Zip, dip, brrrrrr ... Island Lake

I can guarantee it's not warm enough for me!

Not Island Lake, but I was on the Black River in Port Huron today and the water temperature was 43 degrees.

Live 45 minutes away so I need to rely on the community to let me know when it's swimmable. Thinking about 55* should be good.

I think I'm going to head out there next weekend for a workout. I'll bring a thermometer along and let you know what it says.

I ran Kensington yesterday, so I brought a thermometer to get a reading at Kent Lake.

It read about 48 degrees. The thermometer I brought isn't a precision instrument, but it should be fairly close...it's definitely not 55 yet!

This fishing website does list a daily estimated water temp for Kent Lake (though I don't know if it is a surface temp or a certain depth for fishing): http://www.fishingnotes.com/fishing-report/mi/Kent-Lake#spc

Remember that Trout Lake is smaller and shallower, so it will heat up and cool down faster. The weather is supposed to be in the 70s starting on Saturday. If that holds through the following weekend, it will probably be tolerable for swimming.

If you really want a polar plunge challenge, go hop in Spring Mill Pond. =)

I was out there today, but must have misplaced my thermometer -- I couldn't find it in my bag.

I walked down to the water though -- it was damn cold. Hopefully a week of 70s will get it into the mid to upper 50s.

I'm heading out to Island Lake this weekend to introduce my sister to her first open water swim in preparation for her first tri at Belle Isle in June. I'm ready to freeze!

CONDITIONS REPORT: TROUT LAKE

I went out there yesterday right in the heat of the day. The water was brisk but swimmable. I was surprised to see I was the only swimmer out there -- where were all my other crazy triathletes? (I'm pretty sure I scared the fishermen on the other side of the lake. I heard one of them say, "Is she going to swim all the way back?" haha.) I had a bit of trouble keeping my breathing under control in the cold water to start but a few hundred yards in and I was fine. With a full wetsuit, silicon ear plugs, and a silicon cap under a latex cap I was warm enough except for my toes going numb.

If you do go out there keep in mind that sighting on the way back could be tricky because not all the trees were in full leaf yet, so it could be a different landscape than what you are used to sighting. I got disoriented a few times but really, the lake is not that big and you will find your way to shore eventually.

Thanks for the updates everyone. I was out today and swam for 2 hours in Kent Lake. Wetsuit, swim cap, no booties. Water was perfect. Forgot thermometer - doh, but I'd say low 60*'s. Wasn't cold once. OWS season is here!!! Enjoy :-)

2 hours?!? Damn, that's a great OWS workout.

I'm planning to head out there next weekend. One more weekend to warm up a little more.

I went out to Trout Lake again yesterday and I swear the water was colder this weekend than last. Again, I was the only swimmer (although the air was warm enough that there were a few beach bums out). I saw one person in a wetsuit in Kent Lake but I wasn't brave enough. Fingers and face were cold and toes were numb, but with two swim caps, ear plugs, etc. it was tolerable.

I'm signed up for Island Lake Tri this weekend and I am going to have to be sure to get in a good swimming warmup so I don't panic when that cold water hits my face. Brrrr!


Edited by Miles around Midtown 2015-05-18 11:11 AM

The folks putting on the Island Lake Tri said Kent Lake's temp is currently 67 degrees. Seems slightly high ...

http://islandlaketri.com/spring/

Yeah, Fishing Notes says 57 degrees. Brr.

I'd say the Island Lake folks are pretty close based on my swim over the weekend.

Forecast says high 40s, low 50s at the start. What's everyone's game plan?

I do NOT suggest struggling into a long-sleeved top in T1 like I did when it was that chilly a few years ago, lol!

I'm in Petoskey for the weekend and even brought my wetsuit. Dipped my toe in the water... NOPE, not going to happen! A friendly public service announcement, stick to the shallow inland lakes!

I kind of wish I was doing this race this weekend! Best of luck to you (and anyone else) doing it.

Our old friend on this board, noelle (Amy), is doing it. I'm hoping she'll win the overall female!

What am I, chopped liver?

My first Tri was Belle Islle last year - fun course. Now I am hooked.
I'm planning to be at Trout Lake Monday morning at 8am. It's going to be cold! but the race is just a few weeks away.

Bruno

Absolutely not! You're choppin' broccoli!

I should have said I hope ONE OF YOU TWO wins the overall female!

So, anyway, how was the water and how was the overall race?!?

Edited by MSU_Brad 2015-05-26 8:59 AM

Well .. There were two races (sprint and Olympic) .. So there's a chance both could be first overall.

LOL. I saw that Amy didn't get first for the sprint, but it looked like she managed second. Sadly, this race only awards the top one for male, female, male masters and female masters, but at least she got an age group win.

Also sadly I wasn't anywhere near first or second for anything, despite feeling good about my effort. But it was a fun race and turned out to be a beautiful day!

The water actually wasn't that bad after you got over the initial shock. I think my retinas are still recovering from sighting buoys directly into the sun, though!