No weather warnings and a small surf break to get through. Super Sid, who was not swimming this year (not quite recovered from minor surgery on his leg I believe), had the hooter and was the official wave starter. Go Sidney!
The only "obstacle" was masses of sea lettuce on the shoreline and for about 50 metres out then nice clear water where you could see the sandy bottom then darkness as it got deeper. A bit of a slog out to the first buoy at the island. A friendly swell then took us around the first island and through a very tight strip between island and rocks where it became quite shallow. Scott was very strict about staying close and to the left of this buoy (buoy 4 of 7), and you could see why. Then across to and around the second island and into shore. The finish line had been moved further away from the Mount and the Surf Club to avoid a dodgy surf break, so no catastrophes in exiting the water. A GPS measurement of one of the guns had the distance at 2.604km,
Comments on the day:
"That was a real Ocean Swim"
"Let's do it again" and
" I wish it had been longer!"
That pretty much sums it up.
Prize giving at midday on the tiered grassy bank across the road from the water and between the start and finish. A change to it being on the beach but a good idea. It was pretty hot by midday.
Spot prize to Karen - a dozen "beer" the 0.0% Export Citrus (all drunk on the bank during prizegiving) and a Podium for Helen with a 1st place in the Age Group for non wetsuit and Janine 3rd in AG with wetsuit. Sue Pollard 1st with wetsuit.
Ian Gunthorpe and Allan Kindred had been battling the 65-69 Age Group but they got pushed to 2nd and 3rd.
Congratulations to them all.
I only remember to take photos later in the day so they all look the same. But this gives you an idea of the lovely day. Photos taken at prizegiving.
Nicely written Meegan xok
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