Memorial Day 2016 Weekend Swims

May 27, 2016May 27, 2016 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

Regular swims this weekend will begin at 8:00 am to avoid the holiday weekend crowds – may need to arrive a little bit earlier to sneak threw the parking although there are new parking meters this year. If anyone is interested in an early bird swim, feel free to arrive at around 6:00 am each day starting Saturday for what will likely be a smaller crowd. The water temps are close to 60 so we’re getting a bit of a warm current just in time. The jackets and caps from the first swims of the year as shown in the spirited photos below can hopefully remain at home until October. Enjoy the weekend and see you out there.

2013 Barnacle Splash

August 20, 2013 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

As expected, cold yet clear and calm waters for the Barnacle Splash. A tremendous thanks goes out to the kayakers, shuttle drivers, and Hull’s famous restaurant Toast, which served up hot and tasty post-swim breakfast. For your enjoyment, here are some of the photos of the pre- and post-swim entertainment. If you have photos you’d like to share, send them along and I’ll add to the post. And if you missed the swim this past weekend, there are still plenty of remaining swims between now and Thanksgiving each Sunday (and most Saturdays for that matter).

Vic’s infamous random shot

The whole group

Trust me this time, I know what I’m talking about

Stretch them muscles

The shark’s mouth was this large

Why are we doing this again?

I swear to Crusty, I did not inhale

Swim route at dawn – what lurks below?

That was fun, what is next?

The swim was tiring, I’m just going to walk the rest of the way.

If I have to go back into those cold waters one more time…

My my houlder hurts after that swim.tiff

I deserve a shoulder massage after this swim

Let’s do that again!

That was noth’n.

I will not blink first

Larry, Moe and Curly of swimming?

My job here is done

I’m not feeling so well

Grandpa stealing a moment with grandson

What every self-respecting annual swim needs, bright red shoes with checkered flag laces. But do you know who this famous person is?

Annual Barnacle Splash Sun. Aug 18

August 13, 2013 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

This Sunday will mark the 3rd Annual Barnacle Splash Swim starting at 7:00 AM. This year we’ll be swimming from the usual starting spot at the entrance to Nantasket heading south east along the rocky coast, out and around Doctor Island, and into Black Rock Beach in Cohasset. This is 1.5 miles. If you’re winded, in need of food, or suffering from caffeine withdraw, we’ll have a car bringing people back. If however you want to continue, you can turn around and swim back, which makes the route a nice 3 miles. The tide is perfect for the swim and conditions as of now appear to be ideal.

This will be a supported swim with kayakers or paddlers along the route guiding the way and keeping an eye out for the south shore’s own indigenous venomous jumping lobsters that are starting to cause havoc on the traps. One was spotter swimming with goggles and a speedo taunting beach-goers just last weekend. Go figure?

Importantly, breakfast will be ordered. If you plan to swim, send an email to swim@crustybarnacles.com and let us know if your bfast preference is eggs, pancakes or french toast. Our friends at Toast (the restaurant) have offered to deliver. Also, Barnacle Splash Swim Caps, made up for just this occasion, have arrived. They’ll be available on Sun. for a nominal fee.

For those interested in swimming during the week, people are swimming from the usual start location at around 5:30 as the sun is rising later. Also, there have been requests for afternoon swims. If you are interested, email me at the CB address as I’m happy to put you in touch with others looking to swim. It’s always more fun in a group.

Enjoy the photos from our swim last weekend and see everyone this weekend. By the way, we’ll still be swimming Sat., with groups starting as early as 6:30 am.

Weekend swims for July 27&28

July 26, 2013 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

If the rain this week has kept you confined to the indoors all week, there is no better release than a swim in the ocean. The weather is expected to clear and the water remains relatively warm for this time of year.

On Sunday July 28th, we’re going to try something a little different – we’ll be starting at the same time, 8am, but further North along Nantasket by the bath house which is about one mile from our usual starting spot. From there we can swim toward Point Allerton. The bath house has showers so this could come in handy. To get there you make a right turn just after the Nantasket Beach Resort and drive along the section that has the parallel parking spaces. Go toward the end and you’ll see the brick bath house and swimmers in speedos.

