Open Water Chicago
Open Water Chicago™ is a physical and virtual community of outdoor swimming, fitness, and endurance sports enthusiasts. Here in Chicago, we are known as the “Lake Monsters.”
Founded in 2007 by Steve Hernan, our mission is to provide you with the best information and opportunities you need to optimize your fitness and to fully experience the joy and adventure of being in the elements.
Our Swim Meetups
We meet semi-regularly on the weekends – Saturday or Sunday morning at sunrise – out at Ladder 1 (L1), the bright orange safety ladder located right off of the Chess Pavilion south of the North Avenue Beach boathouse:
How to Get Involved
New to OWC or to this page? Here are the basics on how you can get involved with the group:
1) Sign the swim waiver or you don’t swim with OWC. Period.
2) You must be 18 or older to participate in our meetups.
3) There are no lockers at the L1 swim site. Please plan accordingly.
4) If there is an OWC meetup on the weekend, I will post the details on the OWC Facebook page and on the OWC website by Friday. If it’s not posted by that time, then assume there is no meetup.
5) If there is no scheduled OWC meetup, you can always go to Ohio Street Beach during the summer months. It’s the official open water swim venue in Chicago, and all the local training groups congregate there. [Note – for winter swimming (November – March) please contact OWC directly as specific meetup dates/times will not be posted]
6) Support OWC – Unlike the rapacious multisports industrial complex, we don’t charge you anything to swim with us. So click here to donate to us!
Hi-
I’m a former swimmer who is interested in doing a triathlon this summer and would love to come swimming with you all on Saturday mornings. I have swam very infrequently over the past ten years or so. Last year I did the swim portion of a relay triathlon (a mile), but did not train that heavily for it. I’ve only swam a couple of times in a pool since then and am not in great swimming shape right now. I’m wondering how long your swims are and what kind of swimming shape I need to be in before I come out and join you.
Thanks!
Hi Emily! We get all types showing up to swim, so we don’t have specific time/distance workouts. Some of use do the 1 mile out-and-back to the beach, and others do shorter distances and stay closer to Ladder #1. Whatever distance you’re comfortable with is fine, so feel free to come on out any time!
This seems amazing. I am training for a half ironman, and love open water swimming, but I didn’t know it was possible to train nearly year round in the midwest. Do you have any workouts for this upcoming weekend? The weather looks beautiful. For a warm weekend. what kind of gear would I need. I have a longsleeve wetsuit.
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie. Thanks for writing! With the appropriate gear, it is indeed possible to swim outdoors year round – even in the Great Lakes! Dave, one of our more regular swimmers, just got in the water today and reported that the lake temperature is now a balmy 42F. So we definitely plan to get in a few swims this week, and probably on Saturday as well.
You should be fine with the full wetsuit, but you may need some additional thermo gear (i.e. gloves, foot covers, neoprene cap, etc.) for these temperatures. If you don’t have any of these, let me know as we might have some spare parts floating around that could fit you.
Talk about Winter Warriors…. I am blown away by your winter swimming feats and favorable attitude about water under 70degrees. I am excited to come swim with you this summer… Thanks for the OWC connection.
Hey Diana! Good to hear from you! Come on out any time. It’s always a fun adventure out at Ladder #1!
I’m looking for some feedback about my progress as a swimmer, especially as I get closer to purchasing my first wetsuite.
My swimming career started six months ago in a pool, which is where it remains to this day; however, I have greatly improved since my first lap. A typical swim for me now is between 1 and 2 miles, which I can complete at a 30 minute/mile pace or slightly faster (or slower, given the day). I can freestyle swim this without rest, but I often break up my workout with drills and tempo work. I’m not sure what any of this means, though. Am I a strong swimmer? Am I a slow simmer? Am I ready for open water? Should I stick to marathon running and forget about an underwater athletic career?
Thanks for all of your feedback in advance! This is a wonderful resource for swimmers at all levels.
Be well,
Ryan
Hi Ryan! I usually do a 35 or 40-minute pace, so I think your speed is pretty good. Also, you definitely have the swim endurance built up, so the transition to open water swimming should be pretty straightforward.
