Cold Water Training

On Midwinter's Day, June 22, I took my camera to Wollongong, a coastal city about 85 kilometres south of Sydney, to watch one of Geoff's training swims. This was to be a short (4 kms) swim since he was scheduled to swim another 16 kms the following day.

Wollongong Harbour Geoff's south coast training course commences at the harbour jetty (marked "Start") then continues up the coast (to "Turn") until he can see the distant side of the amenities block. The return trip measures almost exactly two kilometres. Twelve repetitions make a 24 kilometre swim.
The grease channel swimmers use isn't to inhibit the cold. It's to stop them chafing. Here Geoff applies some lubrication.		Off on the first lap, he leaves a wake. It's only 14° near the jetty but was a couple of degrees warmer in the ocean.
Heading out across the harbour. It's necessary to watch out for recreational vessels and fishing boats.		Coming back at the end of 4 kms.
The swim's over. Now it's time to get warm.