Legend of the Lake

What a great addition to the Ocean Swim Series.
I think all of us that swam at the Blue Lake loved every minute of it. Now you don't get to say that very often.

A beautiful but misty day dawned after a very wet night.  It didn't take long for the sun to break through the mist and then was it muggy....

Folks rolled in to the venue. A same day journey was feasible with the timing of the swim (10;30am start). There was plenty of close parking and viewing areas. It was really nice all being in the one location (Start, Finish, Parking, and Hanging out) and a great chance to catch up and chat with people.

Some had swum Taupo the day before and were not in the least bit fazed about a lake/freshwater swim. The non lake swimmers were apprehensive and lots of discussion around buoyancy, which wet suit or no wet suit etc. The water temperature was ideal, not sure what it was reported as, but it felt like low 20's.

It was interesting as most of us swam a slightly better time than Bean Rock which is shorter (3.2km Bean Rock and 3.5km Legend of the Lake). We had thought that the lack of buoyancy would counter the lack of waves/chop/tide etc. But no it would appear not.

As I said, everyone I spoke to really enjoyed the swim. It was well organised as you would expect from Scott and his team. A number of us didn't stay for prizegiving as it was on after the shorter events (not starting till 2:30pm) and it would mean a late return to Auckland. I think a suggestion in the survey would be to have the prize giving immediately after the swim.

Not sure if there were any podium winners not being at the prizegiving. But I think Geoff might have snuck in to 3rd behind Alan Kindred and Ian Gunthorpe. The ladies were more interested in swimming in togs only and enjoying the experience! Naked swimming not a suggestion as the water is very clear!!!

 If you missed it this year, do think about it for next year. Making a weekend of it with partners would be fun too as there are lots of choices of activities around the lake eg swimming, walking, kayaking, mountain biking etc, all right there. There is a Top 10 Holiday Park there with cabins which would be an option. There were lots of swimmers staying in the cabins and a few hardy souls tenting (i.e. left it too late to get a cabin!)