Open Water Swim Clinic

Here we are before the swim - notice how the palms are swaying!

This morning, Rita, James, Jannelle and I attended an Open Water Swim clinic at Moody Gardens. It was led by the Galveston Beach Patrol. The weather was cold and windy, but the sun was shining. We started out hearing a lecture about open water swimming, including how to site the buoys, the best way to breathe in choppy water and what to expect as far as marine life activity. The water temperature was in the mid 60's and very choppy from the wind. We were prepared to freeze. The course they set out was rectangular and measured just under 500 meters. The water actually felt good, much to my surprise. After navigating around a bunch of rocks, I started my swim and was very pleased with the results. I forgot to set my stopwatch, so I don't know what my time was, but I believe it only took 10 minutes to swim 500 meters. I did 3 laps, 1500 meters. My face and lips were numb from the cold when I got out of the water, but otherwise I felt fine. I feel very confident about next week's swim. Thank you Galveston Beach Patrol!

Here we are getting ready to brave the water...