Friday Morning SKIN Swim! (with a lesson in blood chemistry)

Next Swims: Mon - Fri 4:30pm, Saturday/Sunday at Noon.... and some weekday mornings

Last Swim: Friday 6:30AM

Water Temp: 42
Air Temp: low 30's
Clarity: not sure because I didn't swim
Waves: 3 footers
Kru: Dragonfly, Mermaid Princess, TattooLady, Sunny Laguna 
Shore Support: Showgirl, Linda the Lamprey

So I'm thinking that an October 30th morning swim may be a new record.

It was pretty dark when we arrived at the beach, but preparations commenced.

This was a pretty badass swim.  Dragonfly, MP, and Sunny Laguna all SWAM SKIN, and were in the water for close to ten minutes.

Everybody stayed close to the rock piles. Sunny Laguna back-stroked around.  MP said she mostly treaded water and enjoyed being in the waves.  TL had more neoprene, and swam north a bit further. Dragonfly was her usual barbie-less self.  All struggled to operate their hands after exiting the water.

Since I didn't swim, I don't have a ton to say other than I continue to be impressed by those who did.

Because there is always something interesting/weird that happens at the beach, here is today's story:  as the Kru gals were nearly ready to enter the water, three guys rode down on bikes and sat on the benches.  They gave the impression that they were there for more than the sunrise.  Shortly, two of them disrobed and approached the water.  There were some quick tai chi-like motions.  They submerged up to their necks.  No swimming occurred.  They stayed in for a few minutes, and then retreated to the grass, did their tai chi-ish stuff again, and put on clothes.  

As we walked out,  MP, SL, L-t-L, and D engaged with them. Apparently they usually perform this ritual at Big Bay.  They use movement plus breathing to alter their blood chemistry in order to stay warmer in the water.  TL and I skipped the lecture but the gist was something about changing the alkalinity in their blood.

The tai chi guys are in the background.