Crusty Barnacles are getting off to an early start to the season this Sunday, April 24 – the meet time is 8-8:30 at the same usual location at the entrance to Nantasket Beach (1st parking lot entrance on right off 228). It may only be a dip, but for those more ambitious swim folk, bring your thick skin, cold blood, or wetsuit depending on your tolerance for what could potentially be less than tropical water temps. Oh, and don’t forget goggles, towel, coffee and conversant humor – seriously.
Due to weather expected for Sunday morning, Sat will be your best chance to get out this weekend. We finally have warm waters to enjoy. For those of you participating in a bike ride or triathlon this weekend, have fun and be safe.
Given the forecast for Sunday, for anyone interested in ensuring they can get a swim in under nice conditions, tomorrow (sat) at 7:45 is the safest bet. The buoy is reading 59.2 degrees, which is the warmest it’s been all year and the water should be fairly calm. And if you can’t make it tomorrow, see you Sunday.
It’s been a while since we’ve shared photos, so here’s a compilation from earlier swims when the water was much colder. It’s much much warmer so don’t let the wetsuits be of concern.
For this weekend, we’re returning to the normal time, 7:45 am, leaving from the same location with a few earlier risers getting out at around 6:00am. As a reminder, all abilities welcome as are bagels, donuts, and coffee.
If anyone is concerned about the water quality, check out the story in the Globe this morning on the water quality of our area beaches surpassing the cleanliness of Waikiki and South Beach. (http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/05/22/new-report-gives-boston-area-beaches-high-marks/AWIKRsliRr6Wfnpu3obHaJ/story.html#). While I still don’t see Nantasket Beach becoming a destination for Spring Breakers anytime soon, congratulations to Save the Harbor for all their efforts.
…for more information on upcoming swims. For all of those who didn’t brave the freezing conditions this Winter such as myself, we’re within weeks of returning to the water. May 2nd or 9th is looking like a good possibility to kick off the 2015 season.
Memorial day weekend swims are upon us. Sunday we’ll be meeting at the same time and place and Monday we’ll meet at 7:30, to avoid the crows and to make sure we have enough time to get off to our other Memorial Day festivities. Monday is supposed to be a beautiful, warm and clear day. I know it’s hard to believe but the waters really are warming up and getting quite comfortable.
Importantly, save the date for the James Doty One Mile Memorial Swim on Sat. June 14 from the L Street Bath House.
As many of you know, Jim is an iconic swim figure for the Boston area who was instrumental in restarting the Boston Light Swim and in forming the New England Marathon Swimming Association (NEMSA).
Preregister online for only $10! The first 30 registrants are guaranteed an event shirt. Signup here: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=28089. For more information: http://bostonlightswim.org/james-doty-memorial-mile-swim/
The ocean temp is nearing 50 degrees, which means it is time to get back in the water, or time to congratulate those of you who never got out (Helen, Ted, and others).
While I’m sure there will be swimmers out at Nantasket starting this Sunday at 8am (all are welcome), the regular swims are returning Sunday, May 18, at 8:00 from the same place in Nantasket Beach. If you need directions or have questions, feel free to email me. It’s been an exceedingly long and cold winter so it’ll feel good to get out of the pool and back to the expansive Mass. Bay.
More details will be forthcoming on the memorial day swim…
Enjoy the weekend.
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…
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?
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. 
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.
Crusty Barnacles 