Open Water – Dan And Olly – First Mass Start

Dan and Olly had their first Mass Start at the weekend. Read Dan’s notes on the experience:

For the last month Olly and I have been travelling to the lake at the

Copthorne Hotel near Theale to train for the Dorney Lake swim which

is taking place on 21st August.

When we got to the lake it was quite busy but it was a hot sunny

morning so we weren't surprised.

We got there at 8.00am and were met by Irena (though she couldn't

come in with us as she had to teach)and also an instructor was

going to meet us to show us the ropes.

The Club opens on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 8.00am and

10.00am and you pay £5.00 for a swim and you can stay in as long

as you like. You can just swim up and down or around the circuit -

whatever suits.

Olly and I got changed into our swim shorts.  Most others were

wearing wetsuits and soon it became apparent why!! After dangling

our feet in the water for a few minutes we decided to take the plunge

and get in.  We were going to attempt twice round the lake - its 750m

around if you keep to the circuit. There are red and green bouys for

the 1500m circuit which we were going to be doing and you need to keep

in between the two - easier said than done I have to say! To stay in

between the markers you swim with your head out of the water alot - which

was quite easy for me as I had cricked my neck the day before so it

wouldn't actually move left or right - much to the amusement of the

staff on the jetty!!!

I have to say that because it was such a hot morning the lake seemed

very cold - so we did actually swim round quite fast.  We were joined

by the instructor who taught us how to focus on markers so we

didn't end up in the bushes and also how to start in a race as its

a bit of a free for all apparently!   After about 45 minutes we got

out and it was freezing, I didn't think I would ever be warm again

but a Macdonalds breakfast and Hot Chocolate soon put that right!!!

On the last Thursday of every month there is a "mass start" which

takes place at 6.45. All the swimmers line up and set off together.

As you can imagine there are swimmers swimming under you and over you.

You can get kicked and knocked so it pays either be at the front and

fast or go at the back or sides!!!  Olly and I choose front and fast

and just hoped that as we were young they would take pity on us -

but noooooo!!!!

We have been back since and it didn't seem as cold the next time -

I think it was because we knew what to expect.  We have also both

bought wetsuits which keep you warmer too as we will need these to swim

at Dorney Lake, though if Iryna gets her way we will soon be back

in without them!!

We will let you know how we got on in the race!!!