General Discussion Triathlon Talk » OWS at Butcher Jones Cove Rss Feed  
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2009-09-12 5:36 PM

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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove
Hey all,
Trying to prepare for Nathans and need some OWS practice. My DH, kids and I are heading out to BJC tomorrow around noonish and will be there a hour or two max. Long enough for me to try out the water and give my first OWS a whirl.
I first wanted to extend an invite in case anyone was in the same boat as me (need the practice) and also to ask how conditions are out there...since I have never been there before. Pretty decent swimming? I figured DH could watch the kiddos while I go play in the water for a while. Also, so you wear just your suits to practice (am probably not gonna wear a wetsuit (if it is legal) to Nathans so will wear tri shorts and top). A friend let me know that I need to get a permit before heading out there and that it is a well established swimming area - is this true? Just thought I would ask in the rare case anyone was checking these forums this late in the day? Wish me luck...yikes!
Susan


2009-09-12 5:50 PM
in reply to: #2402509

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Master
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Goodyear, AZ
Subject: RE: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove

Hey Susan, we went out there 2 weeks ago for my hubby to practice. The water is warm (and icky) - perfect practice for Tempe Lake, LOL. There's some pond slime, weed stuff out by the first row of bouys, just a heads up so it doesnt scare you when it touches you. You can buy a Tonto pass at the Walgreens on Power/Loop 202, it's $6. The bouys are set out so you can swim around them, each "loop" took us less than 10 mins. Its probably the best swimming area I have used out here, better than Lake Pleasant anyways. Might be a bit busier on a sunday (we went on a monday) but its a no wake area, should just be swimmers or kayakers.

have fun!

 

2009-09-12 5:56 PM
in reply to: #2402509

Member
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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove
Hey Sally - thanks for the info! Yeah, I am not worried about the swimming part, but trying to practice for the ickyness more than anything I will try to relax and know what to expect!
I have heard it is a great place to practice and kinda hope it will have some people around...gotta get used to that as well!
thanks again!
2009-09-12 6:20 PM
in reply to: #2402509

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Expert
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Chandler, AZ
Subject: RE: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove
There will certainly be some recreational swimmers and possibly some athletes. The water is still warm. If you are not a strong swimmer you can take a pull bouy to assist with floatation.
2009-09-12 9:55 PM
in reply to: #2402509

Member
1487
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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove
Thanks Rick, oooh, I didn't think of bringing the buoy with me...good idea! I think I am a strong enough swimmer but who knows when I get in the lake - will be wondering where the nice little black line went???
2009-09-13 5:10 PM
in reply to: #2402509

Member
1487
1000100100100100252525
Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove
OK - Whew..I survived! Got back a bit ago and after showering (thank goodness) I feel better. BJC is a great place - there were tons of families although I was the only 'swimmer'. Headed out into the water -ok, not too bad and dove right in when it got deep enough. Not being able to see didn't bother me a bit because I have been working on my sighting at the pool so I felt pretty comfortable and the water didn't even seem too icky. BUT, then I got into the weeds - ICK! They totally freaked me out and I had to take a minute to catch my breath and calm down - wow, they are thick and just grab at you! Didn't like that at ALL! Went around the buoys a couple of times and then headed in to have picnic with the kids. I am pretty happy with how it went down...being my first OWS and all! Anyone else have issues with the weeds/vegetation in the lake? Does TTL have anything like that? My next OWS will be the splash n dash on the Thursday before Nathans.
Thanks for all the advice/suggestions! Always helps to be prepared!


2009-09-13 10:36 PM
in reply to: #2402509

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Subject: RE: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove
I'm glad your swim went well! I've experienced these weeds in BJC. I sorta freaked out as well, as I hate not being able to see anything in the first place. I've done two swims in TTL and there are no weeds, seaweed, etc.... just people kicking you I'll be doing the splash and dash as well before Nathan's so maybe I'll see ya there!
2009-09-20 5:35 PM
in reply to: #2402509

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Arizona
Subject: RE: OWS at Butcher Jones Cove
I will be having an OWS Clinic @ BJC @ ~4:45 on Monday.

What this means is that I will be there swimming, and am willing to
give advice on such subjects as:

* How can I avoid swimming in a straight line?
* Waves: Why you should fear them like great white sharks?
* Biology: Which of the the four horseman live on those buoys?

I've arranged to have this swim well supported, but ensuring that
the lake has water. That's right, I made some calls, and it's been
confirmed that there will be water. You don't all have to thank me at
once.

Seriously, I will be there and swimming about that time. I'll probably
do two big loops. I'll have at least one other person with me. This is
a good opportunity to do some OWS before Nathan's. Every time I've
been there there have been other swimmers as well, and the DuraPulse
crowd will show up about 6:00.

Hope to see you out there.

-Jot

Edited by gamebofh 2009-09-20 5:35 PM
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