Boxing Day Swim - Part 2

[Bede735]

The whistle blew, and there was a mad dash to the sea. At this point I removed my coat, vest and sandshoes, then took a slow walk. I like to be contrary. I didn’t really notice the cold water on my bare feet or shins, but then a wave hit my thighs - it was really cold. Considering there was no wind the sea was considerably rough. It wasn’t long before a wave crashed over my head. I was really glad to be wearing my swim goggles, as I surely would have lost my contact lenses. The worst bit was swallowing sea water, it was horrible! My body was starting to tingle. I managed to swim a few strokes of front crawl, but it was a real battle against the waves. After a couple of minutes, I felt my time was up. Strangely, my upper body didn’t feel the cold – it was my thighs which really felt it. Just before I reached the shore another wave hit me and knocked me on my back.

Back at the Surf shop I stated to dress. There were no changing facilities, and I just couldn’t put my underwear on, so I left them under my tracksuit. As soon as I got back into the car I felt warm. I didn’t expect that – I thought I would have been chilled for some time. My wife asked me if I felt cold with my wet swimwear on. I didn’t because there wasn’t much to wear. Ah, the advantage of swim briefs…….