Disappointment at Long Reef as the swim is postponed due to commands from greater authorities concerned to manage the risk associated with a potential tsunami (or not). But, hey! The Long Reef organisers got their act together real quick and we have a rescheduled date of April 11. We're re-opening online entries (please be patient, will happen as soon as can be). All entries will carry over.
Pier to Perignon? The big Cohuna? The Big Bay? Apollo Bay? Henley? Moorpanyal? Tell us about your ocean swimming weekend...
No argument from me about SLSA's decision to close all beaches today. Respect for the ocean first, then we can start enjoying ourselves in the sea.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it did seem a little surreal, sitting it out on Long Reef beach this morning in what seemed to be the most perfect ocean swimming conditions of the season.
Sunday April 11 is not so good for me, I was already looking at doing another swim that day, I wonder if swim organisers could as a rule look at postponing swims to a future Saturday if they get blown out on the Sunday.
It was a disapointment for everyone, the Longreef SLSC and all the oceanswimmers & their accompanying friends & supporters, but what about the cost of parking this year. In previous years the field was opened up for everyone for free, this year we had to use the meters at $5 an hour. Very unfriendly by the local council & especially for those swimmers who arrived & registered before the offical cancellation announcement. I hope the parking situation can be changed for the revised date
ReplyDeleteMore horrific was me getting dumped by a tiny wave at the aforementioned closed beach. When I recounted this embarrassing incident to my 13-year-old daughter, she said: "Maybe that was the tsunami."
ReplyDeleteSwam the Big Bay after Malabar to Little Bay last week and they couldn't have been more different. Cool southerly chop, big jellyfish, huge ships parked up in the nearby dock, not to mention having to clear the shipping channel in under an hour or (lose) face being picked up. I was on my own for more than half the swim. What a challenge. The water safety guys were fantastic and organisation was terrific and very hospitable (including booees that we could see all the way across the course). Malabar was one of my best days yet but I loved every minute of this swim. Get down there next year and see for yourself.
ReplyDeleteJust chatting to a geologist mate in Germany, discussing the tsunami. I let him know that I survived the Tsunami Classic of 2010.
ReplyDeleteIt's been great having Aqua Girl and now James writing about some of the Vic swims, all we need now is a Glistening Dave down South and we'll be set. Thanks for the great website it certainly keeps me motivated. As for the the Wetsuit issue I started swimming in one this year after my wife kept complaining about me using heaps of hot water when I get home to warm up, it helped and also helped my position on the rankings I was no longer in the last 10%. Otherwise I'll have to try and get some of those Vanilla Slices Aqua Girl was raving about to put on some insulation and go back to my Speedo's
ReplyDeleteI swam the Cohuna 8km event on the weekend and I recommend everyone to consider it. First there is nothing more Australian than swimming down a major water way dodging snags, ghost gums, floating braches, weeds and various water craft. The conditions were perfect and it was a well organised event with really prompt and ample buses to take everyone the long, long, long drive to the start. My goal was under 2 hours and to guarantee I swim it next year the swim gods had be do it in a time of 2 hours and 1 minute - curse you swim gods I will have the last laugh. You can save distance but cutting corners at the bends but as we were warned at the briefing you cut corners at your own peril because the water shallows very quickly and there are many submerged hazards at the bends in the creek. I cut the first corner only - and before you ask - YEs, the cuts to my hands and feet are healing nicely - note to self, "must listen to briefings and follow instructions". The course is a challenge with there being no real strength left in my arms and shoulders by the 6 kilometre mark - the last 2 kilometres were done purely on will and determination. There is bery minor assistance from the flow (if you can call it that) from the Gunbower Creek. It is quite a feeling of accomplishment to complete such an arduous and unique swim. It is quite a carnival atmosphere with a triathlon, various runs, canoe races and bike races. There is also a 1.5 kilometre swim - for the "pretenders". All in all it was great and was a completely different set of circumstances - instead of the usual 1.5km sea water, open swim - it was a fresh water, 8 kilometre swim on a twisting and turning creek with hundreds of trees in the water. I encourage everyone to think about this swim for next year - it is safe and you don't have to worry about the distance because the bank is only ever 10 metres away and one could always have a short break if needed. It is a very relaxed and well run event with everything need. The weirdest thing was climbing the ladder after the swim - this was near impossible for many - including myself - because you legs are like jelly and wobble uncontrollably after the 2 hours plus in the water swimming as hard as you can. Have a go next year everyone you will not regret it - it is a real achievement to complete it - a great swim to add to the collection of your great swimming memories.
ReplyDeleteI should add in addition to the above - when speaking to many of the competitors on the bus and waiting for the start - "Why are you doing this 8 kilometre swim" many gave a similar reply - "Driving for 2 hours to an ocean swim to swim that only lasts 15 minutes seemed like a waste of time after a while" - I didn't get this comment until after I did the swim itself. Afterwards you realise that although I drove 3 hours from Melbourne to Cohuna - I was swimming for just over 2 hours - so in terms of a challenge and bang for your buck the Cohuna 8 kilometre sim wins hands down.
ReplyDeleteHave been looking at the Cohuna swim for a couple of years now after my cousin moved to Swan Hill. Something that worries me though is what is in the water. My cousin said there was a lot of irrigation (i.e. chemical residue) draining into the rivers and creeks around that area. Can anyone advise on the water quality? If I've got the wrong impression and the water quality is good I would like to do this swim some day.
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