Open Water Season Starts Again!!

Hi all,

As some of you may be aware two of our club swimmers, Olly Ripley and Dan Amphlett, started Open Water/Triathlon competitions last year.

The lake where they trained, at the Copthorne Hotel in Reading, has just opened for the season and we are planning on going Sat 7^th May, 7.30am – 10am. If you are interested in joining us or would like more information please let me know.

Please note:

• Swimmers must be at least 11years old
• Swimmers must be strong enough for the 800m lap
• Although parents don’t have to be in the water with the swimmer they must be lakeside and keep an eye on their swimmer at all times. It is staffed but the lake is open to the public and can get fairly busy

Wetsuits are not compulsory, I saw several people swimming without one 2 weeks ago when the water temperature was 12C. However, Olly did have a wetsuit on and was freezing, he couldn’t put his face in the water it was so cold!

Due to the lovely warm weather we’ve been having recently, the water temperature is currently 19C.

You can hire wetsuits by the day at £10 so swimmers can try before they buy. If you are interested in buying a wetsuit/tri suit let me know as Olly is currently in the process of sourcing them for his website www.offtheblocks.co.uk

The cost of a single swim is £5 (a block of 10 is £45) and junior swimmers need to have a waiver form completed by a parent/guardian.

The lake is NOWCA (National Open Water Coaching Association) approved. It has safety boats in the water at all times, and offers female and male changing rooms with shower facilities. They advertise a clubhouse with tea, coffee and snacks; however I’ve not used this facility. I’ve always taken my own supply of hot chocolate!

I look forward to hearing from all of those who may be interested.

Debi