Your biggest challenge is going to be managing the likely lower water temperatures as well as anything else nature decides to throw at you when you’re swimming (i.e. waves, rain, wind, algae, marine life).
Check out my piece on “How to Swim in Choppy Water” for some more details on this:
http://openwaterchicago.com/2009/07/23/how-to-swim-in-choppy-water/
Otherwise, just give it a shot whenever you get a chance. You may want to wait until the water gets above 60F if you’re going in without a wetsuit. But you’re definitely ready for it.
And I would MUCH rather recommend open water swimming over marathon training!
Hi – I’m moving from San Francisco to Chicago and must find a way to replace my bay/alcatraz swimming. How does the open water swimming compare? What is the water temp in the spring/summer. I’m appalled to hear about the swim ban – how strictly is it enforced? Are there swim clubs, tri clubs? Basically, what’s the openwater scene in Chicago? I’m gonna miss my ocean, but the lake will be a decent replacement I hope.
Hi Julie! Thanks for writing! The water temperature in Lake Michigan begins to hit the 50F+ mark around early May and doesn’t usually get below that mark until mid-October. In between those periods, there can be a LOT of variability.
The warmest time in my experience has been in late August or early September where I’ve measured water temps in the lower 70F’s. But the lake can be very fickle – as we saw with an overnight 15F temperature drop last August.
As far as comparison, you’re a lot less buoyant in the fresh water, but it’s far more pleasant if you happen to take in an accidental mouthful. And while we get choppy water and some shore currents, we don’t get anything near what you get in the Bay (at least where we swim).
Yes, the swim restrictions are quite antiquated and draconian, but that’s simply because – given the weather extremes – Chicago has not developed a year-round “beach/recreation” mindset. We’re working to change that which is why many of us get lifeguard training so there’s always “coverage” during our swims.
The open water scene here is small, and most of it overlaps the summer triathlon training season. There are tri clubs that hit it hard during this time, but we’re really the most active proponents of creating and building an outdoor swimming community.
A final note, I love the Bay area, and I always try to do at least one big swim there each year. But Lake Michigan is pretty awesome, and Ladder #1 is quite spectacular in the mornings. So come on out and join us any time!
HELLO JULIE…
YOU WON’T MISS SWIMMING IN THE SALT WATER ONCE YOU TRY OUT THE GREAT LAKES… NO MORE DRY SKIN , SHARKS,JELLY FISH OR SEA LIONS TO WORRY ABOUT AND THE SKY LINE VIEW IN CHICAGO IS GREAT 24 HOURS A DAY. SURE ITS JUST A LAKE BUT ITS DEPTH IS 250 FEET AVERAGE AND 926 AT THE DEEPEST POINT.
DIVER DAVE
Hey, Steve, you mentioned a few days ago that Xterra is offering its Vortex 3 for $160. This might be a stupid question, but is there some sort of “sale section” to their website or a “coupon” that I could print off somewhere? I’ve been monitoring the price of this suit for a while, and it has always been listed at $400.
Thanks!
Ryan
warning !!!!!
north ave parking lot will now have PAYBOXES for parking and i will keep you posted as to the new fees and rules ::::::: DAMN ! ! ! i was hoping for free parking alll winter long in order to swim
Ryan, Xterra primarily does mail order which is why they can offer the deals that they do. They have a sizing chart which I used when I ordered mine, and it’s very helpful. Just one note, though. If you are on the border between two sizes, go with the smaller one. And it you have to return it for a different size, they’re pretty good about doing so quickly.
Hi!
I’ve been an endurance athlete for years but have just started focusing on (indoor) swimming within the past couple of months. My goal is to train regularly in Lake MIchigan next spring/summer and to compete in the Big Shoulders 5K swim.
As a novice to open water swimming, what gear do you recommend me buying? Money is limited, but I want to purchase quality essentials. Do you recommend a wetsuit? If so, what are some affordable, high quality options?
Or, in lieu of a wetsuit, do you recommend more of a “speed suit” for races like Big Shoulders, where wetsuits are not permitted?
Many thanks! This site is a great resource.