For Sat., we will meet at the usual place with swimmers showing up as early as 6:30am.

Weekday Swims @ Nantasket

July 15, 2013 / Tom Baker / 1 Comment

There seems to be quite the interest in the morning weekday swims based on recent turnout.

From now until the it starts getting light later, you’ll most likely be assured of seeing other swimmers out and about in the ocean starting at 5:15 am all days of the week. However, Wed. and Fri. be designated as the days to make a concerted effort to get out there. Note that weekday swims are mostly but not entirely all business with no photos so that we can all get our days started.

If you haven’t tried an early morning weekday ocean swim, I can personally guarantee you there is no better way to begin the morning. Being in the water as the sun is rising over the horizon is pretty special and is something to really take advantage of during the summer.

July 4 wknd review & Aug. 18 Save the Date

July 8, 2013 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

Sunday’s swim was perfect for concluding the holiday weekend – we had perfect conditions all four days. As usual, we had many familiar faces, but we also had some new swimmers along with drop-ins from former regulars who now reside from as nearby as Pittsburgh and as far as Paris. The random photo as seen below never gets old and our model Ted looks good in the new Crusty Barnacle hoody that he wasn’t afraid to don in the hot sun. If you placed an order for one, contact Steve to make arrangements to pick it up and if you still would like one, given the demand a second order will be going in soon.

Looking ahead, it’s time to start planning the 3rd Annual Barnacle Bash Swim, which will be held Sun. Aug. 18th this year starting at 7:00 am. Mark your calendar, as we’re doing a few things different this year to make it a bit more entertaining. First there will be two options, swimming from Nantasket to Black Rock Beach going around Doctor Island (about 1.75 miles) or Nantasket to Sandy Beach (about 3 miles). We’ll have transportation back to Nantasket from both locations along with food and drinks to re-fuel after the swim. The 7am start time is to ensure we’re finished before parking or lifeguard restrictions go into effect.

Also, if anyone is interested in early morning weekday swims starting at around 5:30 am, there will likely be a group of people throughout the week greeting the sunrise. Email tom_k_baker@mac.com if you are interested so we can make arrangements.

Lastly, be on the lookout for some future changes of venue as we will occasionally be taking the sunday swims on the road.

In the meantime, enjoy the week…

4th of July Weekend Swims…

July 4, 2013 / Tom Baker / 1 Comment

As a reminder, we’re planning to swim yet again this Sun. at the usual time, 8am, and place, beginning of Nantasket in Hull.

There have been requests to explore the Southern Coast of Hull. For those interested, we’re planning a swim to Gunrock Breach, which is 1/2 mile from where we enter the water. It’ll be low tide so we’ll have to swim a bit further than normal to get beyond the rocks. For anyone with a bit more ambition who hasn’t already worn themselves out from the long holiday weekend, the alternate swim on Sunday will be to the Beach beneath Green Hill (the cove just before Black Rock), which is 1 mile from where we enter the water or 2 miles roundtrip.

If we get enough people confirming the swim on Sun and if you let us know which beach you plan to swim to, we can make arrangements for food or coffee at one or both beaches to give you the extra boost needed for the return swim. Anyone with a paddle board or kayak that is interested in an early morning paddle, we always appreciate the company and the escort, not to mention an extra lookout for sleek pointy fins. Based on this morning’s swim, the water is crisp and clear, not too hot and almost not too cold.

Also, there will be swimmers heading out Sat. morning from the same location leaving anywhere from 7-8am to accommodate everyone’s early weekend schedule and obligations.

Lastly and based on popular demand, a complimentary crusty barnacle exclusive open water swim clinic will be held tomorrow, Friday, at 7:30 am at Sandy Beach in Cohasset for anybody that has the day off or who may not have the day off but is deciding to take the day off anyhow.

Take care and enjoy your 4th of July celebrations.

PS – if you ordered a CB hoodie, they’ve arrived. Contact Steve G about getting yours in time for the break of the heat spell. They came out really nice. If you would like one and didn’t order one, it’s not too late, just let us know.

