THE GREAT MORPH SWIM, RYDAL 2011

THE GREAT MORPH SWIM, RYDAL 2011-PAULINE SQUIRE

First we did Buttermere, then Grasmere, this weekend it was Rydal. In the last week the air temperatures have dropped, most of the country was hit by a frost at the end of the week, central heating systems dormant during the summer were being fired up, log burners lit, thick coats pulled out and dusted off. The swim posted as just a normal social swim was changed shortly after posting after i was inspired by Jo Lade's recent Mankini's and Moustaches swim to make this one a little different......so morph suits it was, and so the Great Morph swim title came about. As is all the worry....would people want to swim (many had put the wetsuits away for the winter months), would they turn up.

Where to get in.....in what is now becoming a bit of a trend, i wanted to find somewhere we can get warmed up afterwards and have a coffee. Chatting with facebook swimmy friends i was recommended a pub. A quick phone call later to the Badger Bar and it was sorted, use of the car park, hot soup and drinks for afterwards.....excellent!!!! Numbers started to creep up, again i was not going to be swimming on  my own - fab.

Checking the weather forecast the friday night before the swim, fingers and toes crossed as it loaded onto the computer......please let it be sunny. Shoulders sagging.....it was informing me that we were going to have heavy rain!!! Again!

Everything organised on Facebook, morph suit in the car and off we headed to Rydal, which greeted us overcast, the odd bit of drizzle but on the whole not too bad. Parking up it soon became clear that the majority of cars in the carpark belonged to swimmers.

It was really great to see so many people, with their families and with numerous dogs in tow to, i hoped they would all get in the water. Welcomes were exchanged, a few last minute stragglers turned up and then it was time to get dressed up. We must a looked a right sight to all those passing by in cars and out hiking!

It was great to see so many had turned up in costume too, what a brilliant start to an afternoons swimming. The faces of walkers as we made our way to the side of the lake were priceless with many just uttering a stunned 'good afternoon' before continuing on their stroll.

And for those that did not bring anything.....David Donaldson....they got to wear a mankini! And rather cute he looked walking along the road in it!

The walk to the lake does not take that long but its just as well we were not trying to sneek in the number of astonished people we passed. But soon enough the water loomed infront of us. Would it be as cold as it looked, the air temperature was not too bad, which was good as our swimmers had brought spectators, who's masses swelled as passers by stopped to witness the costume clad swimmers in front of them.

Some eager beavers getting in sans suits whilst the rest of us posed for pics!!! Chilly

Standing together for photos was great, our collective body heat helping to keep us warm. Photos taken it was time to get in the water, it did not look inviting at all!

Getting in was a cold affair with none of us rushing to submerge ourselve but pretty soon we were in, setting off in our respective groups we decided in which direction we would go. The nearest island was the first choice, oh how cold was that water...!!! We soon adjusted though and set off swimming, with those of us in costume stopping every so often to mutter!!! You see Sam Plum had on a tutu...which acted as a drag suit for her and my morph suit felt like i was dragging a wet nappy behind me.....a nappy which got heavier with each stroke! Eventually we got to the island, the waters clarity allowing us to carefully make our way onto it, after the harshness of the rocks beneath our feet, it was  lovely surprise to feel the softness of moss below.

While others were exploring the island several of us who were starting to feel chilly decided to swim to a rather prominant rock we could see displaying itself through the water, the rock when we reached it was rather slipperly when we got on it so we used it jagged edges to keep ourselves on, by this time my 'nappy'  had taken on sand bag proportions and the swim was starting to feel like a workout! But never the less we made it to the rock and waited for the others to join us, Debbie Taylor arriving immediately informed us that we were sat on 'bird shit island'....yes before you ask we did ask why before collectively saying yuk and sliding in the water!!!

It was decided that we would head to the furthest point in the lake, thankfully Martin Ord noticed my asthma kicking in at the same time i felt it making its presence known. For anyone who suffers from the condition you will understand that its not funny when it kicks in let alone in the middle of a cold lake being weighed down by a nappy. A dilemia, do i get out and walk back or keep to the side and swim back, for those that know me the first is not an option if i can help it, I also had Martin by my side to ensure that i was staying within my limits and mightly glad i was too. Panic can make asthma worse and it was a very grateful swimmer that had Martin next to her to keep her calm that day. Martin is a wonderfully fast swimmer so he must have been getting cold staying by my side as i could not get any speed up due to the 'nappy' but stayed he did. Eternally grateful to you Martin!

