The winter prequel to our beloved winter Lorne pier to pub this year surfaced as the Brighton Mile. The perfect winter’s day with a gentle sunrise saw the scene set for a cold plunge at the Brighton sea baths. All the prepartion had been completed over a series of weeks and the chilly bay was now a friend.

The wonder of a new venue was a treat for fellow belugas Anthony, Paul, Diane and Antony. Doing six laps of the sea baths was going to be a challenge due to the sheer numbers of swimmers in a small confined course.

Once the start signal sounded the gasps of air that you take when being chilled like snap frozen pea tells your your body that its time to go to war against the elements and survival mode is switched on.

Now a short wait is all that is needed to allow the cold to wash over you before the lap counting begins. All the other Belugas shot off ahead and I knew they meant business but I was happy with a steady pace and soaking in the day. Needless to say there was a bit of argy-bargy out there while we creating a Brighton whirlpool.

However before you can say echinoderms Asteriodea(starfish) the the final strokes towards the beach completed the aquatic winter frolic. I must admit that being told to recite your finishing time to the official was useless when your jaw is frozen shut. Thankfully there was a promise of joyful bliss in the form of a steam room and swimmers politely packed in like sardines to absorb the hint of warmth. Alas for one fit Adonis his tribal tatoos were not enough to protect him from the ill effects of hyperthermia.

After a caffinated regroup and a debrief the cheerful Belgas were again homeward bound with their thoughts clearly poised for next week’s Lorne swim.