Lorne Pier to Pub 2018

It was a bright cool January morning in the year 2018, when a shotgun blast ricocheted off the Lorne ocean swell. The trigger of this booming bass liberated the first wave of eager swimmers, which from the hillside vantage points resemble a school of startled sardines in fear of being devoured. In fact, these pilchards were feeding off their own pulses and energy for a crowning joy.

Soon the aquatic peleton formed and all the planned maneuvers and strategies were being played out by those searching for glory. Most other swimmers were consolidating a comfortable pace in order to challenge themselves and complete the 5km course. Five adventurous Brunswick Belugas (Raoul M, Peter K, Anthony F, Paul T and Vito M) were voluntary submerged in this contest with no protection against the elements, apart from their funky trunks, thick(ish) hides and, as some say, a few loose screws.  Never the less all of us survived without breaking a scale and toasted our achievements on dry land.

 The ocean stayed calm for the duration and the carnival atmosphere persisted with the anticipation of the traditional 1.2km sprint event. This time the true thrashing sardine experience would eventuate for the thousands of participants. As usual there were personal challenges to be tested and all the Belugas took their efforts to the limit yet again. A special mention to the inspiring performance of Sue C and Anthony P. Some brave souls continued the non wetsuit trend and disregarded time and placing penalties (Peter K, Nicholas C, Paul T and Maureen W).  In all, it was great to see the new and the well seasoned gleeful Belugas participating in such a healthy sport.

Finally, it is always rewarding to get the support of family and fellows swimmers, definitely making all the difference on this big day out.
 

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.

“The largest organised open swim event in the world”. Fancy that!

Lorne inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his poem ‘The Flowers’:
“Buy my hot-wood clematis, buy a frond of fern
Gathered where the Erskine leaps, down the road to Lorne”

… to which I would add:

Four brave middle-aged men drive forth to the Shark’s pen
With eye shields strapped tight
and orange markers in sight
We just don’t know if we’ll see them again
Boom goes the starter’s gun blast
Heaven help those who come last
It makes no sense nor rhyme
Why are they chasing the fastest time?
The answer lies dormant and the reason sublime
On occasion the answer blissfully surfaces with the help of an ale
And hence is recited as our Pier to Pub tale

So this is the Belugas 2017 tale …

The day began with gathering at a new vantage point and a quick scan and settle the bags down with minimum fuss. From the outset the searing hot temperature would present us with the challenge stay cool. It was so hot in the sun that I noticed the suncream and vaseline melting and dripping down the bodies of competitors.

First up it was the 5k distance swimmers to take the march to the Pier. It was a dynamite brisk start without any time to contemplate tactics. As the results show, 3 naked (non wetsuit) Belugas and one very toasty Beluga took part in an extremely demanding circuit.

In an addition to my concerns I was not very comfortable out there having that bloody yellow rubber dingy stalking me because I certainly did not ring for an Uber. As I finished I was also politely asked if I was experiencing any chest pains, to which I suspiciously responded “No, I’m fine”. Gee, I must have looked rough around the gills. Anthony’s long arduous hours and hours of training saw him take respectable Beluga 5k line honours. Note: All Belugas survived.

Next it was time for the sprinters, being cheered on by Boris, Bindy (red dog stunt double) and many human minders and companions of all descriptions. It was lovely to see the families (Cateriano and Cameron) gathered in full support. The hot topical question of the day was “Were the Belugas going to avoid being on the shark’s menu?”.
Two remedies were suggested:
a. Feed the sharks so that they are too full to think about eating Belugas
b. Hurl hand grenades at the sharks to scare them off
Fortunately neither was necessary.

1.2k Sprint and Grand Final Day for Open Water Swimmers, a chance to swim against the best the sport has to offer.

The P2P brings back pleasurable memories, as related by Sue Cox:
“To me a successful day includes talking to as many people as possible, having a good swim, going to the pub followed by a walk down the main street for an ice cream or two. I always reminisce about my first Pier to Pub – my twins were two and I pushed the double pram up and down hills, through registration and onto the beach – fully loaded – food, swim toys and my own gear. Making it to the start line was an achievement. I smile to myself as realise I survived and it’s all behind me now.”

Special mentions….
Liz swimming with a friend who also swam in their very first Pier to Pub 32 years ago
Raoul Mulder achieved shark bait status (10 swims)
Doris Brown achieved double shark bit status (20 swims)
Tracy Cameron placing 10th
Sue Cox placing 6th
Anthony Purcell placing a well earned 2nd (despite being crook as a dog)

This year I will mention the fearless non wetsuit competitors Paul Turner, Maureen Weir and Ken Shannon. By the way, if anyone needs a hand getting into their wetsuit please see Tim Walker in future because he validated his newly patented technique by thoughtfully helping Jaye. It reminded me of the awkwardness of putting on rubber gloves before surgery.

