We have another perfect forecast for ocean swimming this weekend. The Boston buoy has the water above 60 and the forecast for tomorrow is for calm waters. Here’s a photo of what you can expect around 8:00 am tomorrow morning and Sunday morning. Arrive before hand to beat the parking attendants. Early birds are encouraged for a 6:30 am start like last weekend. 
Ocean Swimming and Boston
Memorial Day 2016 Weekend Swims
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.
Early Start to Season
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.
June 20 & 21 Swims
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.
Memorial Day Weekend Swims
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.
Season is Starting May 10
A few swimmers braved the waters last weekend, but we’re officially kicking off the season on Mother’s Day. Given likely competing commitments, come anytime that works best from 7-9:00 am. Water is still a bit chilly, so come prepared. Several caps are still left over from last season if anyone needs one. Just let me know. Take care, Tom
Weekend Swims for Aug 23 & 24
Hopefully everyone has been enjoying the clear albeit persistently brisk waters.
On Sat., Aug 23, for anyone who is interested, we’ll be meeting at 7:00 am at Black Rock Beach, which is at the end of Forrest Ave where it intersects Jerusalem. Let me know if you are interested. There are a two options. One is to swim from Black Rock to the beach below St. Joseph’s retreat and back (1.75 miles round trip) or Black Rock to Sandy Beach and back (3 miles round trip).
For sunday, it’s the usual swim, only due to popular demand, we’re going to move the swim up by 30 minutes leaving at 7:30 am instead of the usual 8:00.
Enjoy the week.
Memorial Day Swims and Beyond
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/
Sun. May 18 is Get Back in the Cold Ocean for a Brisk Open Water Swim Day
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.
2013 Barnacle Splash
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?
Crusty Barnacles 