Winter Swimming" webpage:

"Never jump or dive into water below 15C (59F). Always wade or lower yourself in - this gives your body time to switch into "cold mode".

Avoid having cold water enter your nose. There is very little bone between the nasal cavity and your brain, and chilling the brain can result in cold shock."

I always wade in unless the water temp is at least in the 60sF (ie above 15C). And when swimming in seriously cold water forget the crawl. Head-up breast-stroke is the order of the day so you don't chill your head. And don't forget that all-important swim-cap.

As for actually doing it, cold-hardening is only down to training. If a 56 year old who's had a heart problem can do it, so can anybody. As I've said in another thread, many put a lot of effort into perfecting their stroke and paring milliseconds off their times. I just chose another form of training that suited my state of health, build, and temperament. Which also gave me the opportunity to give two fingers to the Health and Safety merchants and other so-called "experts" with their ridiculous claims that "cold water kills".

Wildswimmer Pete

cougar

23-01-2007, 05:13 PM

Fair play to you on that 5 degrees. I know what lakes feel like in summer never mind bl###y winter. Im still doing those icy showers, and the pain in my head takes some handling (been totally bald). Funny though my torso i think is getting used to it..

Wildswimmer

29-01-2007, 12:14 AM

A late January swim in Cheshire's River Weaver in its valley between Acton Bridge and Frodsham. Water very clean, soft and muddy, temperature 5.8C. The current was brisk, possibly due to snow melt in the Derbyshire Peaks where the Weaver's main tributary, the Dane, rises.

Leprechaun

04-02-2007, 07:54 PM

London Serpentine - Saturday 3rd Feb and water temperature 38 to 39 degrees in old money. I leave the pedants to work out the Celsius suffice to say you dont really want to do anything other than swim like mad. The Serps Club are as mad as I have met. They organise races, handicapped starts on times achieved so everyone stands a chance of winning. The best bit is talking to bemused tourists out for a pre-breakfast walk.

This pic is one from their website collection from yesterday, mercifully no-one caught me on camera otherwise my mum would now be over here ensuring I never did it again

Wildswimmer

04-02-2007, 08:15 PM

I'd have given my eye teeth to have been able to take part. :cry:

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

10-02-2007, 03:27 PM

The cap

Leprechaun

13-03-2007, 06:33 PM

46 degrees 110 yds scratch race.

I am in the yellow hat (Cork SC Lee Swim hat) towards the far end of the line of starters and NO I am not the eejit in the green Borat costume. There are worse (ie post-watershed viewing only) shots of the costume on:

http://www.serpentineswimmingclub.com/

Spidey

13-03-2007, 11:46 PM

Frightening.:clear:

Wildswimmer

03-04-2007, 07:32 PM

Spent Monday out and about with a friend delivering a lorry to Dereham in Norfolk, then returning with another. On the way back through Lincoln I was drooling at the sight of a limpid green River Witham but we couldn't stop - you can't stop and park up a bin lorry just anywhere.

However on the A57 out of Lincoln we came to the toll bridge across the River Trent at Dunham-on-Trent. On the far side was a parking space and an easily reached river bank. My pal needed a break after several hours' driving so he didn't need much persuading to park up for a bit. He had is rest and I had my wicked way with the river. Water temp was just over 10C and it looked, felt and smelt pretty clean. Nice colour as well. Access was difficult through mud and rocks so not really suitable for any but the most determined. What looked to be vicious currents was choppiness caused by the stiff breeze - the current was almost imperceptible.

gogs

04-04-2007, 08:25 AM

This picture pre-dates me by quite a few years, but it is a place I have swum a a kid with the old Granta SC in in Cambridge. A yearly race through the centre of the town starting at the Mill Pond (in the picture) and finishing at Jesus Green (by our 100yd outdoor lido) and passing through the various cambridge colleges on the way.

Wildswimmer

04-04-2007, 08:38 AM

Nice one Gogs :thumb: Keep 'em coming. You never know, once we get the H&S Gestapo off our backs (and we will) such scenes may well again become a reality!

Meanwhile, you'll no doubt recognise this:

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/wildswimmer007/lido1.jpg

Wildswimmer Pete

gogs

04-04-2007, 11:29 AM

Yes, indeed I do recognize it. You were or whoever took the picture obviously got to the pool on a good day when the water quality was good. It's run by the same good people who run the indoor pool that I train in, which has some many problems.