Every competitor had the pleasure of being greeted by a storm of colourful beach umbrellas and bathing suits as they raced toward the finish. Without doubt the experience was joyous for all concerned with every Beluga achieving their personal triumph which presents in welling eyes and a cheery smile.

Note: Again, all Belugas Survived (sharks included).

Many thanks to Anthony Ferguson for combing through 5,200-odd results to compile the Belugas honour board below.

Apart from Williamstown open water swim (which I had the good luck of missing), the Anglesea Rock2Ramp was shaping up to be challenging from the get-go. The prediction of strong winds generally means swimmers must be prepared for an arm-wrestle with the ocean.

In the morning, a heavy summer rain greeted everyone collecting their racing kits. The 2.5k and 1.2k swimmers then had an opportunity to scan the course markers and water conditions. Peering through the gap in the ti-trees past the breakwater, the race track lay quietly in waiting.

However there were things (human emotions) bubbling below the surface of the eyes staring at the blue horizon. For in the water today there were yet again statements to be made, reputations to be consolidated, and scores to settled.  Therefore it’s time again to strap on the timer, slip into the skimpy lycra and let the funky latex cap compress the ears for ultimate streamlining, ’cause the Belugas mean business in the water!

Not even the recent heightened media and community concern that sharks also swim at beaches in the region could scare these intelligent wannabe marine mammals.

The 2.5km started with diving lunges through the waves. As usual navigation plays an important role in distance swimming. So he (or she) who swims straight generally has a better chance of winning.

Now to the all important grudge match result where blood and guts are spilled all over the course to determine a winner. Regrets, will be some, but excuses, there will be none.

Last time I did not name names and there was some dismay in my lack of triumphant heraldry for the winner so this time I will comply. Raoul was able to wear the grudge grin from ear to ear and the loser must quietly stitch his ego. Today’s victory brings riches but tomorrow’s challengers may trigger nervous twitches …

On the other side of the coin, especially in the 1.2km, the personal victories were aplenty. Some Belugas rose to relish in the rough conditions and devour their opponents. Tim Walker got such a great start that he stopped to yell out proudly to everyone in the race that he was placing second, but that did not last for long. Judy and Kate along with others recorded a dignified top 10 placing.

Special mention to Alex for the youngest spectator eagerly awaiting mummy’s return. The sharp performances also to be mentioned came from Sue, Tracy and Liz. Swimming caps off to the ladies.

The best part of the day had now arrived with lunch hosted by Raoul, Susanne and Orla. This meant a delicious reward was in store for the hungry Belugas. Tim and Melissa soon arrived with travel stories and wine. Ken introduced his daughter Tess. Ale brought the family and Tracy enjoyed having John by her side. Wayne and Kate conjured up a great salad, Judy was ever-delightful company, and there was polite jostling for turns to hold baby Mattias.

Paul and Gail caught up with everyone to share the occasion and report progress on the their clever BBQ construction. Sue drizzled some prize oil and Liz and Doris added some insight into their performance on the day. Peter and Anthony were contemplating bigger fish to fry with reference to their upcoming adventure swim to Rottnest Island WA. Craig and I ate well and washed some dishes in appreciation.

In all an enjoyable eventful gathering was had by all Belugas big and small.

Results below, with thanks as always to Anthony Ferguson for expert compiling.

The open water season commenced at Mentone in the most swimmable state in the country. To qualify this I mean lovely water temp, no deadly jellyfish, no sea lice and no great whites.

Our first competition day out needed some crucial decisions considered eg. distance (2.5k or 1k), wetsuit (on or off) and the all important lunch destination. The lunch destination was annual haunt but other 2 would take some soul searching.

On the day the weather could not have been kinder and the water conditions were a joy. There was a pleasant swim carnival atmosphere and the usual conversational buzz filled the air. On that note, like bees to a meadow of pollen and nectar we all made our way to the starting point.

The walk to the 2.5km start gives everyone a good a chance to suss out the course and oddly it always seems a long way. There were no false starts this time and the motto “you snooze you lose” could not be truer especially if you took your time getting to the deep water start markers.

Those watching swimmers sprinting to the finishing line saw some amusing stumbling in the uneven shallows and a few even planting their face in the sand. It was a great feeling having you Beluga buddies cheering you through the finish line. Never the less, the standout finish for the Belugas saw Owen Leggett secure an impressive first place in 35mins 47secs. Out of the 18 Belugas we had 8 finish in the top 10 of their age group. Great effort and well done to you all.

This sets a very challenging scene to keep the great personal results coming, not to mention any friendly competitive rivalry. All this gives us more encouragement to get back into the pool to keep working on that all desirable prefect freestyle stroke.

Roll on swim season!