Heading back in the lake was calm, cold and like glass, it was wonderful to be in, swimmers heading back in could be heard as they exited stating how cold it was, only about 8 degrees, the levels of ice cream head ache they had had but mostly about how they had loved it.



Heading back to the cars to get changed we were all looking forward to the warm of the pub and some hot food! Now for some reason at all the swims i have organised there have been chinese or japanese tourists there waiting to talk to us or taking pictures of us, there had been a chorus of disappointment as we exited the water that this was not the same...however, entering the carpark what do we find a coach full of bemused tourists all clapping, smiling and taking pictures..what treat!

Waiting for food to arrive!

The swim was almost the last large group swim of the year, the cold air temperatures putting many off and making the wetsuits redundant for the rest of the year, for others like myself the best was yet to come, swimming on clear sunny ice cold days in minus temperatures surrounded by snow....year round swimming....now i wonder if i can start a new trend!!!! Happy swimming everyone!!!

Another historically written blog, sorry folks but you know what its like...the water calls and i have to get in it....oh and David Donaldson....you are sooooo lucky i can not find the video of you walking in that mankini!!!! xx

 

MASS PRIVATE SWIM - PAULINE SQUIRE

Written historically, hope you enjoy!

Having participated in open water swim races in Capenwray Dive centre, i have been desperate to organise a private swim there all year, but been told a variety of things, maybe, no, only if its a race! Now those of you who have raced in Capenwray you will be able to testify to gliding along the surface of the water, breathing hard, trying to beat a time or the person next to you.....you do not have time to take in the sights in the water below you. In between breathing you catch a glimpse of something that takes your head out of its usual swim position as you fight to maintain your pace but also try to continue to see that precious sight. There is a myriad of sights to be seen there, planes, deck chair complete with umbrella, large carnaval  horses (big enough to sit on) boats and even for the divers gnomes. Now this site boasts clean, clear water and it certainly is. Who could ask for more!! Clean changing rooms hot showers, a cafe with a balcony overlooking the swim area, and the added bonus that swimmers can get out of the water, go up to the cafe, get hot drinks lounge around then go for another swim....without having to get dressed in between...imagine that on a hot and sunny day!!

 

It turns out that a decision has been made to allow swimmers to use Capenwray any time it is open....oh that got the brain going.....could we still fit in a swim before the winter set in....of course we could.  Disappointed that the decision to open it up to swimmers only filtered down to me literally when we were nearing the end of October.....just think of the swims we could have organised there over the summer. After discussions with the owners they were very receptive to a social swim being organised....we were on! Fingers flying over the keyboard, a quick check of the diary and it was done, a mass private swim!!! The water temperature was hovering at a steady 14 to 16 degrees....please let it stay that way for this swim!!!!

Now for those of you that have not read it you need to stop reading this and read my blog on the LONE SWIMMER CASTING COUCH  as this is pretty much the follow on (and more from that). For those of you have have read it you will recall a certain young man was coming up to be trained in the art of open water swimming and acclimatisation by me, i had organised the Mass Private Swim and what an ideal place for him to start, clean clear water and extremely safe!!!!

He was due to arrive on the Friday night, so we sat at Durham train station waiting but also praying that the man dressed as the joker from the film the Black Knight would disappear before he got here!!! This fair haired 18 year old got off the train looking shattered and more than a little nervous, his name Tom Litten. Did he realise that we were just as nervous as him, lets hope it did not show, i really needed him to trust me, after all i was about to introduce him to the wonderful world of open water swimming.

One first thought, this young man arrived with a huge suitcase...good he had got the message about lots of warm clothes......the first thing i noticed...he wasn't wearing any socks....that would change within an hour i told him....we were dressed in full northern kit...multi layers the lot!!!

Tom it turns out has a good sense of humour and wasn't afraid to show it! After dropping him off at his hotel to dump is suitcase off he came back to the house for some food, bless him he looked shattered, he had come up from the south of England on a train, not the most pleasant methods of travel. Emerging from the hotel several layers of clothing heavier plus socks!!! We ate then departed to the local watering hole for light refreshments! Now being a southern lad and also an athlete in training i expected him to be a light weight in the drinking department after all those that do sport are known for their low tolerance, but even the local inn keeper suggested that he could serve 'mans' drinks as he places the lager top in front of Tom, thankfully he took it in good humour and a fab evening was had. Depositing Tom back at the hotel we returned home for the night.