Ryan
Hi Ryan! I do recommend getting a wetsuit since it’s almost essential for training in colder water. Each person has a different temperature tolerance, and I usually start wearing mine when the water gets below 55F.
Now is actually a good time of year to get some great deals, too. Xterra, one of our sponsors, is offering the full suit version of their Vortex 3 for just $160. Regardless of which brand you go with, a wetsuit should last you 4-5 years, so it’s a pretty small up front cost.
Regarding speed suits, I really don’t know much about them. The lake temp during the Big Shoulders swim, as I recall, is usually pretty warm (around 65F), so I don’t think you’d need anything other than a swimsuit. And I don’t think speed suits are thermo protective, so they wouldn’t help much during the spring and early summer swims.
This is great! Thanks for your quick reply, Steve. I checked out Xterra’s website and found the Vortex 3–a nice looking suit. Since I’ve never purchased a wetsuit before, is there an store in the Chicagoland area that sells these and could help me find the right size? I also like the sale price of $160!
Thanks again,
Ryan
IT SEEMS SOME GANG BANGER RETURNED TO LADDER #1 AND PAINTED THE LADDER AND BARS FLOURSCENT ORANGE AGAIN. THEY ARE VERY VERY BRIGHT LOOKING AND SHOULD BE EASY TO SEE ALL WINTER LONG.
after braving the monster set of 30 to 40 foot waves crashing oak street this morning on our innertubes. Steve and i made it back to land ,so that Steve could make it to the beauty salon to have a shampoo ,set and hair extensions installed. i hope he dosent pick a hot pink nail polish to top off his manicure and perdicure! you all missed out on a great roller coaster ride on the lake.. it was great!!!!1
! ! ! THE PARKING LOT AT NORTH AVE BEACH ! ! !
YOU CAN PARK HERE FOR FREE UNTILL THEY OPEN UP AT 9:00AM NOW AND GET AN EARLY MORNING SWIM IN….
JUST BE SURE TO BE LEAVING A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE OPEN OR YOU WILL GET CHARGED FOR THE EXTRA MINUTE YOU WASTED STARING AT THE SUN….
ONLY 3 LADDER WERE LEFT IN BUT ITS STILL BETTER THEN NONE AT ALL. THANK YOU FOR CALLING TO ASK THEY BE LEFT IN.
ALOHA LINETTE.. TRUTH BE TOLD YOU CAN NEVRR BE ASSURED WHAT THE WATER TEMP WILL BE… I HAVE SEEN IT DROP 15 DEGREES IN LESS THEN 24 HOURS DUE TO WIND SHIFT. DO YOUR SELF A FAVOR AND SHOW UP EARLY AND DO A SHORT WARM UP SWIM AND THEN DECIDE IT A WETSUIT IS NEEDED. THE WATER MAY BE WARM ENOUGH BUT IF THE AIR IS COLD. THE BOYSCOUTS TELL US TO BE PREPARED OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. YOU’LL FIND MANY IN THEIR WET SUITS, BUT AS LONGS AS YOU HAVE PAID BE WILLING TO SWIM RAIN SUN SNOW OR SHINE TO GET YOUR MONEYS WORTH. I CAN PULL 3 MILES IN 54 DEGREE WATER BUT THE AIR NEEDS TO BE UPPER 70’S OR BETTER OR I WILL GET TOO COLD IN A SWIM SUIT, BUT I DO SWIM YEAR ROUND OUT THER SO I CAN HANDLE MUCH COOLER WATER THEN MOST. GOOD LUCK AND EJOY THE SWIM.
Thanks–I now have a plan. I’m going to play it by ear and bring the wetsuit just in case. I’m all about getting my money’s worth and have only two goals…finish, not last.
Hi Lake Monsters–I suppose you are all doing the big shoulders swim, right? I am just about to sign up, but last weekend’s 58 degree swim scared me–with a sunburn I looked and felt like a boiled then iced lobster by the time I’d finished half a mile! So, wetsuit, no wetsuit? 5K, then bail after 2.5k if cold and choppy? What’s a first timer to do? love to hear your thoughts.
