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
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
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