Lucy Charles arrived in Yorkshire today to take part in the National Youth Open Water Championships which was held in Rother Valley Country Park. The National Open Water event is a swim of 2k which is twice round the circuit. Starting from a dive off the pier the swimmers headed for the first bouy and it was a scrappy start, swimmers fighting each other to get to the front of the race or just to find some water space of their own. Lucy said she felt someone push her down on her shoulder and we could see that Kimberley Bell of Loughborough had to stop and be rescued by the rescue team in a canoe who brought her back to dry land. Lucy managed to find some space and settle into the fast swim. On the first circuit Lucy had settled into her rhythm and was following the leading pack on her own. She finished the race with a smile saying it was a very fast and tough event. Lucy's time was 23.48.78 she came 6th in the 16/17yr old age group.
For a report on the event and full set of results go to: http://www.swimming.org/asa/news/clubs/payne-takes-youth-open-water-title/5697/
Earlier that day Hayley Warrington entered the 1k Open Water which was once round the circuit and she finished in a time of 14.27.61.Well done girls. We are now looking forward to the National Youth Championships which starts on Tuesday 3rd August.
 

ASA East Region Open Water Championships July 2010

Click for Link to Photograph and Report of July 2010 Open Water Championships

Report on Great East Open Water Swim 2010

Last Saturday 19^th June two of Hoddesdon SC swimmers Lucy Charles 16 and Gary Johnston masters swimmer, took part in the Great East Swim at Alton Water near Ipswich.

For Lucy it was her first experience of open water swimming and for Gary it was a repeat performance after completing the course last year.Over 3000 swimmers took part in the event which is part of the Great Open water swim series sponsored by British Gas.

The event started off with the Elite swimmers going off in the first waves in what looked like difficult conditions. There was a constant wind and heavy showers all day.Lucy and Gary’s wave was at 3.30pm at which time the rain had eased while they acclimatised themselves to the water temperature. After some motivational advice from Olympic Gold Medallist Keri-Anne Payne, their race was started.

Lucy got herself to the front of the group as they plunged into the cold water and set off. She went off very quickly and was soon leading the group of swimmers. After reaching the first buoy she had quite a lead. As the race progressed she got herself even further ahead to win her wave by a good three minutes and finishing ahead of some swimmers from the previous group. She finished as top female swimmer in the non-elite race and second overall. Lucy said afterwards she loved the experience and looks forward to competing in the Great London swim on 3^rd July and the Open National championship in August.

Gary had started a little further back in the pack but had a great swim. He improved on his time last year and finished well ahead of many in the wave. He is also looking forward to the Great London swim and should on this form go even faster.

Coach Janet was excited to find out the news and hopes for open water success in the future.

My first 800m Open Water Swim by Jes Waters

On Sunday 19^th July 2009, I made my way to the ASA East Region Open Water Championships. This took place at Whitlingham Outdoor Education Centre in Norwich. It was a really exhilarating experience for me, and here’s just a quick review of my day:When I finally arrived at the event, the place was amazing: the scenery was just breath-taking, the lake looked, well, sort of inviting and most people looked excited, including me! (:

When my event finally came I felt prepared: I’d mobilised, drank and eaten and felt strangely positive. This is unusual for me; I’m usually quite uncontrollably nervous before a race. I had entered the 800m race, and, as crazy as I am, a lake seemed a pretty good place to do the second 800m I’d ever done!All the information prior to the race was straight forward: after having your number written on you, you are given a hat (which also has your number on), and you wait with others also competing with you until they call out your event. Then comes the best bit: after queuing up, you’re called up to the edge of the jetty in order of your number. Despite the cameras on us, I remember feeling so professional and motivated when they called out my name.

When the Officials began announcing the event, I remember thinking I’d practically done it; there was nothing stopping me, or preventing me from completing this race. The Officials gestured us to get in, and let me tell you, the feeling of “getting in” contrasts hugely to that of getting a swimming pool! Planting my feet in a clump of algae and fish darting everywhere, I felt adventurous. However, it was absolutely freezing!! I’d barely figured out exactly where I was, when the horn went…As I pushed off the jetty, I can remember feeling the excruciatingly painful cold water. It was such a shock to me, which I remember antagonizing over whether I should stop. I practically did; I couldn’t breathe in the water! However, after a few head-up front crawl stokes, I threw my head back under, and got on with it.It wasn’t long before I’d hit the finishing banner, and won a very unexpected silver medal, making me second in Hertfordshire. As this was my first swim, I felt very rewarded, and maybe next time I’ll go that one step further…The day in general was an extremely rewarding experience, and I know I’ll be out there again, and again, as I believe that’s where I want to be in my swimming career. I had a fantastic time, and am very grateful to my parents and coaches that let me take part in this brilliant event.

Windermere next…(: