A Double Dip Day to Start 2012

And we have got off to a flying start on the outdoor swimming - sans wetsuits. Not sure if the economy is heading for a double dip this year but we were not satisfied with one dip only and went back for seconds on our New Year's Day 'Dash and Dip' yesterday at Mablethorpe. Thankfully the weather was kind to us, unlike last year's freezing conditions, and it felt bearable to run down the beach to the inviting brown surf of the North Sea. And this year we had a 'Third Man' - that is James the 10 year nephew who supported us by getting in too. He is now committed for every year to come.

Either I'm getting more climatised to the cold water and standing around in the elements almost undressed, or it really was mild for the time of year, but I managed to hold on to a cup of post-swim coffee without shaking uncontrollably.

We should have some good photos from Kevin on camera duty - and will post up here once we have them. Belinda's video attempt didn't seem to capture us - rather more sand than sea - but it is on our You Tube link.

Here's to 2012 and some great outdoor swimming.

Last Gasp of 2011?

Haggard pic says it all...it's been a tough "festive" season for this summer loving waterblogged sister...

...but, got a chance to get out today and bask in those 10 degrees air temp, made me a little stupid and before you know it I'm standing in four layers looking wistfully at the lake wondering if I'm brave enough..

The decision was made for me in 2009 and 2010 - the lake was frozen solid by mid Nov for the last two years. This year I'm looking at double figure air temps, gawd knows what the water is registering, but it looks clear, calm and I know I'll feel ready to face anything after a quick dip

Toughest thing is getting all those bloody layers off, but then I'm standing like a loon ankle deep in leaf litter in my kind of superfluous cozzie ... now there's no time to contemplate, just commit and go for it!!! Ouch! Bloody cold, circulation struggling between shut down and melt down !!!

Hey ho! December 27th....my latest swim of the year so far - and has gee'd me up for NY Day in the North Sea avec ma souer d'eau xx

Is this the first Lido Swim of 2012?

Hathersage Pool in Derbyshire have posted up their Spring Swim - Saturday 31st March  http://www.facebook.com/events/287315037972134/   that's Early Doors and very welcome too. In fact it's only (almost) 3 months away so start those countdown clocks. Forget the distraction of the Olympic countdown, it's the Lido Opening Dates that are the focus here.

And breaking news from Joe at Jubilee Pool (that's Jubilee, Lincs not Cornwall!) first day of opening is
5th May.

Time to source some new swim wear I think.

Stormy Seas

 Photos taken last week on a visit to Mabo. The waves were thundering in and a bitterly cold wind was blowing. Looks set about right then for the New Year's Day Swim. Perfect conditions.

: )

Getting up a Crowd for Winter Dip

http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=events&s=&id=81

He, he, somehow I don't think the Waterblogged Sisters' New Year's Day Dash and Dip will attract the same numbers that the OSS's Winter Swim at Parliament Hill is likely to bring in - 200 last year?! Ah well, start small and slow is my motto thankfully.

: )

NYD Dash and Dip

I've changed the event name from Dash and Splash after someone pointed out that sounded a little bit like an emergency 'wee' stop. So we are 'committed' to our customary New Year's Day Swim - this time at Mablethorpe Beach (Handy RNLI lifeboat nearby).  The event is open to Blue Sky Swimming members only - it is not a public swim - but anyone can spectate and be there to hold towels, fetch hot drinks, take photos and have generally have a laugh at our expense.

Here's Mabo looking rather fashionably retro - just not intentionally.

Where's the Wild Winter Weather?

Well it's not landed yet - not like this time last year. This weekend was more like late summer - sunny and mild and not at all like mid-November.

Luckily for me I had a scheduled meet and walk with friends at Gibraltar Point on Sunday so there was the chance of a late dip in the sea.  I almost passed though when I saw how far out the tide was - but managed to wade out far enough to get a quick swim.  I reckon it was about 12 degrees C so fairly chilly in the water but by all means bearable and it was really balmy once out - absolutely no shivering at all .... a first!

Now, let's just hope that our New Year's Day 'Dash and Dip' will be just as pleasant. I have 'commitment' from Linda, Lois and Jane and am building up momentum so we may be more than The Two on the First of Jan.