The following morning i was up and ready to head towards Capenwray, i had organised the swim so as will all swims i like to be there early (tardiness a personal dislike of mine), kit secured in the car i awaited Dorothy Mills arrival, a woman who has truly become a firm friend, she was to travel with us. Dorothy secured  we picked up Tom and headed to Capenwray, the humour flowed the journey, Tom desperate to sleep had been warned by me that if he did he would go in the gallery of sleepers with the others....this young man was now determined to stay awake!

How nervous!!!!

Arriving at Capenwray, the car park was full, divers in various states of dress and undress!!! We paid the man on the gate and headed indoors to register at the venue. Cards in hand it was time to introduce Tom to his new swim venue. Capenwray is a wonderful place, clean clear water which holds its temperatures well, today it was 13 degrees, not the best of temperatures to start off with but good enough. Pretty soon the cafe was filling up with swimmers some of whom had travelled great distances to be there. It was brilliant to see swimmers of all ages including children getting kitted up ready to get in. It was great to see some new faces too, Rebecca Jarre, Sarah Robson and several others that normally contact is limited to facebook encounters. And as is normal, there are those that do not state that they are attending but turn up any way, its all good and we had in total about 30 people there to swim with many bringing friends and family to watch.

Tom quickly got changed into his full wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves, the air temperature was not too bad and the sun was attempting to show its face. Letting everyone else it in the water, a chorus of gasps followed by wow's as the clarity of the water reached the swimmers attention. Neoprene clad swimmers and some sans wetsuit went off in various directions to try to find the goodies awaiting them under the turquoise depths.

Tom gingerly entered the water, he's not a novice to open water as he is a keen surfer, so the fish around him were not a bother.

 Some look more eager to get in than others!

As the water crept into his suit the breathing quickly sped up, staying in the shallows until Tom had it under control, which he managed as if a seasoned pro, he was a faster learners and took in all that i was telling him. Once he was comfortable it was time to start swimming, a bullet out of a gun would have been slower than Tom shot off....holy cow how were we mere mortals meant to keep up with him.....and then it hit.....the icecream headache! And just like that he came to a grinding halt. Every open water swimmer knows the pain of an icecream headache and Tom had just learnt one valuable lesson on the differences of pool to open water. Alternating his stroke from crawl to breast stroke, we managed a lap round...one huge grin on Toms face, was he feeling cold....no i am fine apart from my face he responds.

Now for the film that Tom was starring in he needed to be out of his wetsuit.....trunks only!!! Getting out of the water still full of swimmers, the jetty area overcrowded with divers watching. I am sure that all that were watching him came out in a sympathy shiver as the wetsuit came off. Gloves and boots quickly back on and it was time to get back in the water.....now comes the hard part!!! Never have i seen such a look of pain on someones face as i did as he slowly entered the water, inch by inch the water went higher up his body.

Ok....i AM trying to sympathise!

 Holding them so does stop them disappearing!

The divers weren't slow in calling out words of encouragement that went along the lines of ....don't do it mate, fook that, you are nuts, grow a pair....Tom despite breathing rapidly managed a grin or maybe that was a grimace!

But in he got, breathing hard as he fought his bodies reaction to the cold. The time came to push off the bottom and swim, we would aim to get as far as we could, mindful of Tom's body not used to being in such temperatures was rapidly closing on him. But on he swam and even started to relax, his sense of humour quickly returning as he became more at ease with the water. Tom is a pool based swimmers, trying out for the olymics and also in training for the commonwealth, so is used to warmth! But as had become his nature he took the ribbing he was getting and added alot of his own to it, even permitting a pic or two under the water!

 

Before long it was time to get Tom out of the water, he was keen to remain in but it was clear that he was loosing logical thought and was starting to become unaware of his surroundings, ignoring his words of i am fine, i insisted that he got out, wrapping in foils and a towel, then it was a gathering of bags and shoving him into the shower. Now this is an experience i am not sure what to make of, if anyone had told me that in my life time i would be watching a male model (oh yes he does that too!) and top athletic swimmer in the shower i would never have beleived it but there i was doing just that, as soon as he warmed up enough i promise i vanished out of the changing room but watching a shivering male in the shower will stay in my memory...i did tell him that i wish i had brought a camera to prove it!!!

Pretty soon Tom emerged from the changing room, dressed i think in the entire contents of his suitcases! Still looking chilly, it was into the cafe for hot drinks and some food.  It was lovely to see so many rosy faces grinning from the exhileration of a cold swim. Although this blog has been written historically, i can with delight say that those that turned up have swam with us many times since and some have become great friends!

