Too Cold for a Swim...
UPDATE (02/02/2008)Check out Lost in Hatteras for more including some action photos from the day.
Today was one of those days when the waves were perfect size and if the water was 20 degrees warmer... However, with water hovering around 45 degrees, if you were unfortunate to get separated from your gear, it could be a harrowing swim.
I took a nice hit by the beefy section of an overhead high peak on my initial slog out. The gear was gone and I was pummeled to the bottom for a spin in the rinse. 45 degree water initially feels kind of weird, in that, I did not feel cold, but my body/heart rate raced and the breaths were shallow. I was not trying to breath shallow, but that was what my body wanted to do. 30 seconds after surfacing, I calmed myself and began the swim towards my gear. My suit was working well and my body was warm, but only my exposed head, hands, and feet felt the chill. The key was to remain calm, and get to my gear. Eventually, I made it. After relaxing with the rig in the relative calm of the "Lounge" (the section between the surf zone and the inside shore pound), I composed, waterstarted, and successfully made it out. No more harrowing calls after that one, but I did sail conservatively to spend minimal time in the drink. The 60+ degree air felt great though while sailing.
All in all, Andy, Stewart, Caleb, and I enjoyed the winter wave sesh at the Boiler. 4.2m to 5.0m was the call. If only the water could have been 10 to 15 degrees warmer, it would have been perfect! The surf size was fun, with plenty of overhead high peaks, soft shoulders, and flat lanes between the sets for getting out. However, all of us were timid since a swim was something we did not want to take. Caleb did get adventurous, missed a wave aerial, and got worked by a follow on bomber. He said it was one of the sketchiest swims he ever had, and luckily Stewart was nearby to drag him into the beach since his rig was quite far away for the cold water swim. As his gear drifted closer to shore, he was able to swim out to catch it, but even that effort was risky!
All in all, cold water is not something to take for granted, especially if you have to swim after your gear. I think I prefer warm water and cold air, as compared to warm air and cold water, especially while wave sailing! We survived and are looking forward to the next session. Hopefully though, that 70+ degree Gulf Stream water, not far offshore, will make its way back towards the beach.
This 40+ degree ocean water complemented with fun sized surf is a bummer!
A few photos:
Andy M heading over the dune line at the Boiler
Andy M well suited up. Looks like its in between set waves
5 Comments:
yeah that was the most exhausting swim ive ever done,thanks to stewart and billy e. for watchn my back.after I surfaced I couldnt see my gear until stewart sailed by and pointed it out,prolly 200 or so feet away and getting further I decided to take the drag back to the beach to conserve strength.I really was unprepared for the conditions,btwn the water temp an old stiff 5.3 wet suit and being a couch potato for the last month or so I was barely able to to get to my gear after following it down the down the beach for almost a mile and realizing it wasnt going to wash in,it remained btwn 150 and 200ft off the beach.finally I had to make a choice swim or loose the gear.it took ever fiber of my strength to reach my stuff,if I hadnt made it to my gear I def would not have had enough gas to swim back.when i got back to the beach my kidneys were aching,from cold I assume.wouldve sucked drowning the day before my birthday.well thats my story hope y'all stay safe on the water this winter...Caleb
Caleb that was sketchy for sure! Head+ at the boiler is WAY different than waist high at Isabels... I'm going to try to be more careful with my decisions in the future...... Happy Birthday Man!
Bill thanks for the link, I checked my stats and your site is by far the number one provider of hits to my blog! Thanks Again!
See y'all on the water Wednesday!
Caleb,
Ready for another session Wednesday?
Thinking of heading down, water temps should be back to low 50s on Ocracoke... Forecast is looking good and my body is aching for an adranalin fix... I'll make sure to get it from the drive down but wouldn't mind hitting some on the water!
Let me know, i'll shoot an email to the group ! Don't have Andy's email...
Hey Emo!yeah come on down,if its windy im sure we'll be sailn somewhere,i think andys email is at gmail otherwise you can get up with him thru his blog(see link "lost in hatteras")see ya on the water...
i'm sick as a dog, can't make it...
Enjoy for me!
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