BASKING SHARK SWIM DAY 2

The next day after and evening of merriment and a couple of glasses of the red stuff it was time to get ready and head out onto the boat. New adventures awaited us today but what would they be!

The weather was cooler to start off with, cloudy and although there appeared not to be much wind, what wind there was, was playing with the water...time to test the sea legs i think. Lets hope it would calm down fast!! Again Cameron with that knowing smile stated that it would and that yes my sea legs would find themselves again....after the previous nights activities (stickley poetry reading and light refreshments...or was that lobster and red wine...!!) i was more worried about the sea belly. Time would tell!

Heading out of the safety of the harbour the waters appeared to increase in its rocking and rolling. all our eyes scanning the waters constantly for the big black fin that we had been promised...would the shark reveal itself to us today. The waves hitting the boat at times felt like they would break it, but Cameron had everything under control in that department, the swell of the water against the horizon played with the eyes, ears and brain and soon a few were looking a little green around the gills. Would we really be able to spot anything in the water as it was! We had learned our lessons from the day before and all of us were kitted up and ready to go...was it a premonition of what was to come? 

 

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7P_nIQYFuUI%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&h=TAQFGE4wY

 

Learning to stay steady on a boat that is rocking is similar to patting your head and rubbing your belly (yep you are all having a go now aren't you!), the motion of the boat, the swell of the waves, the visual impact of the shoreline and waves....oh yes the stomach was doing flips!!!! Thankfully i was not the only one and slowly we all took on a green hue.

Picture taken by Jamie Openshaw

Cameron's shouts from the front of the boat soon distracted us, a pod of around 50 common dolphins were heading straight for the boat. These amazing creatures had the whole of the ocean to play in but they were choosing to come to us and show us their acrobatics. It was stunning to watch, this time we had time to grab the cameras and our wits and start snapping...and videoing. I think you can hear by our squeals how amazing it was. Like a wave they parted and surrounded the boat as the passed, literally within touching distance. Their speed and agility is awesome, pure power in the water as will be able to see from the link - 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o1lw0J8-9s&feature=em-upload_owner

These aquatic creatures, came and went in the blink of an eye, they were intent on their own play and boy were they playing, if only i could swim like them...even just for an hour, complete heaven. Then all of a sudden it was in the distance...a fin...the burbling s of the previous day were gone...the sightings of birds, seals etc that had us thinking they were sharks and which left us spluttering words had left us, this time the words came straight out...SHARK...oh yes it definitely was a large black fin, slowly moving through the waves. Wow, all breath suddenly left my body, a huge adrenalin spike kicked in and sliced through every part of me, these magnificent creatures where here in the water, and now all there was for us to do was join them! Whilst we were hastily getting the remainder of our kit on Shane kept an eye on where this magnificent creature was heading. It was a juvenile, but still a stunning size and appeared to be happily feeding on the plankton in the water. 

The first group enter the water, us in the second group stood in anticipation of the forthcoming event. For such large creatures they are very sensitive, the rules to not touch are firm, the creatures themselves, despite their size are very sensitive to what is happening in the water around or near them, this was proved as they headed towards the first group of swimmers, making a direct path through the waves, then at the last minute and with a flick of the tail heading off in a different direction. The speed that they can obtain with one tail movement is incredible and the flexibility in such a large body is stunning to see, and they make it all look effortless in the process. 

The shark seemingly not bothered by us and our adventures and will a few swishes of its tail soon out swam us, the heart by this point was pounding, what an amazing experience. The fins on the surface look large but the creature beneath the surface expels all thoughts that may enter your head. And all of this of our own coastal waters and available now for us to go and see. 

With shark gone from view (and quite how they can do that is a mystery, we tracked its passage for what seemed an eternity for it to dive and not return), the boat and it grinning passengers headed off to the other side of Coll and to calmer waters. The bays around Scotland are quite incredible with large impending boulders created with the most stunning colours but most impressive are the inlets with incredible white sands and crystal clear waters, a swimmers (and divers) dream. 

Time to head back home, what an amazing trip and well worth the travelling for. Never had i thought that i would see and experience so  much in two days. A quick trip into Tobermory for fish and chips (well it would be rude not to! The famous Tobermory cat welcoming us in with a flick of his tail before wandering off when he realised that we weren't sharing.