Talk of health and safety. Half way down the right hand side of the pool where you see the steps there used to be a very nice set of diving boards. You can see them in the attached photo. I'll try and find some better pictures

Brick

13-04-2007, 10:59 AM

Or pictures of places I have waded, though Wildie said some time ago that these could be posted too.

This is the river Biam, a few days ago. The first picture is of a small pool-ish bit near a bridge. This is apparently where the local kids jump off the bridge into the too-shallow water.

The second and third are the area that I think is what "Cool Places" describes as "the tree". Though the tree has seen better days. But I think upstream and downstream of the tree would just be swimmable.

The swans in the last picture didn't take to sharing the water, and closed in on me and hissed when I tried to get in. Though, throwing a bit of bread downstream was a successful diversion.

Wildswimmer

14-04-2007, 10:28 PM

These are a couple of pics taken during a combined RNLI and Coastguard mud-rescue drill on a mudbank in the Mersey near New Brighton. These are the guys who would come pull you out if you became stuck in deep mud anywhere around the Mersey or Dee estuaries.

First pic: the RNLI hovercraft being used to access "victim" who is being rescued by personnel kneeling on special mats to spread their weight.

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/wildswimmer007/mudrescue1.jpg

Second pic: The "victim" has been pulled out of the mud and placed on this sledge thingy, which is being winched across the mud.

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/wildswimmer007/mudrescue2.jpg

I was actually thigh-deep in the stuff while taking these pics, but I was in bare feet and cozzie. I was quite hot so all those lads must have been stewing in their drysuits.

I had to laugh - when I first waded out into the mud some smartarse onlookers sniggered "ooh look, he's stuck!". Unfortunately I disappointed them as I can look after myself in deep mud, and waded in and out several times without getting stuck. I felt privileged at being allowed so close to the action.

Incidentally, only last week they'd had to rescue a horse from deep mud in the Dee estuary at Thurstaston. And it IS deep there - guess how I know ;)

Wildswimmer Pete

zanshin

15-04-2007, 08:35 AM

Swam here last Thursday (12 April) with the sharks and stingrays at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in Florida. It was fantastic. Also it was very refreshing as the water was kept at 68 degrees, a lot cooler than the water in the other pools at the park. Also the air temp was in the high 80s! This is not an actual photo taken on the day I was at the park. This was a bit of a bonus as we were originally going to Blizzard Beach but it was full to capacity when we arrived so Typhoon Lagoon was our second choice.

Stevie_k

15-04-2007, 09:42 AM

oh wow, that looks fantastic zansh. So you enjoyed your holiday i take it.

Looks pretty shallow. Good for improving high elbow :)

I wouldnt do it though. I have no desire to share the water with anything other than humans. Im staying OFF the menu!

Bully

15-04-2007, 09:53 PM

I have no desire to share the water with anything other than humans.

MY BOY SWIMMING WITH THE DOLPHINS, ARE YOU SURE YOU WOULDN'T SWIM WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN HUMANS STEVIE???

906

907

AND THE OLYMPIC TRAINING POOL IN MALTA, HOPE THIS COUNTS, I KNOW I DIDN'T TRAIN IN IT I DID COACH THERE (I'M THE FAT B*****D ON THE RIGHT, AND AT THE FAR END YOU CAN SEE THE HIGH DIVING POOL WHICH WAS STILL BEING FINISHED, SO SADLY I DIDN'T GET CHANCE TO PERFORM MY DOUBLE TWIST WITH A PIKE!!!
JUST AS WELL AS THERE WAS ONLY ONE PERSON IN THE CROWD SO THE MEXICAN WAVE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING AS WELL!!!

rubberduckie

16-04-2007, 02:55 AM

There are some very nice fotos here but I would not be thinking of swimming. .
That dolphin foto reminds me of my favourite quote on new age therapies.. "Unfortunately there a lot of people in Britain with mental illness & not many dolphins".'

Stevie_k

16-04-2007, 07:57 AM

I'M THE FAT B*****D ON THE RIGHT!!!

Thats a bit harsh Bully...your not a b*****d!

