Oh my goodness - what a terrible experience! The day was cold and wet and windy and that water was as choppy as it gets in the Bay. I looked at the ocean and knew it was going to be bad! They decided to shorten the race to 1km instead of 1.5km as the water was too rough and choppy and they were worried about storms coming through at any moment. In any case the water was terrible - logs and big planks of wood, plastic bags and rubbish made it disgusting. Then they also decided to have EVERYONE start together - it was bedlam (I think they just wanting to get everyone into and OUT of the water). The field was 70% male and I got punched, kicked, dragged etc - It wasn't a lot of fun. I struggled to get out to the first bouy - waves and the current made it really hard work and I felt like I was going to have a heart attack (seriously - my chest was so tight...), I even considered putting my hand up and getting the lifeguards to come and get me - but one thing that I am is extremely persistent - so I pushed on. It was very very difficult to find any sort of rhythm when swallowing so much water and dodging the other bodies - I didn't enjoy myself... The current pulled most of us way off course coming in so it was just really hard work. Then by some stroke of genious they decided 2 laps of a 500m course would be better with a beach run thrown in between the laps just for fun... All things considered though a bloody great time!!!!

Not swim in those conditions!

Got changed, ate some fruit, had water, went home and had a long hot shower!


Everything - the weather etc etc etc


Hmmm, I guess you would have to say that is one to log for experience. I have competed in about 10 OW swims now (including triathlon's) and this would have to rate as THE WORST ever!