What’s happening?
· NEO is doing supervised open water swims three days a week this Summer between July 1 and August 28th at Magnuson Park and OO Denny Park.
· We will swim for around 45 minutes, maybe longer.
· There will be a drop in fee of $15 for each swim payable to the team through Venmo or Zelle (no cash).
· Even though these swims are not at a pool, they are only for USMS members. Please do not invite your family member or friend if they are not Masters members.
· Everyone is required to swim with a “swim buoy”. These are special dry-bags attached to your waist with a short leash providing visibility; something to hang onto if you get tired; and a secure place to put your keys and other valuables that you don’t want to leave on shore. There are various places you can buy them, but don’t get the cheapest one. Arena and XTerra make nice ones.
· In July the lake temperature will start at 68 degrees and by the end of the month it will be a balmy 75. A wetsuit will be nice for the first few weeks but honestly, by August you probably won’t need one. Blue Seventy is one place to explore wetsuits.
When will we be swimming?
· We will meet at 8am on most Tuesdays, and Saturdays at Sail Sand Point at Magnuson Park. These practices will be simple out-and-back distance swims with everyone staying as close to shore as is reasonable.
· On Thursdays we will meet at 8am at OO Denny Park in Kirkland (just across the lake from Matthew’s Beach). These swims will involve slightly more intense interval style workouts and maybe even something other than freestyle!
· Wade will act as herding dog from his kayak, chasing down swimmers who veer off course and also waving off boats that may come too close.
· We will try to leave as close to 8am as possible. It often takes ten or fifteen minutes to get your wetsuit on and gear together so please arrive well before 8:00. We won’t wait for stragglers.
· Some swims might be canceled. For instance, the first Saturday is July 5th and is a holiday weekend so no swim.
· Also, if the weather is particularly stormy with whitecaps on the water we won’t swim, both because it might not be safe, and, swimming in angry seas is just no fun.
Gear Suggestions:
Must have;
· Adventurous attitude, Swim buoy, bright swim cap, dark goggles.
Good idea:
· Thermal swim cap, “Body Glide” (prevents wetsuit chafing), nose clips (helps with allergies), ear plugs (helps with cold water).
Leave at home:
· Fear, Gloves and booties (they limit your feel of the water), paddles, snorkel, your swim buddy who is NOT a USMS member.
We're excited to be offering this fun, new summer alternative for NEO. A WhatsApp group chat will be set up to keep folks connected when we end at Aqua Club (Friday, June 20).
If interested and you are currently not swimming with us, please email neoswimteam@gmail.com.