And there is no need to shout. caps lock broken?

That does look awesome with the dolphin. But a captive dolphin, cheating a bit. I once went on a boat trip in southern ireland to see a dolphin that swims around the shore, and yes it was nice but i would not jump in and start swimming with it. Too big, and just in case it was a are rare breed of shark dolphin or something.

In reguards to the diving, i thought that you would give peter kay a run for his money on 'top bombing'.

That looks like a great facility you were at, id love that. 50 meters pools are sooooo nice (but harder to compete in imo)

Leprechaun

23-04-2007, 03:16 PM

Hayling Island - Lido Legends outing to the beach this weekend just past. 11.9C and 12.3C on respective days, but try to be there when e-fitz is cooking soup and also wear a bright fluorescent hat otherwise they may just call the coastguard if you dont show up for soup....

However, as they say, we counted them all out and aside from a few minor appendages, we counted them all back in.

Leprechaun

04-05-2007, 02:54 PM

Starting our six hour swim in the bay behind Fungus Rock (2nd pic) in Gozo. Water was 16C. The onshore wind did make it a big of a struggle towards the end but the jellies hadnt found their way in, although an unfortunate rabbit had met a salty end in the bay. Bay was more or less circular, about 1km all the way round and I think those of us in the front group clocked 18 revolutions...Would be remiss to forget the tremendous organisation of the SwimTrek organisation

Speedy Gonzalez

05-05-2007, 06:20 AM

Wow, that looks fantastic!

You mentioned it was organised by SwimTrek. I'm very tempted by their offers, and I know they do some swims in England too. What is your opinion of them? Worth investigating further?

Stevie_k

05-05-2007, 07:04 AM

I agree speedy. That looks really really good fun. Id love to do that, although that temperature would likely do me in quite quickly.

Spidey

05-05-2007, 10:07 AM

an unfortunate rabbit had met a salty end in the bay.

Lunch?

Speedy Gonzalez

05-05-2007, 12:10 PM

[QUOTE=Leprechaun;86118]although an unfortunate rabbit had met a salty end in the bay.

Last year I was swimming in a rather dirty river estuary and my hand brushed against something. Thinking it was some leaves or a branch, I looked. It was a dead cat.

Brick

12-05-2007, 10:22 AM

I don't have my own photo of King Lear's lake sorted out yet, though there may be one on the hard drive somewhere.

In the meantime I'll borrow this picture from the paddlepaws.org website, since as of this morning, this is a place that I have swum.

Not having a wetsuit, I didn't get to swim all the way around the lake like some of the others from the LTC, but that's something to look forward to in the future.

http://paddlepaws.org/Images/pic78.JPG

Brick

15-05-2007, 07:58 AM

Going way back in time, here's a photo of a place where we went to on a family holiday when I was in my early teens. Blue Lake, near Rotorua, New Zealand.

http://www.rdc.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/EE56DD31-7622-4763-AF7B-BFCCEDB40502/0/BlueSW5250.jpg

So here we have a picture of a lake with people swimming in it, on a government sponsored (it appears) web site. Bit different from here isn't it.

Edit: This is also the only place where I have been water skiing. On that holiday I went around the lake quite frequently. Knowing what it feels like to fall off at speed, I can't see why nobody says boo to waterskiing here on safety grounds, while swimming is banned.

Leprechaun

16-05-2007, 02:09 PM

I agree speedy. That looks really really good fun. Id love to do that, although that temperature would likely do me in quite quickly.

For Stevie-K and Speedy G, Swimtrek's organisation is great and others I know would also recommend it. The course I was on was geared specifically at Channel training and also at the expected July temperature too, hence early May in the Med.

But if you were to go for their "holidays" you get to swim in much warmer water during the Med Summer. There isnt a do or die mentality either, you can get out on to the boat when you have had enough on any given swim and they do have wetsuits for the wusses that need them...

But go look at their website and see what you think - you really would enjoy them. Swimming between the greek islands - sounds great to me.

happySwimmer

18-05-2007, 02:58 PM

Starting our six hour swim in the bay behind Fungus Rock (2nd pic) in Gozo. Water was 16C.

