Christmas 2008

Christmas morning on Felixstowe beach saw many people about to plunge in for St Elizabeth Hospice. Water temp 4oC with a brisk easterly wind. Several Bennetts arrived to watch and we met Rob Allan who inspired us to join the group. This unfortunately meant that Joe wasn't with us but the adrenaline surge took over and within a few minutes Seamus, Miriam, William and Sean stripped off and plunged in for the briefest 'swim' of the year. We thought a second dip would be more pleasant but was no different! Very exhilarating and finished off with some 'vin chaud'. Next time Joe and after the November training, sorry.

North Pole

Last night I met someone who rather knocks the Felixstowe Ferry crossing and even the Humber Bridge crossing for six. His name is Lewis Pugh and he swam a kilometre at the North Pole and has swum the full length of the Thames to raise awareness about global warming. He's the first and I think only person to have done these swims. He was saying that he is able to psychologically raise his body temperature. So that when he gets into icy water he is sweating. I'm hoping that I have picked up his technique for our Christmas swim. It is worth looking him up on wikipedia to see what he has done. 

Groupie

The Bennett's of Bath were in Felixstowe for the week-end at the end of October/ start of November to take advantage of Seamus and Anel's last week-end in the big house on Links Ave. Naturally we headed for the beach on the Friday. The weather had cooled significantly so we were all wrapped up, but it was a lovely evening with the sun setting over the gently lapping shore at the 'lagoon'. (I'm sure there must be an EEC regulation about calling a piece of the north sea surrounded by concrete a 'lagoon' on the grounds of false description.) I hadn't planned to go in but the weather forecast for the rest of week-end was pretty dire so I thought this would be my only chance. I had my trunks in the car but no hat and had to use a sheet (actually Maddy's Halloween ghost costume) for a towel. The water was freezing! I've no idea how cold as I'm not good at gauging it but I had a quick swim out to the end of the spit and back.  Since stopping working in London I haven't been having my weekly dip in the Serpentine so I'm not drilled in cold water enjoyment like I used to be. That was part of my reason for swimming now, so I'd be prepared for the Christmas swim at Felixstowe and the New Year's Day dip in the Frome at Farleigh and District Club.

Maddy and Amy were indifferent to my ostentatious aquatic activity, however it did draw one admirer. A very posh old lady came over to congratulate me for my pluck. She seemed genuinely pleased to see someone doing something out of the ordinary. I do think that the world is divided into people that think you are mad/ stupid to jump in cold water and those that smile and think it a joyous and celebratory thing to do. I think it is the latter group that have the greater openness and zest for life.  

Anyway self-affirmation aside, it was very cold but I was glad I'd done it.

It chucked it down on Saturday but I reluctantly managed a dip on Sunday. Seamus and I went to the lagoon. It was a pleasant evening so quite a few people were there walking dogs and so on. I didn't want to strip off, wal

k through a crowd of onlookers and get in the sea to make a spectacle of myself so Seamus suggested a spot just near his new house below the steps near the old beach hut. This was a much more private spot but this time I was going off the idea because of the cold. It's very easy to talk yourself out of a swim and be left irritated with yourself that you didn't 'just do it'. So I had a quick swim, with only an audience of Seamus. I have to say that I was glad that he was there just in case of an emergency. Ever since the rip tie incident in the summer my respect for the sea at Felixstowe has increased. So that's my training for Christmas morning complete, roll on December! 

Gowan trance

I'd never visited the Gower area of Wales and had heard it was beautiful. We did a spontaneous visit to Rosie's parents who had rented a very basic (outside toilets, cold baths and no telly) and very lovely house on the Gower peninsula above Mewslade Bay. We hadn't planned to go but the weather forecast was great and after the windswept and wet Devon trip we hoped we could get a bit of sunshine before the summer was over. 

The kids loved the cows (see photo below) that came up to the garden fence and we all loved the extraordinary views across the cliffs to the Worm's Head by Rhossilli Bay (see photo above) and out to sea. I went for a run along Rhossilli Bay which reminded me of Saunton Sands and is if anything more beautiful. I didn't swim there though, it didn't really appeal at the time, perhaps because the tide was right out. On the Saturday I went for a quick dip at Meswlade Bay which felt very cold. I always think the Atlantic feels a few degrees colder than the north sea. The bay is spectacular with a very tidal sandy beach surrounded a V of tall cliffs. It isn't particularly accessible so wasn't at all crowded. 