Hey Linette! Yes, a couple of Lake Monsters are doing Big Shoulders. Honestly, I’d ditch the wetsuit if I were you. The water temperature is typically in the 68F – 70F range over Labor Day weekend, and you would likely overheat in a wetsuit.
I’ve only done Big Shoulders once (in 2006),and I opted to do the 1.5K. The only reason I chose that was because the 3K is two loops – and I hate repeating loops in any event. Give me a freaky point-to-point swim any day over that!
well kids it seems some of you missed out on the COOLEST august swim i have ever seen in 34 1/2 years of swimming here. with a 57 1/2 degree swim it brough back memories of the winter swims. Sunday morning and afternoon must have set a record.
sunday monday tuesday the water was 69.5 to 70,5 degrees and the water was very clear…
what are you waiting for SNOW and ICE ????
“QUIT YOUR JOB LETS GO TO THE BEACH”
July 7 2009 ladder #1
water is 67 degrees all the way to ohio st and back. no hot or cold spots. water crystal clear again with a 6 -12 inch chop. The sun was great and of course the weather man is a liar… what a picture perfect day !!!!!
WELL WELL WELL SUNDAY @ 5 AM WAS LOOKIN GOOD WITH 67 DEGREE WATER AND NEAR MIRROR FLAT AND CLEAR… SO IT WAS TIME TO SCUBA DIVE . CHRIS OF COURSE SHOWED AND SWAM A FEW MILES….OF COURSE HE SHED A FEW TEARS SINCE NO ONE ELSE SHOWED UP FOR THE BEST DAY OF THE HOLIDAT WEEKEND….BOO HOO.
WHAT CAN I SAY??? YOU ALL MISSED A GREAT DAY AT LADDER @1
we will need to come up some sort of fine and or punishment for those who promise to show up and swim and yet are still missing in action week after week…. for goodness sake Chris sometimes crys so hard due to no shows that his makeup runs and gets into his eyes which causes him to swim into the steel wall and bump his head or worse swim off couses and end up heading out the SAINT LAWERANCE SEAWAY to the Atlantic ocean before tasting the salt water and swimming back to ladder #1. please do not make promises you do not intend to keep.
Quit teasing me!!!
6/22/09
67 1/2 degree water and flat and clear
“QUIT YOUR JOB LETS GO TO THE BEACH”
6/21/2009 sunday 5a.m. provided a beautiful sunrise and mirror flat 64 degree water that was crystal clear. so i had to do a 3 mile swim. it was the best of 2009.
Happy Father’s Day!!! Are you guy’s going swimming on Sunday? I missed today, I got home to late from Milwaukee to get up early(:
**** FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DO NOT CARE TO PAY THE PARKING METERS AND OR THE NORTH AVE LOT PRICES TO SWIM AT LADDER #1…..
BUY A ZOO MEMBERSHIP AND GET 6 HOURS OF FREE PARKING FOR ONE WHOLE YEAR…IF YOU GO FOR THE TWO YEAR DEAL YOU WILL SAVE EVEN MORE MONEY. READ THE FORMS TO CHOOSE THE ONE WITH UNLIMITED FREE PARKING I PAID $160.00 FOR 2 FULL YEARS MEMBERSHIP. THE ONLY BAD PART IS ONCE THEIR LOT IS FULL YOU CANNOT PARK THAT DAY. I SURE GET MY MONEYS WORTH… ALSO IF YOU CAN SWIM EARLY AND LEAVE THE NORTH AVE BEACH LOT BEFORE 8AM THE PARKING THERE IS FREE ALSO……..
MONDAY MONDAY SO GOOD TO BE AT LADDER #1 OAK STREET BEACH….. ALMOST FLAT WATER,CRYSTAL CLEAR TOP TO BOTTOM AND 63 DEGREE WATER WITH BEAUTIFUL SUNNY SKYS.
ALL ALONE @ LADDER #1 FOR THE GREST SUNRISE AND FLAT CLEAR 63 DEGREE WATER TODAY. SO I SCUBA DOVE THE WALL HOPING FOR A WINNING LOTTERY TICKET OR GOLD BARS.