Food consumed and a wander round the shops and it was back on the boat, i am not sure what the locals thought of several of us who were still dressed in our wetsuits and had only thrown a coat over the top, there seemed little point in getting changed when i had planned to take Shane up on his promise of a last swim. And look at the waters he provided, breathtakingly beautiful and too good a spot for me to miss out on a last dip before heading home. Even Gemma could not resist getting in, a mum and daughter moment as the other chose to remain on the boat.

Dried and dressed with hot drinks in hand it was a slow meander back to Oban, sea eagle on rock watching our tail wave and the skies behind us closing in on what had been a glorious two days.

I was very lucky in that Shane managed to get some video footage of my trip and the link is here for you all too see - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTc9F73DeBk&feature=youtu.

Do i plan to go again.....YES. 2014 the trips will be made and more places explored and swam in. How do you book, well contact them via facebook - Basking Shark Scotland or their web page - http://baskingsharkscotland.co.uk/

ONE VERY HAPPY SWIMMER - 

GUEST BLOG - SPORTS DIRECT author Chelsea Potter

What to wear to open water swimming events and how to get warm quickly after

As the cold water season approaches, I thought now would be as good a time as ever to go through the proper attire for open water swimming events and perhaps more important, how to get warm quickly after.

Firstly lets talk about wetsuits. Many people avoid these as they believe they constrict their movements. However this couldn’t be further from the truth. Wetsuits help to keep you warm which is extremely useful for open water swimming events, as  they help you float better and reduce drag so you can swim faster. When choosing your wetsuit, ensure it is snug but not too tight. You need it to fit well so it doesn’t let water in but you don’t want it restricting you. Ensure you test it out in the water before any big event to avoid limitations.

People struggle with open water events mainly due to the cold. There are numerous ways around this and wetsuits are only one option. You can buy boots, socks and gloves and these are really useful. If you think about your hands and feet being in and out of the water constantly, inevitably it can be a shock to the body but gloves and boots help reduce this and provide extra warmth. If these are something you may be interested in, look out for neoprene materials as this has been tried and tested to prove it's the best.

Other accessories that may be of benefit this season include hats, goggles and ear plugs. Ensure hats and plugs are made out of silicone as this again is best suited for its purpose. Ear plugs are great preventing ear infections. When looking to purchase goggles, make sure they fit your face properly and are comfortable. You can buy tinted goggles for sunny days but at this time of year, opt for clear or yellow glasses.

All this is good while in you’re in the water but when you get out, how do you get warm quickly? One of the most common tips that people focus their attention on is foil blankets. These are great to throw on as soon as you leave the water. At this point it is also vital to have something to eat, albeit a sports bar or a sandwich. Food will create more energy and in turn keep you warm so eating soon after an event is important. Hot drinks are also great for keeping your hands warm and maintaining core body temperatures.

It can take up to ten minutes for your body to adjust to the conditions so the sooner you can get dry and put on comfortable layers, the better for you. After you are dry and have on your tracksuit, grab some hand warmers. The gel hand warmers are small and easy to carry but they warm up so quickly to suit your needs. They are great for swimming events.

One tip that is not as recognised but is equally as great is as soon as you leave the water, go for a run. It is a great way to generate some heat while adapting to the dry conditions and also acts as a cool down.

All these tips are great and are tried and tested to work but try them all and see what works best for you. For more tips and everything you could need for swimming events, take a look at http://www.sportsdirect.com/pages/swimming?utm_source=blog+post&utm_medium=seo&utm_campaign=swimming+attire+and+warmth

SHARKS AND SWIMMING Day 1

Have you ever won anything...me neither...until this year, first i win an Orca bag...which is wonderful (and ensured that i bought more goodies to fill it with!!) and then i won a trip to Scotland...and not just any trip, a trip to swim with the wildlife that is currently migrating through its wonderful waters.

Basking Shark Scotland (http://baskingsharkscotland.co.uk/) selected my name out of the hat and with a bit of juggling of my schedule i was able to accept. Like a child at christmas i was bouncing at the mere thought of swimming with basking sharks. I am sure i drove everyone i know and all of my students mad with my chatter about how much i was looking forward to the trip.

me swimming in the secret cove!!

