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 South Shore MA
Full Moon Sunrise Swim
Conditions were ideal this morning for an impromptu swim, where you could catch the full moon setting to the west and a bright orange sun rising from the east at 5:25 am. At least five showed up (three pictured below in a photo captured by Solly). Enjoy the week and if you can, try to take in a sunrise swim at some point during the week this summer – best way to start the day.
Perfect weekend to…
swim of course. Why not start your days bringing your body temp down so you remain cool? The ocean temps have consistently dropped each night to create a little bite upon entry but it feels perfect after a few strokes. And the water is clear as can be with at least 15 ft visibility this morning. Chris Kennedy can give a better answer as I noticed him swimming what looked to be in the direction of Gloucester this morning and was probably in at least 50-100 ft depth of water.
As a reminder there is a small early bird group around 6:30 am both days, and definitely the regular group start Sunday at 8am. Bring a friend to introduce them to ocean swimming and you’ll both either get a free cap or get to hear Vic recant his story about his Olympic gold medal coaching session this week.
By the way, whoever has the caps, you’ll have to bring them or we’ll have no option but to have Vic’s undivided attention.
Swim Caps and Sunday June 26
For those not participating in a triathlon on Sun (which is also a lot of fun) and will insted be swimming, Crusty Barnacle swim caps from last summer will be available first come first serve. I just looked and saw the water temp is above 65 for the first time this year, so it’ll be perfect. I’ll be an observer but will be happy to take the group photo and send everyone off.
The last few months we’ve received questions in the general email box which I apologize I am only now opening up for the first time in more than six months. To answer some of your questions, there is not registration and swimmers of all abilities are welcome unless your name is Vic in which case, that’s just unique circumstance that we’ll have to handle accordingly. As a reminder, the meeting place is the first beach entrance in Hull off of Nantasket Ave (Route 228) – take a right after the bait shop and you will see a crumbling and condemned restaurant called Beach Fire.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
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.
Weekend Swims
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.
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.
Crusty Barnacles 