THE WHOLE OCHOA FAMILY SHOWED AND MOST SWAM, DANNY ONLY RODE HIS BIKE TODAY.
I SAW PAUL FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR AND HE TOOK A FEW DIPS
“QUIT YOUR JOB LETS GO TO THE BEACH”
JUNE 13 2009
WELL KIDS IT WAS ANOTHER PERFECT SUNRISE AT OLE LADDER #1 (SOME WHERE IN THE WORLD BUT NOT HERE) AS PROMISED IT WAS A LIGHT RAIN DAY AND 60 PLUS WATER TEMPERATURE.
CHRIS WAS WORKING A HEAVY BOUT WITH PIG FLU,SARS, EBOLA AND OTHER MEDICAL PROBLEMS BY GETTING IN A FEW LAPS IN THE COOL BLUE WATER. STEVE SWAM WITH ME TO THE BEACH AND WE LATER HECKELED THE RUNNING GROUPS FROM THE SAFETY OF OR WATER HOLE AS WE FLOATED AROUND AND RELAXED AND PRAYED FOR SOME REAL SUNSHINE. AS USUAL THERE WERE AN AWFUL LOT OF NO SHOWS THAT HAD PROMISED TO BE THERE.
Yes, I admit I was a no show but for good reason, I was taking a run thru dip in my pool in the backyard to see if I can handle the temp for my Tri tomorrow, happy to report, that I’m a Lake Monster and will not be wearing a wetsuit! I
ALOHA MICHELLE
IN THE 34 YEARS OF SWIMMING I FIND MOST PEOPLE ARE SCARED OF SHARKS. YES SHARKS IN LAKE MICHIGAN !!!! I GUESS THEY FEEL SINCE THE GREAT LAKES ARE CONNECTED TO THE SAINT LAWERANCE SEA WAY WHICH HOOKS INTO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN THAT THE SHARKS SWIM IN TO ENJOY SOME DEEP DISH PIZZA AND HOT DOGS IN CHICAGO. NEXT THEY WORRY ABOUT THE POLUTION IN THE WATER… I CARRY TOILET PAPER TO DRY OFF AFTER ALL MY SWIMS IN THE LAKE.
AND LASTLY IT IS TOO COLD AND DEEP FOR THEM TO ENJOY.
Hi Steve, just wanted to say I’ve enjoyed reading your blog since I found it a few months ago. I have always loved swimming in the lake and have spent years assuring people that I have never once become sick from it! It’s funny how fearful many people are.
Hi Michelle. Thanks for the kind words! Actually, the only “illnesses” I ever get from swimming in the lake are allergies in the spring from all the pollen floating in the water surface. But the more I swim, the less this affects me.
I think it’s important for people to get out in the elements and adapt to naturally occurring stressors such germs, allergens, and even colder water. It helps develop a healthier and more resilient immune system. Plus it’s fun!
LADDER #1 IS LOCATED AT THE NORTH OF OAK STREET BEACH AT THE FAR END OF THE CONCETE WALL. THE CHESS PAVILION IS ON THE SIDE WALK JUST ABOVE IT. IF YOU WALK A 1/4 BLOCK TO FAR YOU WILL SEE THE NORTH AVE BEAC HOUSE THAT LOOKS LIKE A BOAT.
IF YOU PARK AT THE NORTH AVE BEACH PARKING LOT IT SO FAR IS FREE UNTILL 8AM.
WE PARK AT THE SOUTH END OF THE LOT. THE SUNRISE STARTS NOW AT 5AM SO COME EARLY TO SEE IT……
Dumb question from a very recent transplant to Chicago…where exactly is “Ladder #1”?
Hey there! Ladder #1 is near the chess pavilion which is just south of North Avenue Beach along the bike path. You can’t miss it!
Swam at Ohio street beach this morning w/wet suit water socks and hoodie, was actually a bit warm. Wow I think I like this open water swimming! Im going to do it again tomorrow!