After an evening of wine, fire side chat and star-gazing into the un-light polluted skies I was looking forward to a dip in the sea. However being a wimp I waited until I was shamed into going in by Rosie's dad getting in before me.  I put on a swim hat which always makes me feel protected from the worst of the cold. It was cold but I got used to it and enjoyed the sensation of the salty water giving me extra buoyancy. I kept within my depth as I heard there could be nasty rip tides and frankly I have lost some bottle since being caught in a rip in Felixstowe, a beach I have swum all year round, in all states of tide and drunkenness. I really enjoyed the feeling of plodding along in the calm waters, almost trance-like. I also noted that it would be possible to swim round to Falls Bay or if we were very brave, round Worm's Head to Rhossilli, though that may be a big boy challenge too far for me. 

Felixstowe Pier to Cobbolds Point

As Joe writes, we've been Felixstowe sea swimming all our lives but I'd never swum this stretch. So with the water temp at 16C (61F), some September sun, a calm sea and a handy current in our favour, now was the time.

Joined by Alice, a former lifeguard friend and always ready with a pink swim hat, in we went.

Felixstowe's wooden Pier is a doomed landmark. Over 100 years old, it was once half a mile long, but like many piers was sealed off during WW2 and has never recovered. It's now sadly deserted, just over 1oom long and under demolition order.

The distance is about 1500m and took us 26 minutes. Crawl felt smoother than in a pool, with no comeback from our turbulence. Breathing on the seaward side, the sun shone shone silvery on the smooth water, with Alice making a classic swimmer's silhoette.

On a groyne sat one of the cormorants I've noticed for the first time this summer off Felixstowe. This must be a good sign: these big black birds seem like 'real' sea creatures with a proper fish-only diet - never seen one among the gulls at the dump at least. And in July we saw a seal bobbing along 10m offshore - so the Pier may be condemned, but it seems Felixstowe's natural seascape is doing OK.

We reached Bent Hill in 6 mins, the Spa in 10, and before we knew it were with our families at the Cobbolds Point 'lagoon'. This distinctly untropical arc of concrete blocks provides some shelter but can create some nasty currents on the outgoing tide, which Joe and Sean have been caught by on choppier days this summer. I could have stayed in longer, knowing there would be few more perfect swimming days to come this year, but it was time to wash off our brown goaties of North Sea scum and drink some sweet tea...

The next challenge

Is anyone ready for Spurn point to Cleethorpes? About 8kms. Water temp 16oC today.
google-Spurn Point tide times- and have a look around.
Sean

New year' day, River Frome

I've swam at Farleigh and District swimming club a couple of times. As all 'wild swimmers' know it is the only river swimming club left in England and the home of Rob Fryer of Rob's Cool Places fame. It is a short drive or pleasant cycle ride from my home in Bath. 

The idea to swim on new year's day came from a well oiled conversation with a new friend, Tony, at a new years eve party. I regaled him with tales of all year round swimming in the Serpentine in London and in the sea and expected the usual 'you must be mad' response. However he didn't to balk at the idea of winter swimming and when I upped the ante with a suggestion of swim the following morning he was keen. The following morning I was woken with a text message saying 'Let's swim!' No way out now.

I've swum outdoors all year round and it is only the River Frome that never seems to warm up. So using this twisted logic I assumed that it couldn't be any colder in January as it was in September.  I also drafted in my regular outdoor swimming mate Dom who I knew would enjoy a dip. 

We trouped over to Farliegh Hungerford with our families and Tony and Dom very impressively dived in, I however opted for the ladder. Unsurprisingly it was colder than in September. After a quick dip Dom's daughter wanted to jump in.Although none of us wanted to dampen her enthusiasm we felt it better to persuade her not to as she was only about 6 years old. I can highly recommend a plunge in the sea or a river as a natural hang-over cure for next new years' day.

Another notable visit was this summer when Rosie and I went over for a quick dip before going to the Mill at Rode for lunch. We were joined by a group of local lads. It was one of those situations where the sudden presence of boisterous young men could have been uncomfortable, but they wanted to do the same as us and have a swim, so we ended up taking it in turns using the rope swing.  A nice example of swimming bringing people together.

