This year we could Celebrate Lake Simcoe without the idiots
Strong words but I stand by them.
Last year when we did this swim we had problems with "pleasure craft tourists" shall we say. We had people parking large boats right in the middle of the swim loop, kids pulling buoys, and jet skis flying by the outskirts of the course with no regard for anyone else. This is just the beginning of it.
But Ian Feldman made it the end.
Lake Simcoe.
It's one of those things that is just great to look at. Really it is no surprise that it is where people come when it gets hot out. This pic was taken at about 7:15. No yahoos out there at this time of the morning. And that was part of the strategy. Start early, have more boats protecting the course, and a dedicated lifeguard team with kayaks / paddleboards for emergencies. What a difference this made.
Cheeky bugger that I am - I got to the lake before just about everyone except Ian and crew.
While they set up I got myself ready to go and then tested the water etc. When other swimmers began showing up I did some jawin.
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw my teammate Ignacio show up with another friend of mine, Gillian, who is yet another superstar that I have met because of swimming. Love this sport!
I elected to do the 5km which ended up being just that. Last year's chicanery from kids and the elements made a 5km swim turn into much much more. There was no such thing this time. The loop was set (1km) and all the t's were crossed and i's dotted. We were even given the option to access a written safety plan that the lifeguard squad had.
The swim conditions were great. Flat water for the most part, not cold and not warm, no idiots.....
My time was acceptable and as my teammate Erica often says "You get out what you put in". Sit on that for a while.
Teammate Ignacio had a great swim and was second overall, 1st place male. It is always great to have a teammate do something great. I've been blessed with an awesome team who are all capable of great moments. Ignacio is no different.
Awards were announced by the mayor. What I didn't realize prior to this year was that Celebrate Lake Simcoe is not just a cool name for the swim. It is a larger event that encompasses many things. Bringing attention to the lake seems to be a reoccurring theme - regardless of the lake. What that says to me is that people are tired of swimming/boating/fishing/canoodling in crap.
Which brings me to my next point. More than once I swam over something that shouldn't be in the lake. Often is was a beer can. If you throw your empty beer can in the lake you're a donkey. It's bad for the lake and its worse for the poor sucker who stands on it and slices his foot open. I'm not a granoli tree hugger by any means but let's use some common sense. Don't trash the lake(s). I swam in Lake Huron the next day at a spot which is not hidden and secluded. It's not the main beach but it is still well known and popular. NOTHING in the water and it was clear.
I will #SwimAnything - but I'd rather not do it in sewage.
A job well done by Ian and his crew! I foresee this swim growing year after year.
Until I touch the wall.....
Michael Kenny
Masters Swimmer
Cambridge Mavericks
Marathon Open Water Swimmer
2015-16 Global Swim Series Champion
Contact Info :
F : https://www.facebook.com/swim.diesel
I : https://www.instagram.com/swim.diesel
T : https://twitter.com/SwimDiesel
E : m.j.kenny@swim-diesel.com
+ : google.com/+Swim-diesel
B : 53724F20
Last year when we did this swim we had problems with "pleasure craft tourists" shall we say. We had people parking large boats right in the middle of the swim loop, kids pulling buoys, and jet skis flying by the outskirts of the course with no regard for anyone else. This is just the beginning of it.
But Ian Feldman made it the end.
Lake Simcoe.
It's one of those things that is just great to look at. Really it is no surprise that it is where people come when it gets hot out. This pic was taken at about 7:15. No yahoos out there at this time of the morning. And that was part of the strategy. Start early, have more boats protecting the course, and a dedicated lifeguard team with kayaks / paddleboards for emergencies. What a difference this made.
Cheeky bugger that I am - I got to the lake before just about everyone except Ian and crew.
While they set up I got myself ready to go and then tested the water etc. When other swimmers began showing up I did some jawin.
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw my teammate Ignacio show up with another friend of mine, Gillian, who is yet another superstar that I have met because of swimming. Love this sport!
I elected to do the 5km which ended up being just that. Last year's chicanery from kids and the elements made a 5km swim turn into much much more. There was no such thing this time. The loop was set (1km) and all the t's were crossed and i's dotted. We were even given the option to access a written safety plan that the lifeguard squad had.
The swim conditions were great. Flat water for the most part, not cold and not warm, no idiots.....
My time was acceptable and as my teammate Erica often says "You get out what you put in". Sit on that for a while.
Teammate Ignacio had a great swim and was second overall, 1st place male. It is always great to have a teammate do something great. I've been blessed with an awesome team who are all capable of great moments. Ignacio is no different.
Awards were announced by the mayor. What I didn't realize prior to this year was that Celebrate Lake Simcoe is not just a cool name for the swim. It is a larger event that encompasses many things. Bringing attention to the lake seems to be a reoccurring theme - regardless of the lake. What that says to me is that people are tired of swimming/boating/fishing/canoodling in crap.
Which brings me to my next point. More than once I swam over something that shouldn't be in the lake. Often is was a beer can. If you throw your empty beer can in the lake you're a donkey. It's bad for the lake and its worse for the poor sucker who stands on it and slices his foot open. I'm not a granoli tree hugger by any means but let's use some common sense. Don't trash the lake(s). I swam in Lake Huron the next day at a spot which is not hidden and secluded. It's not the main beach but it is still well known and popular. NOTHING in the water and it was clear.
I will #SwimAnything - but I'd rather not do it in sewage.
A job well done by Ian and his crew! I foresee this swim growing year after year.
Until I touch the wall.....
Michael Kenny
Masters Swimmer
Cambridge Mavericks
Marathon Open Water Swimmer
2015-16 Global Swim Series Champion
Contact Info :
F : https://www.facebook.com/swim.diesel
I : https://www.instagram.com/swim.diesel
T : https://twitter.com/SwimDiesel
E : m.j.kenny@swim-diesel.com
+ : google.com/+Swim-diesel
B : 53724F20