Ok, I think my question has been answer, I’m wearing everything for Saturday morning. Its still too cold for me to starting shedding items, maybe I can get by with out the thermal…
may 21 09
chris and i decided on trying to pull off a swim sans wet suits… as we hit the half mile mark we kept going to ohio street beach to see how much cooool water we could take. after a quick stop at ohio st we headed back to finish the 3 miler. i am sure we hit everything from 48 to 57 degree water on the way. there were some very very cold spots. i wished at times to have warn the 3 mill but we did survive. friday 11a.m. beaches open……
HOLY CATS AFTER THE SWIM TO OHIO STREET TODAY IN 56 – 57 DEGREE WATER…. CHRIS AND I ENCOUNTERED A TOPLESS SUNBATHER WHO COULD USE A 5 GALLON PAIL FOR A BRA. AT NORTH AVE BEACH I ASKED THE SWAT TEAM COPS IF THEY WANTED TO SEE HER. INSTEAD OF CHARGING HER WITH INDENCY PERHAPS A TICKET FOR LITTERING MIGHT BE A BETTER CHARGE. THEY DID NOT WANT TO UP SET THEIR STOMACH AT LUNCH TIME…. WERE HOPING FOR GOOD WEATHER THROUGHT THE ENTIRE HOLIDAY WEEKEND ! ! ! AND A LOT OF SWIMMING IN MIRROR FLAT COOL BLUE WATER
Hello everyone! New to open water swimming. I have swam as far as 5000yards/2:20 in a pool, but having some issues at swimming in open water for a fraction of that distance. Ie Galena Triathalon. I swam 660yards(?) and was over whelmed by total panic within the first 75 meters, I was swimming all over the place and hyperventalating like crazy! I was able to get my senses enough to get back on track and finish without cutting a bouy. Im looking foward to meeting u peeps and any advice would be apperciated. I plan on being at Ohio beach 5/24/09 early…. LOL i hope someone is there because i cant zip my wet suit myself….
Hey there! Come on out to any of our swims. BTW, we’re usually swimming up a bit north from Ohio Street Beach over by North Avenue.
Where exactly? I have been fortunate that my wife was able to come out with me this morning and we will be there sometime in the afternoon on Monday. She would be in the water with me but at 5 mths preg… Ill look for others swimming tomorrow around 1pm ish.
I SHOWED A LITTLE LATE TODAY DUE TO AN ALL NIGHTER…. BRILANT SUNSHINE BUT VERY COOL WIND CHILL. THE WINDS FROM THE EAST GOT THE WASHING MACHINE GOING BUT IT WAS A FUN SWIM WITHOUT HOOD BOOTS OR GLOVES AND I NEEDED TO LET WATER INTO THE 3MM TO COOL DOWN A FEW TIMES. AT THE START OF THE SWIM 2 BIKE COPS WAVED TO ME AS THEY RODE BY BUT WHEN I GOT BACK TO THE CAR THEY HAD LEFT ME A $50.OO TICKET FOR HAVING CRYSTAL CLEAR SHIELDS OVER MY LICNESE PLATES…….. THEY ALSO GAVE THE PARKING LOT GIRL A TICKET FOR PARKING HER CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE BOOTH ???? F-IN BASTARDS. THEY ARE TRYING TO NICKLE/DIME EVERYONE…….. ONLY 5 DAYS AND THE BEACHES ARE OPEN ! ! ! ! ! !
SATURDAY A.M. SWIM WAS GREAT.. BEAUTIFUL FLAT WATER AND CHRIS,CAROL,STEVE AND I ENJOYED A MILE AND SOME COOOL DOWN FLOAT AROUND ,SANS WETSUITS AT LADDER #1.
WERE HOPING THE SUNDAY SWIM WILL BE EVEN NICER……
Happy Birthday Dave! Hope it was the best ever. The last couple days of swims have seemed colder. I thought it was me but if it’s really been closer to 48 than 53, that explains it. Of course, at 2:00pm it probably is warmer than at 6:00am. The Tribune said 55 today – I can testify that it was not close.