Hi Leprechaun

I know this swim is primarily intended for those training for a channel swim. But did anyone in your group do it in a wetsuit? I'd really like to have a go at swimming for 6 hours. However at that temperature and without a wetsuit, I'm getting hypothermic after an hour or so, and as well as slowing to the pace of a snail I then get rude and aggressive (or so I'm told).

I can confirm that swimming around the Greek Islands is as great as it sounds (better even!) but the moving from one hotel to another every day is a bit of a pain.

Wildswimmer

18-05-2007, 03:09 PM

However at that temperature and without a wetsuit, I'm getting hypothermic after an hour or so, and as well as slowing to the pace of a snail I then get rude and aggressive (or so I'm told).

Irritability is one sure sign of the onset of hypothermia. Sounds like you need to do some cold-acclimatisation training as well as adapting your diet to one more suited to cold conditions. There's no need to go all the way or else you'll end up with a physique like mine :eek: Not only fairly (OK very) unsexy but completely unsuited to competitive pool swimming.

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

18-05-2007, 03:23 PM

At Guernsey this year just as the open water swim was due to commence a sea mist rolled in. I did not swim - these fools did. And when I can get the attachments to work I'll add a picture.
Done - here it is.

Leprechaun

18-05-2007, 04:34 PM

Hi Leprechaun

I know this swim is primarily intended for those training for a channel swim. But did anyone in your group do it in a wetsuit? I'd really like to have a go at swimming for 6 hours. However at that temperature and without a wetsuit, I'm getting hypothermic after an hour or so, and as well as slowing to the pace of a snail I then get rude and aggressive (or so I'm told).

I can confirm that swimming around the Greek Islands is as great as it sounds (better even!) but the moving from one hotel to another every day is a bit of a pain.

No one used a wetsuit though I guess anyone could have if they had wanted to, but clearly this would not have been in line with our objectives for going. I think its a case of building up as Pete suggests. You have to learn how to relax the mind when you are so far out from shore, no turns to worry about etc and keep telling yourself that you'll be there when you get there. Most of us went there after some fairly heavy distances indoors so that would be part of the build-up, not just throwing yourself into cold water from time to time.

I learnt fairly quickly that you can regulate your temperature by your stroke rate and funny enough we tended to get colder when conditions were more benign. When you are working hard through more lumpy waters you dont tend too feel cold. However it is important that you are taking in energy drink ("Maxim") on such a long swim as this provides more fuel to keep you going.

...There's no need to go all the way or else you'll end up with a physique like mine :eek: Not only fairly (OK very) unsexy but completely unsuited to competitive pool swimming.

Wildswimmer Pete

Speak for yourself Wildie!!

Wildswimmer

21-06-2007, 10:29 PM

Thought I'd unashamedly bump this thread to the top again in case some of our newer members weren't aware of it and had some pics to post.

I haven't been anywhere new this summer although I hope to have some pics of new swims later in the season.

C'mon everyone. Let's see some pics of your sea/lido/lake/river/indoor pool swims!

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

21-06-2007, 10:52 PM

I'm up to my picture limit, so no postings from me.

Speedy Gonzalez

22-06-2007, 12:59 PM

How do I get rid of photos that I have got stored? I can't put any more photos in as I am told I haven't got enough space?

Wildswimmer

22-06-2007, 03:05 PM

I'm up to my picture limit, so no postings from me.

How do I get rid of photos that I have got stored? I can't put any more photos in as I am told I haven't got enough space?

Two possible solutions:

a.) Ask Chris to increase your allowance

and/or

b.) Host the pics on your own webspace - some of mine are.

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

23-06-2007, 09:08 AM

Two possible solutions:

a.) Ask Chris to increase your allowance

and/or

b.) Host the pics on your own webspace - some of mine are.

Wildswimmer Pete

Re b? This seems to technical to me, any assistance would be gratefully received.

Brick

23-06-2007, 09:42 AM

Re b? This seems to technical to me, any assistance would be gratefully received.

http://photobucket.com/tips

There are other, similar, services.

Edit: Non watery place picture removed.

