Open water swimmers,

Now that spring is here, it's about time to start thinking about open-water swimming again.  Historically, we start the Wednesday night Lake Hartwell swims the first week in April, but the water temperatures are colder than average this year.  The lake is still below 60 degrees, so most of us are not too eager to jump in the lake just yet.

The first lake swim of the season will be on April 17 (two weeks from today), by which point the water temperatures should (hopefully) be in the upper 60s.  That's still quite chilly, but around the temp that we usually start the swims.

For those that are new to the mailing list, the short version is:  we swim in Clemson between 5:30 and 7:00 pm on Wednesday evenings.  No RSVP is needed, just show up, make some friends, and have fun.  Full details are below.

There will be a few changes to the lake swims this season.  The most visible of these is that we've lost the kayak support this year.  One of our regular kayakers is out of the country, another is injured, and I have used up my influence with the others.  So there will be no safety boats on the lake in April and May, as we have had in previous years.  Instead, the April / May swims will take the same format as the June - October swims always have, with support via the buddy system and safety in numbers, rather than a kayak escort.

I'll send regular updates about water temperatures, weather, and upcoming swim events in the early part of the season, dropping down to very infrequent emails as the season goes on.

See you at the lake,

-Steve Stuart

I plan to swim on the 17th work and weather permitting. I would like at least one open water swim before Charleston on the 20th. I will try and make the swim weekly. If I get there in time for the early session I will be happy to bike the course after if anyone wants to preview the bike route

The swims are at the rowing club. It is the same cove as the race (Y beach) but you go in the water at a different spot. The swim is from the rowing club parallel to the dike out to a buoy and then back. It is very intimidating at first but there are plenty of people around. You will not be the slowest swimmer nor will you be the worst. It is not a race but a great way to practice open water swimming which is very different than a pool. There are signs pointing to the rowing club but just going by memory you go past the ESSO club which should be on the right then take a left at the second light on a road that goes by the west end zone. you than take the first right which should have a rowing club sign.

I'm still planning to go. I should be there around 6 if office goes smoothly. My brother is joining me also

I swam this morning at Clemson since we were rained out yesterday. The water temp wasn't bad, maybe low 70s. I wore my full suit as was extremely warm by 600m. I really wished I was in my sleeveless. It was a beautiful morning and there wasn't a ripple on the lake. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the beach had more sand and a new dock. Was really nice. If they could do something about the drunk rednecks speeding through the cove at 70 mph in their bass boats or jet skis, it would be a perfect place to swim

Well, my experience in Lake Hartwell was not as pleasant as Peter's.  My first attempt at open water lake swimming was a bit intimidating.  Thinking...I'm in over my head.  Does Theresa have a mantra I can repeat while swimming?  One similar to "just keep pedaling"?

Theresa completely freaks out in the water. Interestingly I have heard that about 1/3 of people are very uncomfortable with the idea of open water swimming. That is part of the reason it is important to try it out first and not make your first attempt at a race.

Did you wear a wetsuit?

I honestly enjoy open water swims especially in my wetsuit. I have learned to take long lazy strokes and glide though the water as if I was laying on a surfboard.

Just don't sink & Just get back to the top & God, please let me live through this.

On May 11 when I finish my swim, it really could be 81 degrees.  At this point, I'm thinking it will take me an hour to dog paddle 750 meters.

I did wear a wet suit.  Is that suppose to help with "gliding though the water as if I was laying on a surfboard"?.

Next week will be better.

Wearing a wet suit will help with the gliding. It is similar to using a pull buoy. You, like most women, rely on your kick for propulsion and to keep your legs up. Once you learn to use balance, body roll an efficient pull you will get faster and swimming will be much easier.

I used a dog paddle drill a couple of years ago to build strength for sighting. I promise it is very inefficient. To swim long distances efficiency is important. Than worry about sprint speed.

Just don't sink & Just get back to the top & God, please let me live through this.

On May 11 when I finish my swim, it really could be 81 degrees.  At this point, I'm thinking it will take me an hour to dog paddle 750 meters.

I did wear a wet suit.  Is that suppose to help with "gliding though the water as if I was laying on a surfboard"?.

Next week will be better.

Traci, how did your swim go this week??????????

Are you ready for the Clemson Tri?  I'm excited for you!

That dizziness is normal so you should expect it on Sat. When you exercise laying flat and then stand upright getting out of the water it takes a while for your body to adjust. It is worse with really cold water and warm air. I have heard that ear plugs help some people but I have never tried them. By the time you run up the hill from the lake the dizziness should be gone. I always try to get my wetsuit unzipped and the top pulled down to my waist as soon as I can getting out of the water while still running towards the transition. Otherwise you will heat up quickly running in a wetsuit.

Good luck tomorrow