As I have been mentioning in the briefing for the last few weeks and have included in the weekly blog, this Saturday we will not be swimming in Dover but will be on tour. This is due to the Dover Rowing Regatta taking place in Dover which means that the swim zone is suspended for the day. It was due to take place a few weeks ago but was weathered out.
So, I decided that rather than doing a 3am session for this one, it would be a good opportunity to experience a different location, more open to the elements and therefore more similar to conditions that you may experience on the day.
The decision on the location has been made based on the current weather forecast. My decision is to training Hythe. Those of you who trained with us in 2017 will know it well.
There is lots of free parking on the road parallel to the beach. If you would like a location to navigate to I suggest Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club, the postcode is CT21 6AW. We'll meet on the beach in front and to the left of the sailing club.
It is VERY important to listen to the briefing for this swim. Important things to note:
Don't swim any further than 50m out. There may be other watersports users (though the sailing club tends not to operate on a Saturday). You'll also find that the tide gains strength the further out you swim
We will swim a straight line from the pole opposite the sailing club (and no further) then to a small set of steps to the left of the big hotel on the beach front.
You can exit the water at all points
As this is tidal you will move slowly in one direction and whoosh the other way (depending on the tide direction)
It is important to note, that you really don't (read musn't) stray beyond the last pole past the sailing club - not too much further along is a live firing range!!
Training starts at the usual time - 9am. Please arrive by 8.30am as usual. There is the opportunity for a longer swim for those who want it. A maximum of 10 hours is available from 8am or 9 hours from 9am. Save comment as before, I do not believe that it is necessary or even desirable to do this as part of normal training for a solo. It may be useful if you are training for a long swim (e.g. multiple crossing), if you think you're going to be out there a very long time or if your training availabilty is restricted (work does get in the way of play at times)!
If you are an Aspire swimmer, please note this is not one of your organised weekends, you are still welcome to join us.
Sunday training is in the usual place.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Emma x