Dover Swimmer

26-06-2007, 01:31 PM

I mainly swim here
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/njoyce/IMGP0485.jpg
(Dover harbour)

and here
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/njoyce/gallery_003.jpg
(lake in Datchet)

broomhillsaved

26-06-2007, 10:19 PM

The BBC are running their Photographer of the Year competition and anyone can enter, e-mailing to yourpics@bbc.co.uk

Different themes are proposed with the word "Blue" being the theme until 8th July. I'll go back to the site and get the URL, but certainly some of the pictures in this thread would make wonderful entries.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6723211.stm

Themes: Blue
Hidden (deadline 22nd July)
Concentration (deadline 5th Aug) etc etc

Be sure to put Photographer of the Year and the Theme in the Subject of any "yourpics" e-mails.

Wildswimmer

27-06-2007, 10:05 AM

Yipee........this thread has made 10,000 views, and in less than 12 months! :thumb: :cheers: :joker: :flash:

Wildswimmer Pete

broomhillsaved

27-06-2007, 10:49 AM

23rd Sept 2006 Pete - 10,000 hits in nine months!!
Think your first photo would be a great entry for the BBC comp. under the theme of "Blue".

broomhillsaved

27-06-2007, 10:55 AM

Broomhill Pool - by free lance journalist Adele Chaplin.

Brick

27-06-2007, 03:35 PM

We have real porn, property porn, motoring porn, and other types. Is the success of this thread basically an indication that this is "open water porn"?

zanshin

27-06-2007, 03:40 PM

We have real porn, property porn, motoring porn, and other types. Is the success of this thread basically an indication that this is "open water porn"?

Should that be OPORN water?:)

Wildswimmer

27-06-2007, 04:36 PM

23rd Sept 2006 Pete - 10,000 hits in nine months!!
Think your first photo would be a great entry for the BBC comp. under the theme of "Blue".

I might just do that. However the pic posted here is fairly heavily compressed to keep the file size down. I'd submit the high-res original.

Wildswimmer Pete

FlyingBean

05-08-2007, 11:09 AM

Whilst not quite as flat as some of the other wonderful places, the English Channel at dawn is hard to beat. Shipping lane on the horizon, swimmer in the foreground.

Leprechaun

05-08-2007, 09:47 PM

Some from out there yonder!
Lots more but mostly of me being covered in vaseline and I think I can get premium prices for limited access!

Swimdad

06-08-2007, 12:33 PM

Lake Linear 1.jpgHere is a pic of me and my boy messing about in Lake Linear in Georgia (you can probably tell who is the serious swimmer!). The Olympic rowing centre is a mile down the lake from where we were splashing about. Pete would have been uncomfortable as the lake temp was 85F, according to the locals this is about 5 degrees colder than usual for this time of year!

Swimdad

06-08-2007, 12:35 PM

Help!! Obviously gone wrong here! As a complete technophobe, how do I get the forum to display the pic? :confused:
Thanks
Swimdad

Brick

06-08-2007, 12:43 PM

Help!! Obviously gone wrong here! As a complete technophobe, how do I get the forum to display the pic? :confused:
Thanks
Swimdad

You're trying to link in pictures from your hard drive. One solution is to create an account with a web image hosting service such as photobucket.com. Then once you've uploaded the picture there, you can copy the IMG tag version of the address that they give you into your posts here.

Wildswimmer

06-08-2007, 12:44 PM

g:\lake linear.jpg

Looks as though the image SRC points to a location on your computer's hard disk, which the Swimclub server can't access.

Using the "Advanced" edit option, delete the above bit from your post then click on the "Manage Attachments" button. This will open a new window that'll let you upload the pic to the Swimclub server, for us all to enjoy.

Wildswimmer Pete

Swimdad

06-08-2007, 03:31 PM

Wildswimmer

06-08-2007, 03:40 PM

Thought I had done that Pete - just tried again and found the message that the file is too big! Next question is how do I compress it? Do I save it in a different format or do something to the file? Apologies if this is easy peasy stuff, I'm afraid I'm a luddite & only just been converted to a didital camera!!!

Best thing is to reduce the picture size to 800x600 and see whether the file size is below (I think) 100k. If not, resize the pic again to 640x480. Save the resized pic under a different filename so you won't overwrite your original.

If resizing doesn't reduce the filesize sufficiently, use the "quality" adjustment in the "Save As" thingy to save the pic at a lower quality, which will again reduce the filesize.