Staying with my friend Chris Sifleet on the Thursday night meant that the journey was relatively pain free to Oban the following day. Arriving at the waters edge a rushed auburn headed female came rushing out of her car. Were we on the same trip, were we parked in the right place, was that our boat she could see....a volley of questions shot ourway, i could  not help but giggle. Walking down the the semi-inflatable boat we were met by the grinning Shane and his boat skipper Cameron. Yes we were in the right place, we rushed to get our kit (we bought FAR too much), then to park the cars in a long stay car park. After this a chance to meet our fellow travellers, Jamie Openshaw, Achim and his wonderful wife Danielle, myself and my daughter Gemma. A nice sized group.

Availing ourselves of the lush seats, Cameron started the engine and we were off, the waters relatively choppy to start off with (so glad i had not eaten breakfast!), the skies...well if we could have seen them through the mist i would have told you what they looked like. Shane, every positive informed us that the mist would clear shortly and commended his safety brief and had us intrepid travellers complete the relevant paperwork. That done we were free to move about the boat at will...seriously...i did not know if i had sea legs and if i did at that point they did not belong to me.

Bouncing out of the harbour, Cameron, reassured me that the stomach acrobats that i was experiencing would lesson and disappear as i got used to the motion of the boat - he was right, and thankfully it did. We had not long alighted the harbour area and the sea suddenly calmed at little, the boat no longer seemed to slam against each wave and instead appeared to slice its way through the green waters.  All of us alert to 'what we might see', although we were hoping to see basking sharks, we were informed that there was all manner of wildlife that we 'might' be able to see. The skies cleared to what was to turn out to be a wonderfully sunny day!

And so the waiting commenced - but not for long, slowing the boat in a wonderful little bay, all eyes were on the water looking for the elusive fin of the basking shark....now in a picture they look easy to spot...on a boat with moving water....that is not so easy. Seals curious to our presence bobbed up left, right and centre, confused no doubt by our groans at their appearance, anxious to spot the first fin in the water. And then there it was Achim had spotted it, a fin breaking the water, the fin of a minke whale, in fact we saw 4 of them moving at speed to the left of the boat. For all that the fin appears small (not sure what size i thought it would be) in comparison to the body the body is large. As fast as they arrived they drifted on in their journey of the waters. And breath....the fish were in the water....we had seen them!

Moving on the boat steadied at the helm (nautical terminology probably not being used correctly, i am sure that Cameron will correct me!), we headed on to the 'secret bay', oh and long may it remain a secret, it would have be such a shame to have turned up to find it full of people! Stunning white sand, crystal clear water, wow, it was breathtaking. I had my swimming costume on...it had to be done, adding a vest over the top to take the bite of the 9 degree water away, goggles on hat on, and there was no stopping me. Shane bless him had swam out in his dry suit to get some pics of the boat in the water, and i was lucky enough that he managed to get a snap of me swimming (see first pic). My daughter Gemma, remained on the boat as did the others while i swam so i literally had the waters to myself - heaven.

The crisp bite of the water had for the time being satisfied the urge to swim. Danielle was astounded that i had got in, touching my skin which was warm to the touch, she claimed me 'not human' and proceeded to look at me with her mouth open for a few minutes as she donned her many layers ready to put on her dry suit. We ended up laughing at her mass of clothing and my lack of!

Our overnight destination was the Isle of Coll which is 4 miles north of the Isle of Mull, housing around 200 people, its a small island 14 miles long and 4 miles wide....a jewel in the water so to speak. Heading around to one side of the island we were met enroute by a large pod of porpoises, graceful in their actions but totally focused on the task in hand, barely registering our presence. But none the less wonderful to see.

With Cameron at the helm (another nautical word....gosh i must be getting good at this) spotting for wildlife, Shane dishing out copious amounts of hot drinks and homemade goodies created by his wife (Nikki)....a very fine baker i will add...the fudge is not to be missed! I 'stole' / borrowed Shanes seat at the front of the boat, a great place for creature spotting. The other travellers having grown accustomed to the swell of the water were enjoying the views from either their seats or the back of the boat, the atmosphere relaxed and very friendly. The chatter flowing as we got to know one and other. It was a great group to be a part of.

