Folks, Bert is pushing for some open water action, so we're gonna go ahead
and start the open water swims in Chocowinity Bay this Monday.  Map is on
our website if you need directions: www.tricredibles.com
<http://www.tricredibles.com/> .

We're really very lucky to be able to have weekly open water swims at our
disposal.  I mean, how many triathlon teams can have an open water swim once
a week outside of San Diego and other triathlon hotbeds?  Please keep in
mind though, there should be a safety aspect to these swims and since it
starts on private land that I'm fortunate to have access to we all need to
be courteous out there.

So, here are some reminders if you're planning on participating this year:

1.      Swim start is 6 pm sharp.  Please be on time, suited up and ready to
hop in by 6.  I'm sure this is not important to some of you, but it's not
only a courtesy thing....if everyone else starts on time and you show up and
jump in 5 minutes later none of us may know you're there.  That could be a
bad thing.
2.      We usually swim at least 1 mile, as an out and back route.  Often,
we swim further, or break into groups of suitable distance.  It's best if
you have at least one other person swimming your distance, just in case.
3.      Top water temp is hovering at 62 degrees.  Believe me...this is
COLD.  DO NOT COME WITHOUT A WETSUIT (unless you know in your heart that you
are so experienced with open water swimming in cold temperature that you
know you can take it).  Don't guess at this!!!!  Water will warm up soon
enough if you want to wait to come out to the open water swims later on.
We'll keep you posted on how the temps are progressing.
4.      Our swim route is open to boat traffic.  We have very rarely had any
boaters come near us on these swims, but keep in mind that you are accepting
a certain amount of risk by jumping in water that is also being used for
boats.  Be sure and bring a brightly colored swim cap.  No swim cap, no
swim.  This should make it easier for a boat driver to see you, but also
helps us as a group to look out for each other.
5.      The swim course is out and back, hugging the north shore line of
Chocowinity Bay.  For the most part, it's shallow enough you can stand.  And
if you have a problem of some sort, walking or swimming to shore should just
take a few seconds.  If you do this, you'll be walking through people's back
yards so try to be courteous.
6.      I should tell you that this neighborhood where we swim is a very
small community, very close to each other, and not so thrilled to have
"outsiders" barging through their community.  Please pay attention to the
traffic speed signs, watch for kids and golf cars, and don't be the latest
neighborhood piece of gossip.  We could lose our swimming privileges if we
piss these people off.  If a car is coming down the road at you and you have
room to pull over, please do so.  That road is way narrow.

Not trying to sound like Coach from Survivor or anything, just  want this to
be safe first and foremost, with fun a close second.  At any rate, I hope to
see you out there.  This Monday has a possible rain chance, so if so, you
might want to call each other to make sure we'll be there.

Hooray for spring!

Bruce Richter