On note on the club:

Farleigh and District Swimming Club is the only river swimming club left in the country. Founded in 1933, it now has over 2000 members. The water is fresh, with a deep area above the weir for lovely swimming. There are toilets and changing rooms available. There is also a large car park with easy access to swimming. The Club is run by a Committee, who take it in turns to collect subs. Sometimes in the height of the summer we have to employ somebody to help out. The Club is chaired by stalwart enthusiast, Mr. Rob Fryer. Membership is compulsory for insurance reasons but subscriptions are kept low at £16 for a family membership, £10 for an adult membership, and £5 for a junior one. These can be paid in instalment

Man o War Bay thru Durdle Door & back

Can this be an English beach?! peering over the steep path down to Durdle Door. Yes it can, but not as someone from East Anglia, first time in Dorset, knows it. Mid-August, we were on our way back to Suffolk from a mini farm holiday nr Dorchester (including splash in the River Frome, see Joe's entry above, which is just a shallow clear chalk stream in Dorchester).
Rather than get caught in Friday traffic, we followed Wild Swim's link to this amazing stretch of the Jurassic Coast, just as the sun was setting and folks were leaving. Little picnic, 2 little boys, buckets and spades.
Brendan (6) chose the Man-0-War Bay side, so we had to hike round on the coarse white sand to be in the last rays of sun under the massive cliffs. Excitement all round, water so clear, but not oh-so warm (about 16-17C I'd guess) . Brendan did some micro snorkelling in his cute wetsuit, but soon started shivering and got out to join Mummy & Brucey (2) for sustenance.
My chance for the swim. The slightly smaller than expected scale of Durdle Door and its proximity to the Bay made it feel safe and manageable to try on my own. The Bay was calm, but sea started to role a bit nearer the Door.
It was a magnificent experience, and just a bit scary at times, as scale changes when you get in doesn't it? i.e. you get smaller, while cliffs, waves etc seem alot bigger. Despite the water clarity, it was so deep that there was nothing to see but...the deep. Right under the Door a slight swell pushes & heaves, some seaweedy rocks comes up at you. I lined myself up, tread water a bit, chose my moment, head down and swam all the way thru and under. Out the other side, floating around, looking up at the grand arch (no tombstoners today, or has it been 'banned'?) - a real moment to savour.
The Door's quite close to the beach that side, could have got out and walked back, but I had that feeling of never wanting to get out, so set off happily to swim back round to the Bay, and that little picnic. 26 minutes to remember.


Man-o-War Bay beach

The Deben

Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey and back.

The River Deben enters the North Sea at Felixstowe Ferry. The ferry has 2 pubs, a few house and some river boats. On the water many more boats are moored. It is very pretty and has hardly changed since I first lived in Felixstowe 48 years ago. On many occasions played at the ferry, usually catching crabs off the jetty and now often run along the river bank and onto the sea-wall. The river has a lethal reputation. Only last year 2 people drowned here. I have never seen anyone swim here and yet the 400 yard swim across to Bawdsey always looked appealing. I asked my brother to accompany me, as he is a better swimmer. We started by speaking to the ferryboat- man. We had been warned that he was a bit grumpy and rather precious about the jetty. When I approached him the tide was running out at about 8 knots and looked threatening. I decided to cut the small talk and asked what he thought about swimming over to Bawdsey. He replied in broad suffolk, ‘used to swim across when I was a kid, low tide mind, not so far to swim’. I said I was planning a high tide swim. He looked at the river and said, ‘wouldn’t go just now’. He agreed to keep an eye-out for us if we let him know when we were crossing.
The next day the sun was shining. We sat on the shingle at the widest point of the estuary waiting for the tide to slacken. About 40 minutes before high-tide we dived in and swam straight across in less than 5 minutes. We stood on the bank and having earlier thought we might take the ferry back decided that it would be easier to plunged in and swim back. When we arrived back on the shingle a few walkers commented on not having seen anyone do that before. We felt very pleased at having conquered a myth.

River Hull

Bethell’s Bridge to Struncheon Hill Wear

If you tell your friends that you are going swimming in the River Hull they are likely to think that you have finally lost it and offer to bring along a stomach pump. But the River Hull is very nice. It springs from near Driffield in East Yorkshire and runs through North Frodingham then under Bethells Bridge before twisting its way south towards the Humber River. Here it emerges 20 miles later next to ‘the Deep’, Hull’s main tourist attraction. We often swim in the shingle and clay pits in the area and decided it was time test the river at Bethell’s Bridge. These waters were regular swimming spots in previous years but the lure of a 28oC indoor pool seems to have dragged people away.
We decided to go on an early evening swim in late August when the water was around 14oC. Bethell’s Bridge is a pretty swing bridge with 30 or more river boats moored openly along the banks. The water is clear and flows south at about 1 knot. 5 of us jumped in. The water felt good enough to drink and with the current we soon felt like top swimmers heading towards Struncheon Hill Lock and Wear. There were plenty of fish to see and the fronds from the river weed brushed pleasantly, the movement of boats stopping it being too thick. On our way down, a couple on their boat were surprised to see us. We had the impression that not many swimmers went by.
We reached the lock and wear in under 20 minutes (0.75 miles). Whilst trending water 2 went to explore the wear. The first went over followed by the second, neither through choice and both felt that despite the calm of the river the wear was deceptive and probably best avoided if you wanted to avoid cuts and bruises. We all climbed out, admired the country scenery and feeling a little chilly dived in to start the up-stream swim. This was hard work. We realized that we needed to push a little to penetrate the current and swam hard for 40 minutes watched only by a lively cow before climbing out at Bethell’s Bridge again, tired but pleased and determined to swim there again.
In fact we returned a week later using 2 cars and planned a ‘downstreamer’ to Baswick Landing, starting again at Bethell’s Bridge. This was about 2½ miles.
It was a misty morning, one fisherman was amused to see us donning wetsuits and commented that the 4 foot pike would not be a problem but watch out for the weed. We swam comfortably to the wear, this time walking around and entered the water downstream. The boats of course use the lock so the next section was clean but with thicker weed. Still we swam on in lovely surrounds with a swan paddling effortlessly in front. The map shows nothing on this section and we saw nothing. The banks were about 6-10 foot mostly grass. Fortunately we had spotted an old rowing boat at the landing earlier as it would not have been easy to recognise the exit point. On the way down we would float occasionally chatting and enjoying the quiet. Something we never do in the pool. The swan having led the whole swim seemed to know where we were heading. Just as we arrived at Baswick Landing he turned and paddled past us upstream. We left the peace of the river and were glad of some hot tea in the car, having been in the water for 1 hour 10 minutes. The whole time we saw no other people.
Both swims were so much more rewarding than pool swimming and made comfortable by the use to wetsuits.
Getting there: take the Hornsea road north of Hull. Turn off at Leven. Drive through Leven and take country lanes past Billabong Lake. It is another 2 miles onto Bethell’s Bridge.
Information: Search ‘River Hull’ and take the virtual tour from Hull Bridge (at Tickton) to Bethell’s Bridge.