Good swimming,
David
Great Job Steve
Im a former open water swimmer did key west one time, I have a research company that does advanced nutritional and hormonal testing on endurance athletes and Heart Patients,,, I would like to share our research with you ,,, on the left hand side of the front pg you will see the physicians log in ,,, there are 2 boxes in the first box type Russ second box type Scala… that will allow you to view the research abstracts and libarary….
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME…….
I SWAM THE 3 MILE LOOP TO OHIO ST AND BACK AND ENCOUNTERED THE POILCE BOAT COMMING AND GOING. THE WATER WAS LIKE I WAS SWIMMING IN A HUGE WASHING MACHINE SO IT TOOK A LOT MORE EFFORT TO SWIM BUT I WAS STILL FINISHED IN 2 HOURS. THEN CANCELED THE 5 MILE ATTEMPT ( I WAS SORE AND TRIED AND COOL AND HUNGRY) PERHAPS DUE TO OLD AGE HA HA HA………….
ONE MAN TOOK HIS FIRST MILE OF THE YEAR AT OHIO ST AND A WOMAN WITH SWIM SUIT ONLY SWAM A MILE GETTING READY FOR THE HUDSON RIVER SWIM. TEMP @ OHIO ST WAS 52 DEGREES BUT I WOULD GUESS LADDER #1 WAS MORE LIKE 48. I AM PRAYING THE WEATHER MAN IS LYING AND WE GET SOME VERY NICE WEATHER SOON. ” QUIT YOUR JOB LETS GO TO THE BEACH”
Good Luck!!! Have a great birthday!
MAY 11th SWIM WAS GOOD BUT WE COULD HAVE USED A BIT MORE SUNSHINE. WATER 50 DEGREES AND 6 TO 12 INCH CHOP BUT NO CURRENT TO THE BEACH AND BACK. i AM THINKING OF PACKING SOME BAGS OF ICE IN MY 3MM TO GET THE FEEL OF A JANUARY SWIM. I DO MISS THE VERY COLD WEATHER SWIMS.
I WILL TRY FOR A 5 MILE SWIM ON MY BIRTHDAY MAY 12TH BUT I WILL NEED THE HELP OF SOME HOT SUNSHINE TO HELP PULL IT OFF LET ALONE A NEAR FLAT WATER DAY. WISH ME LUCK !!!
Mothers Day swim… Carol, Chris swam one mile and i swam 1/2 then put on the tanks to look for Christophers lost truck key. Due to an under water current it was difficult to see . if you plan to see the sunrise you had better arrive around
5 am inorder to catch it.
hopefully Steve will show up next week to give us more cold water training tips. Perhaps today he kept warm in bed with a hot water bottle and a electric blanket on high.
Ha! Sounds like you all had a blast!
5:45 … 6:00 am ish………….
Hey Dave, what time do you think you will swim on Sunday? That is if you can handle the bruises and broken bones you get when I am in the water. I worked on lifting my head to see and it works well in the little pool, but I need the real test in the big pool!!!!
THE WEATHER MAN LIED AGAIN… IT WAS ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY AT OAK ST TODAY…
53 WATER AND MIRROR FLAT NO CURRENT FROM LADDER #1 TO OHIO AND BACK DURING THE 3 MILE SWIM.
I WILL TRY FOR SATURDAY EARLY A.M. AND SUNDAY SHOULD BE A SURE THING FOR A FULL DAY OF SUNING AND FUN AT LADDER #1 BATH AND TENNIS CLUB. WAIT UNTILL YOU SEE THE REPAIR WORK BEING DONE ! ! !
Anyone going to swim on Sunday?
MAY 7TH ONE MILE NO HOOD , GLOVES OR BOOTS FOR A MILE. LATER I SWAM FOR 20 MINUTES WITH ONLY A SWIM SUIT IN 53 DEGREE WATER AND IT WAS GREAT…..
THE CINCO DE MAYO SWIM WAS 53 DEGREE WATER AND I SWAM LADDER # 1 TO OHIO STREET BEACH 1 1/2 MILE. AT OAK STREET BEACH IN THE SHALLOW WATER I HIT SOME VERY COLD WATER WHICH WAS NICE FOR A COOL DOWN BEFORE THE LAST HALF OF THE SWIM