Pretty soon the shout went out again...were we really this lucky...dolphins. Five of them off in the distance and heading the same direction as us. 3 of them broke off and headed to the boat, at a guess we could have said mum, dad and youngster. Wow, they were getting closer..and closer and then the parents appeared to hang back, the little one came within touching distance raised his head and clattered at us. A boat full of adults instantly forgot to hit the video button, we simply and collectively said wow.... for what seemed eternity but was probably only seconds he chatted away to us as if inviting us in to play, we stood spell bound at such an amazing encounter with the wildlife so close up and personal. It was truly magical and makes my heart swell just recalling the memory.

 With a final dip of his head, he made a graceful turn and returned to his parents. You could have heard a pin drop on the boat, we were simply stunned into silence. Then the grins started, the day was simply turning out to be amazing!

Watching the dolphins ride off into the depths of the water one has to marvel how in that great vast body of water they managed to find us it really is difficult to fathom. It really is the ultimate feeling to see such creatures in their natural environment and for them to 'want' to interact with you, my only regret was not getting in the water with them but it was such an overpowering experience for them to come to us that it never crossed my mind at the time. 

Fingals cave (swimmable!!!!)

Still on the hunt for basking sharks we follow the landscape round, much of it having been exposed by the weather and water displaying the most wonderful of colours, shapes and sizes.  The beaches could have been set in some of the most tropical places in the world, pure white sands and crystal clear waters, its a swimmers heaven. Shanes policy of 'if you see somewhere you want to swim let me know' is a master stroke in the open water swim world! His second policy is that if you are in the water so is he, brilliant for those less confidence in the sea to have someone so experienced along side them, of course he has his camera with him at all times...taking pictures of you taking pictures with your camera. (Jamie too managed to get one of me as i clicked away fascinated by the tentacled movements of the lions mane jellyfish!)

The seals were very curious, dancing around us, getting closer and closer, one pup did seem very happy to get within a couple of feet of us before bouncing out of view under the water without so much of a ripple in the water, as we looked into the depths, said seal would then hover in the water inviting us to play...the invite i can tell you was taken up and he did leave us a merry dance under the water, making us look like mere amateurs! 

Staying over night in Coll was wonderful too, the building a new build of timber frame design, very modern and peaceful and more then adequate for our requirements, boys in one room, girls in another, a fantastically large kitchen/dining area with a great sized lounging space too. 

We ate at the local Coll Hotel offering lobster at the best prices that i could not resist having one! And before you ask....no i did not share it!

Day two...of what an adventure...read it soon...its being written as you are reading this....the first day of such an amazing trip...words simply can not explain how magical and totally breathtaking it is to see the wildlife in front of you, interacting with you. Its not just a once in a lifetime experience with this company you can experience it year after year!!

I'VE DONE IT - NEIL WALKER

I'VE DONE IT - NEIL WALKER

 

My challenge of swimming 3 miles has been completed, and what a fantastic one it was.

My first swim 10am Yellow wave was relatively easy, I took it steady and I finished in 29:03. I suffered a slight sore on the back of my neck due to the Velcro from my wetsuit that had rubbed quite bad. I attended the first aid tent and explained I had a further two waves to complete but they could not really offer any first aid or a solution to the problem.  The only solution was to ditch the wetsuit in time for my 2nd swim, which I did!!

12:35pm Green wave my second swim soon came round, so off I went.   I felt pretty good as I went around the course so decided to push myself for a better time and put a sprint in at the last 100 metres.    I had a slight twinge of cramp in my left calf so had to leave off kicking with my left leg but managed a time of 28:15.

2pm Purple wave  I had to make my way back to the start as I was due to set off again at 2pm for my last and final swim. I was very conscious of my calf with the cramp so I worked on the calf to try and prevent any further attack.  I was starting to feel a little tired by now and wished I hadn't pushed myself in the previous swim.  I had a friend join me in this wave to help spur me on.  I finished this race in 31.38

I want to thank you all for your support in sponsoring me; I will be collecting in the money in the next week or two.  I was hoping to raise a £1,000, but overall it looks more like £3,000.  The family are so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and the children have decided they would like to go to Ibiza in October.  This was the last family holiday they spent with their Mum and Dad.

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Donations can be made by contacting me via Diary of an open water swimmer - this blog, or facebook and i will direct you to the payment methods available - happy swimming folks!

