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| Made it...even though i was 100m off |
A day of big surf greeted us with the NE swell running at 4 to 5 feet and the waves at 6 to 9 feet. A tough day and in the earlier 1km race a lot of swimmers came out vomiting; not a nice confidence builder before my race. I knew i had to be switched on today so i picked my line, and along with a few others we ventured out into the angry ocean. I got out very easily by diving under and most importantly taking my time to get out past the sets.
From there it was into the 2.5km race around the cliffs to Whale Beach. The NE'er was pushing us toward the rocks so all of us took a deeper arc to the turn buoy. Navigation was difficult today as the swell was significantly larger than the buoys so it was important to time my looks at the top of the swell.
I was feeling strong and full of energy at the large buoy. I have been working lots of kick training so my little motor was powering me ahead.
The real fun started on the way into Whale Beach. I could hear the waves crashing before i was in the zone so i knew I was in for it. I managed to get into the first wave and over i went, around i went and out the other end i popped. I knew i had about 6 seconds to pull myself together. I ducked under the next wave (far to big) and then managed to ride the next wave to about 20m from the shore. To my surprise i could stand up...I ducked under the next few waves then caught a nice folder into the shore. It was not without the slight panic moments but I managed to keep my goggles on my head - unlike 90% of the punters...!
A great day had by all and a true Ocean Swim test.