I use Paintshop Pro which has an optimiser function. This reduces the file size while retaining as much of the quality as possible.

Wildswimmer Pete

Bully

06-08-2007, 03:41 PM

The easiest and quickest way, is open it in paint, go to image at top, go to stretch/skew put in 50% horizntal and vertical and it will reduce it by half, then save as jpeg or gif. If 50% isn't enough reduce again until it is small enough or go undo and increase to 60% and so.

Wildswimmer

06-08-2007, 03:45 PM

then save as jpeg or gif.

Don't save in GIF format: it's not very good at retaining the subtle shades found in photographs. Use JPEG. GIF is really best for "hard" subjects like drawings and diagrams.

Wildswimmer Pete

NB Bully I seriously like your new avatar! :thumb:

Bully

06-08-2007, 04:01 PM

NB Bully I seriously like your new avatar! :thumb:

Thanks Pete, If only people said the same about me:confused:

Magnus

06-08-2007, 10:03 PM

OpenNewbie

07-08-2007, 08:04 AM

Too right i am going to have words with you! I cant look at that picture without that song... "Whats that comming over the hill... is it a monster" :P comming into my head!

All joking aside, its a lovely place to swim even if a bit chilly last night!

Wildswimmer

11-08-2007, 11:02 PM

Went up to Pendle Hill with friends last weekend, and after they'd had their long walk all the way to the top (I chickened out) we went to the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford. It didn't take me long to find the local river (Pendle Water) so I got my dip.

It had been raining heavily all day so the river was starting to flow fast, hence the brown colour. I'd like to say I was swimming manfully against the current, but in reality I was lying on my belly in two foot of water. :clear:

Grid ref SD 861 397

I understand this stream is a favourite playground for the local kids.

Stevie_k

11-08-2007, 11:36 PM

I do enjoy looking at these pictures.

Beautiful sunset of the channel emma.

I like all these pics, keep them coming.

Does look bl**dy cold though!

Ms T Goggles

12-08-2007, 10:10 AM

This is Opennewbie at the reservoir we swim at, I'm surte he's going to have words for me posting this !

And also me swimming in Shetland ( hello Ms T Goggles ) from Lerwick to Bressay ( boy that was cold ). There were killer whales in the harbour either day of that swim and a friendly seal was following :-)
Hello Magnus!
Was that the swim to raise funds for the Island Games team a few years ago? I remember seeing the pic in the paper..... all very brave/crazy.
Have you heard the tale of Jim the butcher/canoeist who swam from Lerwick to Bressay on Xmas Day? - he did wear a wet suit:eek:
Several people in sea at Spiggie yesterday - I've not even paddled there - yet!

Ms T Goggles

12-08-2007, 10:12 AM

I understand this stream is a favourite playground for the local kids.

........... is that one of them having a pee on you?:zip:

Wildswimmer

12-08-2007, 10:42 AM

........... is that one of them having a pee on you?:zip:

No, it was raining and that was drainage from the pavement on the other side of the wall.

Wildswimmer Pete

Spidey

12-08-2007, 12:09 PM

........... is that one of them having a pee on you?

I thought that, but was not going to mention it.

2.tso

12-08-2007, 12:11 PM

it dont look too clean#

Brick

12-08-2007, 12:29 PM

it dont look too clean#

Que? I can see the rocks at the bottom of the river. And that's with the glare.

Brick

15-08-2007, 07:44 AM

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb288/annoyingtwit/Brighton/dscf0010.jpg

Brighton, Monday 13th August, 2007. Note the lack of other swimmers, even though the weather was great for swimming and I was between the lifeguard flags. There was a letter in the Brighton Argus noting the same thing, and asking if we as a nation have forgotten how to swim.

xml

15-08-2007, 07:59 AM

1057

I lake I swim in/across occasionally in Italy. Don't think they have any laws against swimming in lakes over there.

Juicy Lucy

15-08-2007, 08:08 AM

I thought that, but was not going to mention it.

My thoughts too Spidey.

I must say, you all deserve a medal for just going into such cold water. I wouldn't attempt it. Never!

Brick

15-08-2007, 08:14 AM

My thoughts too Spidey.

I must say, you all deserve a medal for just going into such cold water. I wouldn't attempt it. Never!

