OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?

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2013-05-27 8:57 PM

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Subject: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
Hey... I know there are a number of KW-area folks, and I know I asked this last year, but given my pathetic excuse for a "swim" (more like a panic attack in neoprene aided to shore by the wake of all the swimmers going by) this past weekend, was just wondering how folks are doing their OWS practices? Do you belong to a group or club? Do you go with organized groups? Where do you go? Do you do the pool noodle tied to your waist with a bystander on shore? I've got 6 weeks and pretty much no budget to figure out a new strategy before I try not to drown myself in Peterborough, and I'm on my own here... I don't train with anyone or any groups. I've now bombed my OWS twice, and I'm not looking to make it a hattrick if at all possible. I'm doing tons of reading on how others have worked through the head games. but really, I need to get out in the lakes and figure this out. Throw your ideas this way!!

2013-05-28 6:24 AM
in reply to: pilot_e

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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
I've swam at quelph lake before - they have a bouy line and I have just swam back and forth on the other side of the buoy line before.

Now that I live in Woodstock, there is a group that sometimes practices at pittock, not sure where in KW you are, but it might not be that far of a drive. If they meet again to swim in the lake this summer I will let you know (with the cool water, it should be safe to swim there a little longer.
2013-05-28 9:00 AM
in reply to: pilot_e

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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
Guelph Lake is a good suggestion. That is where we did our OWS when we first started triathlon. Gives you some good practice with swimming in big waves as well, on a windy day.

We swim at Gulliver's now, a small, clean, spring fed lake that many triathletes frequent. It is about 400 meters long and not very wide. You can swim around the lake staying close to the shore line.

Also swim with the C3 Open water swim series on Wed night, but there is a cost and a long drive. However, really simulates race day with mass wave start and lots of people.

Unfortunately, everything requires a bit of a drive to get there.

Good luck on your next event.
2013-05-28 1:41 PM
in reply to: #4758254

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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
Kelso ( Milton triathlon lake at Glen Eden ski hill has an open water swim group that meet Saturday morning and Thursday night - all levels of swimmers - probably a bit of a trek for you though.
2013-05-28 4:06 PM
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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
Hello "Slow but Happy'
Can you shed more light on the Thursday swim (at Kelso) - our group goes on Wednesday nights in Burlington / Lake Ontario (Beach Park Pavilion) but it never seems to work for me

Thursday evenings would be better for the family schedule - here is that time factor coming out again ;-)
Cost, times, etc.

Hope the water / air is warmer this Sunday for the Milton event

Thank you in advance --

Jean

Edited by JTTRIHRD 2013-05-28 4:07 PM
2013-05-29 12:54 PM
in reply to: #4758254

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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
Hi Jean I just googled them and their website doesn't seem to be operational at the moment. they do have a Facebook page though - Kelso Open Water Swimming - which indicates swims are on Thursday night from 6-8 pm starting tomorrow . I would check it out and message the group to find out what the joining fees are etc - normally you have to be an OAT member too. I swam at Kelso this morning and it was a little chilly! Glad I purchased a neoprene hood earlier this year! Jo

2013-05-30 11:01 AM
in reply to: pilot_e

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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
I'm in Cambridge, and Scottish so bloody cheap!

I will occasionally pay the GRCA fee to swim at Shade's Mill, Guelph Lake, Rockwood, or even Laurel Creek, but if I just want to dodge in for a few minutes I'll head to Puslinch Tract (off County Road 32 just South of the 401) or hit Puslinch Lake - if you park at the Marina Restaurant there's a small dock and noone has ever tried to stop me from suiting up and splashing about there. I suppose I provide entertainment for the diners on the patio!
2013-05-30 12:14 PM
in reply to: mistressk

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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
Good to know... my husband loves that restaurant. Maybe i'll set him up with lunch and I'll take a dip. Thinking Laurel Creek (shudder) is where its at... can bike there in 5 mins from work, swim over lunch, shower at work and back in my seat in under an hour. But its Laurel Creek... ew...
2013-06-18 6:50 PM
in reply to: Daffodil

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Subject: RE: OWS in the Kitchener Waterloo area... what do folks do?
I live in Woodstock and am looking to do some open water work... Does anyone know anything about the group that swims out of Pittock? Its a nice big reservoir that I always thought was too polluted to swim in, but I'm happy to be proven wrong.
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