Sunday, June 29, 2014

Barracudas in the English Channel!



While at Hillarys Marina very early yesterday morning it was pointed out to me (thanks gentlemen) that the group swimming laps in the chilly water (don't be fooled by the blue sky) off the family beach were not slightly insane :) but in fact acclimatising and in training for this years English Channel swim in July. Swimming the 22 miles of the English Channel has been described as the ultimate long distance swimming challenge and compared in unpredictability, endurance and stamina to climbing Mt. Everest. The Barracudas, some who have already participated, are a Churchlands Senior High School based group of fearless swimmers who's names I have no doubt have and will again appear on the list of successful channel crossers!


My questions for head coach Pauline (red scarf main pic) were 'I guess they'll be wearing wet-suits'.. nope, 'well they'll be covered in goose fat (?) or something to keep warm' nope.. they'll be exactly as you see them here, oh la! Not too shabby a training spot though. Dodging the shipping traffic in the English Channel is a huge hazard for the swimmers, whereas here in the Rottnest Channel Swim it's the sharks! I'm sure I join with all in wishing the Barracudas the best of luck. Happy Sunday, take care and stay safe..



28 comments:

  1. That'll be a test of endurance. Terrific captures on the group.

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  2. Good for endurance but nowhere near cold enough to compare with the Channel. Very cold water there and experienced swimmers will tell you this.
    I did swim once, about 1985, but it was too wet for me.

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  3. Good for endurance but nowhere near cold enough to compare with the Channel. Very cold water there and experienced swimmers will tell you this.
    I did swim once, about 1985, but it was too wet for me.

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  4. Ah, they're a brave, inspiring group!! I do wish them well! Great captures as always, Grace!! Hope your weekend is going well! Enjoy, stay warm and safe!!

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  5. Oh goodie...now I have these people to look out for. The news coverage here is always good :). They are a brave lot. Nice photos, Grace.

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  6. What a brave group, Bbbbrrrr swimming in that cold water! Best of luck to the Barracudas!

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  7. That is quite a challenge, can be very rough there. And dangeous with the ships indeed..

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  8. These are some very impressive people.

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  9. Good grief! We wear wet suits when swimming in lakes here in Virginia even well into late spring.

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  10. You guys are the worlds best water-people! Aussies come here and win all of our ocean events!


    ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral
    =^..^= <3

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  11. Oh, I feel faint.

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  12. Aren't they a brave lot - all the very best to them! Great pics Grace, thank you!

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  13. They are either very brave or very foolish to attempt the English Channel swim. Think I would take the ship in the Channel over the sharks. At least the ships are not actively trying to eat you.

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  14. They are too-bold!!!! Wish you a nice Sunday!!!!
    Kisses from Italy to Australia....

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  15. Rather them than me! Good luck to them all.

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  16. That is pretty impressive! I admire people that challenge themselves.

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  17. That's a pretty bold challenge. I hope they will all be safe.

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  18. The first photo might be a still, but I swear the woman at the end on the right is shivering!

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  19. They have my respect...and envy. I swim like a rock.

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  20. Good thing they have started training, Great images. Love your winter blue sky.

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  21. Three questions for Pauline, "Why, Why, Why?????

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  22. I wish them luck and a safe arrival.
    Glad it is not my son/daughter doing it:)

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  23. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  24. I love Birdman's comment above. I had a the same question forming in my mind. But, I do wish them the best of luck! That takes a lot of grit and stamina.

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  25. Would it be impolite for me to suggest that they are all off their rockers?

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