After much giggling and warming up fully it was time to head home, a meal and a few glasses of lemonade with Tom later that night showed that he can more than hold his own!

The next day brought new adventures for this budding open water swimmer, a trip to Ellerton lake near Catterick, Richmond! Now this lake was considerably colder at 9 degrees, but the lad was prepared to get in (saves me pushing him in!) and swim. This lake was darker water than the previous day, a much larger water area and the whole area more exposed to the elements, thankfully the rain held off. But it did not stop a chilly breeze. Arriving in the carpark the nerves kicked in again, its a healthy reminder of how i first felt knowing i was going to be getting in a cold lake. Surprisingly enough though he was in good form and although not jumping with joy was keen to get in and see what this swim would bring. Some of the regulars turned up to swim with him and support him which was good, David Donaldson option for sans wetsuit as well!

Now not one to let an opportunity pass out came the mankini.....it had to be done and don it he did!!! Pictures of which were posted on facebook to ensure all his mates could see! A reminder here should they have forgotten.

 

Again there were divers, these a little more sympathtic to the young man wincing as he entered the water, the cold quickly making him shiver even though he was not fully submerged. Adusting faster both physically and mentally ment swimming was easier this time round for him, and we were soon able to set off out into the middle of the lake. All this Tom took in his stride!

 The look on the divers faces say it all!

But in he got and swam he did, the centre of the lake having some seriously cold spots that can take away even the most acclimatised swimmers breath!

Eventually retreating from the water to enjoy the delights of cake and coffee, once warmed up Tom found the last picture highly approprate!! Has it helped him prepare for his role in the up and coming film, i hope so, i and a whole host of others are looking forward to seeing it, simply entitled 'Swimmer'!

I have had the pleasure and exhileration of watching Tom race and hope that some day he will come back and swim with us again!!! Never say never Tom!!

CARP, CARP AND MORE CARP!

The beauty of open water or wild swimming as some perfer to call it is that every swim brings a new experience, so you can understand my delight that today i encountered one that i have never seen and will be extremely lucky to see again! Spawning carp.

Having arrived at Ellerton Lake this morning to coach...the british weather did what it does best....it rained, not a problem i would be getting in shortly anyway!

The resident father swan came to make his presence known, it was only after my swim that i was informed that he recently had tried to attack a swimmer (and not in the .....just giving you a warning sort of way) and also tried to drown another swan that had the audacity to want to share the 65 acre lake! However the mummy swan does have 3 signets to tend to and both are wanting to show off their offspring but not be approached to closely.

But close they did let me get, the occasional hiss letting me know i have ventured too close, the male in the water not a happy bird with me approaching the female and babes, his neck as thick as my arms, a steady reminder of their ability to break the human bone and with far more ease then my arms could have!

The babies as you can see are as cute as a button, fluffy grey but growing fast! It is lovely to see them though!

Typical british summer weather surrounded us, with splats of rain falling from a light drizzle to a torrent but we were going to get wet so for us it did not matter. Having chatted to the local fisherman we were delighted (well i was, Louise not so sure) to find that the large splashes being made in the lake were the carp spawning, bodies thrashing in their once a year ritual. Walking round the lake it was plain for us to see. The fish were on the surface and looked.....large!

 

I must admit never having witnessed these scenes before it was quite fasinating to see large fish literally jumping out of the water and trashing around, the fisherman however was disappointed, the fish apparently when they have matters of love in their heads dont want to take bait from a line!

Getting into the wetsuits was the right decision to make the heavens opened and pretty soon it was teeming down! A cool breeze put paid to the thoughts of hanging around on land. Walking round to where the fishman had shown us a good place to get in ( i think he was worried we were going to snap his lines) it was time to take a deep breath and get in, the fish oblivious to our thoughts or movements in the water. We had been told that they would move away the minute we got in....not so!

The fish that splashed behind Louise, i am sure was just wanting to say hi!

These rain drops rapidly turning into a small monsoon type shower, however it was Louises first 'rain' swim and she was soon loving it, the coolness of the rain making the water seem temporarily warmer.

Heading towards a shallow area in the middle of the lake so that Louise could stand and watch the fish, it was time to see what was happening under the water.

 

Pushing off into the water and the rain seemed to be getting harder....no matter, the water was warm and the entertainment brilliant to watch, 5 pairs on the top thrashing around. Heading into the weeds, it was hard to find the fish, hold the camera and move forward, to be honest i was also having a little heart pounding moment, of 'what if one of these beasts decides to jump out that water and lands on me!'. Going a little deeper and a little left of the weeds so i could peer into them rather than try to pull myself through them, dam....still no fish!