I think the River Biam was less than 20C the other day. But even that wasn't that cold. Other than that, I haven't been in water that I would think is sub 20C for maybe a month or two. The water does warm up in summer you know.

Cagri

18-08-2007, 08:02 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Canakkalebogaz.jpg
It was a 7-8 km marathon, less than 20C. It was very hard for me, there thousands of jelly fish around and it scared the hell out of me :( I will never swim in Çanakkale again!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bosphorus_bu_1.jpg
6,5 km marathon, 17C degrees. It was easy and so much fun. I want to swim here again.

http://www.foca.bel.tr/fotogal.html
I don't know the distance but it must be around 3km, hardly a long run. 23-24C degrees. Very easy but not so much fun. It was a triathlon but only for local people, mostly teenagers. I was the third to get out of water but I didn't have any shoes for running so I had to stop after the bike run. In fact I didn't even have a bike, governor gave me his!!! I was on a holiday and only had flipflops with me. I said I only had a swimming suit but no bike or shoes and asked if I could join the triathlon. He said OK, take my bike boy! I tried to run with my bare feet but it was so hot and I had to stop after ten meters :)

Brick

20-08-2007, 08:29 PM

I didn't take a camera yesterday, but here's a picture of the mixed pond stolen from the RALSA site.

http://www.river-swimming.co.uk/mixedpond.jpg

Leprechaun

31-08-2007, 11:52 AM

A fantastic experience - great views and also challenging swims. Not many pics of the hell in the darkness bits but savour the sights!

From the top...
Leprechaun heading towards The Needles in very easy conditions

E-fitz on tide-assisted easy stretch after the Needles

The Needles from the main boat - the swimmer went between the rocks supported by the kayak. What a view.

Less scenic, but we did hear the Cowes-Portsmouth Ferry warning all shipping to "watch for a large slow moving marine animal at the entrance to Cowes Harbour which seems to be pursuing a canoeist. Oh my god its a ...no its Ok its bigger than a shark... is it a whale..."

There were also reports of e-fitz entertaining the passengers to 10m of dubious butterfly about the same time

Cagri

31-08-2007, 12:20 PM

I guess you all know the Sirens in Greek Mythology? Well, this is where they used to sing:

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/1167/imga0281iq5.jpg

You can actually hear some strong wind noise from the rocks, which is kind of scary. This island is inhabited by seals at nights and people are only allowed to visit there during the day just for two hours. Water is 20-21 degrees and three to four meters deep. Ground is sandy and there are very few mossy places. You cannot step on the island but they let you swim. Our boat stayed there for thirty minutes and they literaly had to pick people up from the sea, nobody wanted to leave :)

missjackiechan

31-08-2007, 12:43 PM

....talking of Greek mythology. Have swam here in Lefkada, amongst most other Greek islands. Water is kind of 'chalky'.

missjackiechan

31-08-2007, 12:45 PM

whoops...forgot pic.....

ruthcp

31-08-2007, 02:55 PM

Just been here - good for a paddle!!

Spidey

01-09-2007, 09:46 AM

Ruth, are you somewhere in the bottom picture?

ruthcp

01-09-2007, 11:34 AM

I'm the one with the shorts and the big pecs.....!!
Nope, I usually take the photos so not often on the 'wrong' side of the camera. :zip:

Juicy Lucy

01-09-2007, 11:39 AM

...I usually take the photos so not often on the 'wrong' side of the camera. :zip:

Looks like you were on the 'wrong' side of the rope for the top photo. Were you in unsafe water?

ruthcp

01-09-2007, 12:29 PM

Not really - water skiing and such like took place on the 'wrong' side of the rope so that's what it was for. :king:

Wildswimmer

05-09-2007, 10:14 PM

Pic of me swimming in the fish-jump on Chester Weir - the weir marks the start of the tidal stretch of the River Dee.

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/wildswimmer007/dee_weir1.jpg

Looking downstream from the bottom of the fish-jump towards Chester's ancient Dee bridge, built in the 1200s.

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/wildswimmer007/dee_weir3.jpg

View of the wier and fish-jump from the old bridge.

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/wildswimmer007/dee_weir2.jpg

Despite this being a very large weir, it's very popular with local youngsters, particularly the fish-jump.

Wildswimmer Pete