SWIMMING FOR OTHERS! - NEIL WALKER

My Name is Neil Walker and I am attempting to swim three one-mile swims in Salford Quays on the 20^th July 2013 to raise money for a young family that have suffered the most unreal tragic circumstances.  This a story of a family, Robert (Dad) ,Rachel (Mum), Luke and Olivia Scholey from  Kimberworth Rotherham.

On the 9^th August 2011, tragically Robert died very suddenly of a ruptured bowel that had perforated which lead to septicaemia aged only 41 yrs. This was very sudden and shocked the community leaving a wife Rachel, Luke 11 yrs and Olivia 3 yrs.

Rachel was  so positive after Robert's death as she had to be for her two young children, bringing them up was not going to be easy for her but she  continued to lead a normal life taking Luke to football and bringing Olivia up and just being a fantastic and strong Mum.

Rachel eventually went back to work after Roberts’s death as a nurse at Rotherham Hospital when she started to feel unwell. Rachel had some tests  and on the 15^th May 2012 she was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumour.

This was devastating news and very hard to comprehend for the family and friends of Rachel, but she was extremely brave and accepted what she had. One thing Rachel did have was a very loving family and she was very close to her sister Karen and had lots of friends and work colleagues who were willing to help anyway they possibly could.

Rachel never asked how long she had to live so no one had any inclination and she continued to be very brave for Luke and Olivia.

As time went on Rachel began to deteriorate but continued with her treatment.

Suddenly on the 20^th May 2013 Rachel’s Dad Terry tragically died very suddenly leaving the family devastated and having to cope with his unfortunate death.

On the 25^th May 2013, Rachel lost her battle against Cancer aged 38 yrs leaving Luke now 13 yrs and Olivia 5 yrs  sister Karen, Family and friends and the community totally devastated.

Rachel was a loving caring Mum Auntie friend and would do anything to help others nothing was too much trouble for her.  Rachel never ever moaned  or complained about her illness she was just such a brave person.  It really is a privilege to have known Robert and Rachel Scholey.

Rachel’s sister Karen and husband Nigel now have taken care of Luke and Olivia also having a son of their own Lewis

I am raising money to send Karen, Nigel, and children on a family holiday that they more than deserve. I want to try to make a difference.

You too can make a difference by sponsoring me to complete the three one mile swims to help raise money.

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Donations can be made by contacting me via Diary of an open water swimmer - this blog, or facebook and i will direct you to the payment methods available - happy swimming folks!

A MEMORY REVIVED

A MEMORY REVIVED

This time last year an amazing lady called Louise Bradley was preparing to take part in her first ever open water event. She had been coached, overcome her fears.....had to talk to herself several times, put her trust in me completely....from the second she dipped a toe in the water, she changed, she strengthened, her spine straightened, she developed and grew.

I sit here tonight in anticipation of the glass of red wine i shall have in salute to her amazing achievement, tomorrow night, just as i did one year ago.

People come and people go and every now and then someone enters your life that reminds you a little of you, that leaves an imprint that you know will last a lifetime, as just as i did a year ago and just as i will tomorrow night, i will raise a glass to the determination of one lady and to the powers of open water swimming that helped her realise just how special she is.

We all sign up for events then wonder what on earth we have done and why we are doing it, then we train, and then the day arrives, our family surround us, the noise overwhelms us but we are there, and no matter now much every fibre of our being is saying 'just leave..no one is forcing you to do it' we stand on the start line and wait for the starters whistle. And there it is we are off, just us and the elements...we are doing it!
As we go round our bodies say no i can't do it, i am tired, our heads play every game that can be played, the elements toss us and turn us in the water....is this what our washing feels like when we put it in the machine i wonder.....but wow we are doing it...the big day is happening!!!!

 And then as fast as we can blink its over, the medal is round our necks and we have done it, the tears have been worth it, the hugs breath taking, the smiles amazing, its a film reel that goes round and round in my head, i wanted to shout from the roof tops SHE DID IT!!!!! And still do, i am grateful for the experience she gave me and always will be and for that tomorrow Louise my glass is and always will be on the night of first mile Great North swim, raised to you!

What does the future hold for an amazing lady, well i am proud to say she's getting married, a bride what will shine brighter than the sun on the day.

I toast to you Louise, as i sit her slightly emotional remembering this time last year, each and every year i will toast you, you are incredible and please never forget that!!!