River Hull

Bethell’s Bridge to Struncheon Hill Wear and beyond to Baswick landing

If you tell your friends that you are going swimming in the River Hull they are likely to think that you have finally lost it and offer to bring along a stomach pump. But the River Hull is very nice. It springs from near Driffield in East Yorkshire and runs through North Frodingham then under Bethells Bridge before twisting its way south towards the Humber River. Here it emerges 20 miles later next to ‘the Deep’, Hull’s main tourist attraction. We often swim in the shingle and clay pits in the area and decided it was time test the river at Bethell’s Bridge. These waters were regular swimming spots in previous years but the lure of a 28oC indoor pool seems to have dragged people away.
We decided to go on an early evening swim in late August when the water was around 14oC. Bethell’s Bridge is a pretty swing bridge with 30 or more river boats moored openly along the banks. The water is clear and flows south at about 1 knot. 5 of us jumped in. The water felt good enough to drink and with the current we soon felt like top swimmers heading towards Struncheon Hill Lock and Wear. There were plenty of fish to see and the fronds from the river weed brushed pleasantly, the movement of boats stopping it being too thick. On our way down, a couple on their boat were surprised to see us. We had the impression that not many swimmers went by.
We reached the lock and wear in under 20 minutes (0.75 miles). Whilst trending water 2 went to explore the wear. The first went over followed by the second, neither through choice and both felt that despite the calm of the river the wear was deceptive and probably best avoided if you wanted to avoid cuts and bruises. We all climbed out, admired the country scenery and feeling a little chilly dived in to start the up-stream swim. This was hard work. We realized that we needed to push a little to penetrate the current and swam hard for 40 minutes watched only by a lively cow before climbing out at Bethell’s Bridge again, tired but pleased and determined to swim there again.
In fact we returned a week later using 2 cars and planned a ‘downstreamer’ to Baswick Landing, starting again at Bethell’s Bridge. This was about 2½ miles.
It was a misty morning, one fisherman was amused to see us donning wetsuits and commented that the 4 foot pike would not be a problem but watch out for the weed. We swam comfortably to the wear, this time walking around and entered the water downstream. The boats of course use the lock so the next section was clean but with thicker weed. Still we swam on in lovely surrounds with a swan paddling effortlessly in front. The map shows nothing on this section and we saw nothing. The banks were about 6-10 foot mostly grass. Fortunately we had spotted an old rowing boat at the landing earlier as it would not have been easy to recognise the exit point. On the way down we would float occasionally chatting and enjoying the quiet. Something we never do in the pool. The swan having led the whole swim seemed to know where we were heading. Just as we arrived at Baswick Landing he turned and paddled past us upstream. We left the peace of the river and were glad of some hot tea in the car, having been in the water for 1 hour 10 minutes. The whole time we saw no other people.
Both swims were so much more rewarding than pool swimming and made comfortable by the use to wetsuits.
Getting there: take the Hornsea road north of Hull. Turn off at Leven. Drive through Leven and take country lanes past Billabong Lake. It is another 2 miles onto Bethell’s Bridge.
Information: Search ‘River Hull’ and take the virtual tour from Hull Bridge (at Tickton) to Bethell’s Bridge.

Magnificent seven and the Humber River

Magnificent 7 take on the Humber River.

With so much adverse comment about swimming the Humber there were plenty of nerves for this one.
The build-up was more involved. Clearance was obtained from the coast-guard, the harbour master, Humber rescue and the emergency services. In addition detailed planning of tides and a search for suitable canoeists who could accompany us not to mention drivers to get us there and a lookout on the bridge. We were lucky in getting the support of 3 canoeists through Rod at Wet n Wild which was only confirmed the night before the swim. Also additional swimmers were added at short notice.
Finally Sunday 7th September and the weather looked better than forecast. Final clearance from the coast-guard was granted and we all met at the Hessle Foreshore at 09.15. We met the canoeists and the Humber Rescue who had offered there support. The river looked beautiful and plenty of supporters were arriving. 3 cars crossed the bridge and after several wrong turns made it to the visitors centre in Barton (and very impressive it is too). The canoeist chose their launch spot and we striped-off in the disabled car park before finding a suitable place to enter the muddy waters.
There was no turning back. Any doubts were rubbed out by the enthusiasm of the group and the sun peeking out for the first time in 2 weeks.
Sean Bennett, James Sampson, Simon Hearnshaw, Alan Bayston, Alan McCartney, Steve Fuller and Simon Pickering would enter the water at 10.30 to give themselves the best currents and a safety margin.
As we frog-marched across the reeds we could see 4 large ships heading into our swimming lane which caused a slight delay as the harbour master instructed the canoes to wait. At 10.38 we slithered in, more eel than dolphin. The canoe led out against the current and so the first section was slow with little progress being made. However the plan worked and the next leg was with the current towards the bridge. This gave us the privilege of swimming close to the bridge which was in full view with the sun on our backs. Soon we swam under the bridge enjoy the great belly-view of the span and then we arrived at the foreshore at 11.17. Thus 39 minutes in total. We all shook-hands sang happy birthday, thanked everyone for their help and went to Jim’s for coffee.
It was a truly memorable day which we all hope to repeat next year.
Sean Bennett

dipping a toe in

The Bennetts were brought up by the sea in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Our summers were filled with days on the beach from a young age, progressing to hanging out there after school and ending up skinny dipping after the pub (actually did this last week). I guess that this put brine in our blood. The other factor that makes wild swimming so attractive if you come from Felixstowe is that the beach there is pretty unappealing so all other beaches and bodies of water are very attractive by comparison, so we are more inclined to just jump in. Recent excursions that will get onto the blog eventually include: Crossing the Deben to Bawdsey, the River Frome, a pioneering crossing of the Humber below the bridge, a secret swim with author of Wild Swimming, Kate Rew.