Or so i thought, looking down what did i see....fish in the form of carp, large and lots of them! They were all around us. I likened it to being in an over crowded gold fish bowl! The fish came over, i can only assume that with us dressed in black and limbs hanging down that they thought we might have been interested in the spawning process! The occasional firm caress against the leg to test our reaction then they swam round us. The  carp, i found out later were koi, common, grey and ghost. I was also reliably informed by the fisherman once i had shown him the pictures that the smallest would have been around 20 + lbs in weight, thankgod they do not have teeth! The fish were close enough to touch in the water and when i did manage it felt strangely temperatureless!

Yes they really are that big, thankfully there have been no known recorded death by carp so we were safe to just stay in the water and wonder at the specible below and around us. As quickly as they had swarmed round us they had clearly got bored of watching us trying to hold our breath or our lack of enthusiasm to join in this mating ritual and within five minutes they wandered off to find more willing partners as did we, Louise having one last pass by to see the fish which unfortunately had left for more play time.

 

Heading off round the lake to the area bouyed off for swimmers the rain intensified, it was quite amazing to feel it pelting around us the splashes they made in the water were large and vast, silently falling but faster than most household showers.

I thought i would end up having to drag Louise out of the water she was enjoying the rain experience so much!

And for those that wish to see it as we did prior to entering the water heres a small video clip, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epce-FUuSMU&feature=plcp

And what does the water look like when the heavens really open, well the next picture was taken on sports mode...and still did not manage to do justice to rate of rain that was falling....just another typical british summer!!!

The spawning is at best a maxium 7 day event, this year the spawnings in the north of england are occuring later in the year due to the cold temperatures however, it happened and i was lucky to witness it! What is it like swimming with beasts too big to fit on a place, well strangly enough its fasinating, to be in a 65 acre lake and not see one in all the years i have swam there is strange then to see them on mass is amazing, it was strangly calming. The fish especially at this 'special' time are not interested in us swimmers, and once spawning has happened they return to the depths not to be seen for ....well who knows how long!!! You can certainly see the attraction that diving would have! The other attractions are the wildlife, looking forward to seeing the babies grow and develop!

 

A journey shared is a journey enjoyed

This has been copy and pasted from a message left for me on facebook from Louise who this Sunday completed the great north swim for the first time. Her strength and determination were outstanding and the credit for her achievement goes fully to her, i just held her hand when she needed it, however to receive a message like this is wonderful and very humbling, Louise is going to write a blog to share with you all and that combined with the photos taken on the day will hopefully inspire more of you to dip a toe in the water!

Louise Wiz Bradley

PLEASE READ THIS EVERYONE. ....
In february time of this year, i met an amazing lady who agreed to help me learn how to swim in open Water, so that i could try and swim in the the Great North Swim at Windermere. When i first met Pauline, i was only just learning to swim correctly in a swimming pool due to always having a fear of water, and especially of open water.
Since the very first day i met ...pauline, she has guided me, advised me, encouraged me and given alot of her time and patience to help me. But it wasnt always about the swimming, she helped me to understand the water, to respect it and deal with it, to understand and listen to my mind and body. To realise that with courage and confidence you can overcome the fears in your head. Thats its ok to cry and scream and feel fear.... because thats what makes you stronger.
With time, i learnt to ultimately enjoy each experience and to learn from it... and , i learnt to trust her completely.
I have now just completed the 1 mile swim of the Great North Swim, Windermere. The conditions for me were horrendous and i tried to give in at 400 meters. But pauline agreed to swim alongside me right from the start. She never left my side and made me believe that however bad i felt, whatever negative thoughts i had.... that i could and i would get to the finish.
I finished the swim in 1hr23 mins. Its was exhausting, but she never gave up encouraging me, and i am eternally grateful for everything she has done for me.
How i would like to finish this personal memo, is to say to anyone who is considering getting involved in Open Water Swimming, who needs advice, encouragement and or just to chat, PLEASE PLEASE contact this lady, she has a gift and a talent and if you are prepared to work she is ultimately prepared to invest her tme in you. I promise you.
Pauline Squires.... Thank you from me, and thank you from all my friends and family.

So how do you go about getting a missive like that, you do nothing but show someone how strong they are, what they are capable of and support them while they are doing it, well thats my theory and i am sticking to it