Pectoraldate.com for all you shark lovers

May 23, 2013 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

Courtesy of Wild Swimming New England (the greatest and most eloquently written swim blog in the Northeast), there is a potentially very useful website that tracks some of our largest friends of the sea, Ocearch Interactive Global Shark Tracker.

Here you can meet Mary Lee, Genie, and Lydia, who just joined in March after being tagged off the coast of Cape Cod, are just a few of the prospects you can find living in our area.

In all seriousness, I recommend you read today’s post on Wild Swimming about using common sense when out in the ocean and what we can expect from our pectoral finned friends this summer. Enjoy.

Memorial Day Weekend Swims & New CB Post-Swim Gear

May 22, 2013 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

We’ll be swimming this weekend at the usual time and place, 8am at the entrance of Nantasket Beach on Sun. The ocean continues to warm up and should be pushing 60 degrees, which means it’s almost time to give up those wetsuits, booties and gloves if you haven’t already. Given the holiday on Monday, we’ll once again be meeting at the same time and place for the annual memorial day swim, which could involve a new course heading southeast toward Cohasset. Feel free to invite your friends who appreciate the open water or any fellow athletes looking to get ready for the upcoming triathlon season. Coffee, donuts and 12-month fresh bagels will be on hand both days. And for those looking to get out on Saturday, it’s not uncommon for a few swimmers to informally get together at 7:00 am also at the same location to get in a quick swim before the weekend starts.

As far as CB gear goes, we have several complimentary swim caps and 2012 bumper stickers still available on a first come first serve basis which were left over from last season. And through the inspiration and effort of Dr. Golden and Kimberly, the first and limited edition Crusty Barnacle hoodies are now available for order (see the mockup below). The pricing hasn’t been finalized, but they will likely be around $60. If you are interested, please let Steve Golden know how many and what size you’d like by emailing him at sgolden@healthcaresouth.com. I can’t think of a better way to warm up immediately following a dip in the brisk waters off of Hull.

See you this weekend.

Season underway May 19 officially following impromtu swim this morning

May 12, 2013 / Tom Baker / Leave a comment

Guest blog today from Vic sans the photos (which are available upon request by email)…

All, Winter is over!. After consulting with the founding fathers, distaff power brokers and other aquatic cognoscenti, it has been determined that the Crusty Barnacles season officially starts a week from today, Sunday, May 19th. Objective is to be in the water at 8am, get there 15-20 minutes early!

Logo laden Merchandise. Steve Golden has been busy the last few months doing the research for having hoodie sweatshirts designed and ordered for the group. It will be zip up, high quality fleece material, with the logo front and back that is on the orange swim cap — the logo Kimberlee designed. Outlay will probably be around $45, give or take a few bucks, based on quantities we order. If, repeat “if,” you are interested in this idea and think you would probably order one, please let Steve Golden know at sgolden@hcsouth.com.
Don’t Reply All or we’ll clog one another’s emails in box.

BetaTest at Nantucket this morning. Steve G, Chris K, Vic and Kimberlee tested the ocean this morning at 8am.The ocean passed the test. Waters are still wet, waves are real, and Vic is still the first in and first out of the water. Water temps are swinging from 54 to 65 these days, really! Today’s temp was on the low end of the range.

Today, the boys were all in full gear, surfer caps and booties. Kimberlee, the photographer today, and not pictured, wore only a bathing suit in low 50s water! Unbelievable! In time for this email I did not get a release from Kimberlee for the photos I did take of her coming out of the waters this morning, but believe me. She was color coordinated with pinks, blues and chartreuse bathing suit and matching goggles. THIS WILL BE A HIGH FASHION SEASON. The bar has been set.

Chris Kennedy and Steve Golder. Check out Chris! He’s been in the gym all winter.

Steve Golden, sporting a WWII fighter pilot look. Fashion! I’m telling you. It’s the new CB theme.

I really went in — believe me! I have three witnesses.

See you Sunday, May 19th.

Crusty Barnacles

Open Water Swimming on the Boston South Shore

Author: Tom Baker