Places to Swim

[Leprechaun]

Originally Posted by KatieBun

Leppy, I'd love to join in with one of these Swimtrek holidays but
a) I'm not very fast but can keep going for a long time
b) none of my non-Swimclub mates are up for it.

What are the chances of arranging a Swimclub event for mixed ability?

I am sure they can cater for a wide range. I am not a Swimtrek rep by the way, but their range of "holiday" swims may be more appropriate for weaker (I dont mean you K-B) swimmers. The problem we dont want to get into is that they tend to split the group into 2-3 groups each with their own support boat (little RIB, outboard etc). Too wide a range of swimmer will inevitably cause the groups to be a bit of a compromise.

It would be madness to throw a load of swimclubbers into a programme thats geared at the Channel wannabees, but at the same time I'm sure that a watered down swimming regime of 1-2 hours, maybe a little more, morning and and afternoon on several days plus a crack at a longer swim (not pootling round in large circles to do six hours) would be a lot of fun and also a challenge too.

[KatieBun]

Originally Posted by Leprechaun

I'm sure that a watered down swimming regime of 1-2 hours, maybe a little more, morning and and afternoon on several days plus a crack at a longer swim (not pootling round in large circles to do six hours) would be a lot of fun and also a challenge too.

I know that I could comfortably manage 2 hours morning and two hours afternoon plus a more challenging swim and I'm sure there are others amongst us who would fit into this category. I've had a look at the website for Swimtrek and reckon I'm in the top half of Group 2 on a good day. i.e. about 30 - 35 mins per mile in relatively calm water.
It sounds great but wouldn't it be far too frustrating for you and Fitz? You're both accomplished distance swimmers.
Is anybody else interested in doing something like this for definite? A Lakes weekender also looks like a good start for anybody not used to open water.

[mpfmark]

swim trek.no matter how fast or how slow you are ......brilliant tours.....am no rep just satisfied customer

[happySwimmer]

Originally Posted by KatieBun

A Lakes weekender also looks like a good start for anybody not used to open water.

Lakes Weekenders are a bit more "rough and ready" than other trips. If the weather is poor it can be quite cold both in the water and out. If its raining you spend the whole weekend wet! (Sorry - I'm being a wimp aren't I?)

[KatieBun]

Originally Posted by happySwimmer

Lakes Weekenders are a bit more "rough and ready" than other trips. If the weather is poor it can be quite cold both in the water and out. If its raining you spend the whole weekend wet! (Sorry - I'm being a wimp aren't I?)

No, I don't think that makes you a wimp. I want to do something like this for pleasure, not torture.

[Dragonfish]

Went swimming in Llyn Geirionydd the other week (from the other side where the car park is) http://tinyurl.com/6bctfv

Very nice, gentle beach but the rocks are a bit...well rocky



I also went swimming off Formby point when the tide was coming in. The beach is very gentle so it takes some distance before you can freely swim; however this makes it feel safer. Sadly I had a fever and sore throat 3 hours after exiitng I feel I should report this to someone but no idea to whom.

[Wildswimmer]

Originally Posted by Dragonfish

Sadly I had a fever and sore throat 3 hours after exiitng I feel I should report this to someone but no idea to whom.

Hi Dragonfish and welcome to the forums - in particular this, the Nutters' Forum.

Your fever etc. wouldn't have been contracted from the water. There are no diseases endemic in the UK with a 3-hour incubation period (with the possible exception of some stomach bugs). It was probably a cold you'd contracted three days earlier which just happened to make its presence felt after your swim.

Anyway, bear in mind that water quality meets EU "Guideline" (the higher of the two standards) over the other side of the Mersey at New Brighton.

Wildswimmer Pete

[FlyingBean]

KB - your speed would be absolutely fine on a Swim Trek holiday. You and I are remarkable similar in speed once we get out of the silly sprint distances. I was the fastest of the slow group on the long distance trip. If I got too far ahead of the others, I was asked to loop back round and fall in behind again, so varying speeds were never a problem.

The longest swim was in Fungus Bay last year (as shown in Leppie's piccies) and because it's just a big enclosed bay, it didn't matter at all about speed as you're just going round in (quite large) circles.

Swim Trek are used to varying speeds and manage it well. They even have wetsuits available for those who want them (clearly not on a channel qualifying swim!).

I'd definitely be up for a swimclub swimtrek holiday.

[missjackiechan]

I'd be up for that too a swimclub swimtrek..and am same speed as you KB, I can keep going but am slow.

[happySwimmer]

As SwimTrek holidays are open to anyone to join if we pick a trip and pick a date then anyone who wants to can just book to join the trip. If we are not all SwimClubbers then that's not a problem. I'm sure there are some very nice people who have not yet found the delights of SwimClub.

Suggestions anyone?

I'm doing Gozo/Malta the first week of August - anyone want to join the trip?

[FlyingBean]

HappySwimmer - we can also book an exclusive trip if we have enough people - they will tailor it to our requirements too!

[jimbo]

The only problem with swimtrek is that if you find your own accommodation you have to pay twice for accommodation. God knows why.

[Leprechaun]

Originally Posted by jimbo

The only problem with swimtrek is that if you find your own accommodation you have to pay twice for accommodation. God knows why.

I aint God but one suggestion is that they, logically, have to make some financial commitment to hoteliers before the season starts. Size of tour group is usually limited so you staying elsewhere probably (not always) means an unsold room at said hotel. Simple economics really.

Anyway, staying with the group is part of the enjoyment. On our course, we all paid for our own evening meals (and drinks! yippee!) so this allows some flexibility.

Can't really see why you'd complain with their approach.

[Leprechaun]

This is not recent news but Alibud drew my attention to this one earlier...

http://www.strangesports.com/content/item/131374.html

[Pandi]

That is one big "Cat".If there are bigger or similar size ones there, the local tourist trade,should promote this on angling websites worldwide."Going to need a bigger boat" spring's to mind.Catfish normally feed off the carrion lying on the bottom,this bugger must have learned how to have a snack from snapping on the surface.Spooky.