As the early morning alarms went off on a summer Saturday, a few sleepy swimmers awoke with excitement to an adventurous day ahead.
Captain Rossco had summoned a few intrepid Spencerites who would be travelling down to Hastings, where coach Steve resides in his watch tower, aka the Coast Guard Café. If you have never been, this is worth a trip; the views are stunning and there is service with a smile!
Arriving promptly at Hastings train station at 10 am, and after a short visit to the shop to stock up on food and beverages for the day ahead, a taxi delivered us safely to Steve’s place.
Mike was not having any of this train nonsense and stylishly arrived by motorbike, a scene straight out of the movies, whereas super swimmer Robyn was nowhere to be seen, as she didn’t heed her morning alarm after a night at a festival! But determined not to miss a good party, she eventually joined us later in the day to participate in the festivities.
After a quick snack and coffee, Anna, still relying on last year’s hand-drawn map, led us down the coastal path to the beach, with Steve occasionally shouting directions in case we dared take a wrong turn. As we walked and talked and snacked on blackberries, we mentally prepared ourselves for what was to come. This was not just an ordinary beach, but a discreet and rocky enclave, which therefore required additional mental preparation.
The last stretch to said beach requires an almost abseil holding onto an old rope, but nothing that Spencerites can’t handle, and we all arrived safely on the beach. As we readied ourselves by stripping off layers, hats and goggles on, wetsuits for those who didn’t fancy the cold, and plenty of Hannah’s famous lanolin cream to prevent salty chafing, a curious seal bobbed up to wish us well on our swim. Stuffing our tow floats with our belongings, we were ready to set off.
Safely in the ocean, we set off in small groups. There was a slight breeze on the day which caused some chop and made the swim all the more challenging and for some, enjoyable. Occasionally stopping and regrouping, we carried on, with views over the cliffs to guide our way. After about an hour or so we safely reached the beach at Hastings, and went ashore for a little recovery, and a taxi journey back to Steve’s for those who didn’t fancy the two-way.
Back in some of us went, this time with the wind at our back, which made it all feel slightly easier, to compensate for the fatigue. Safely back to our launch spot, it was time to trek back up to where a taxi awaited us to transport as back to Steve’s. Hungry and ready for a feast.
Our generous host (incidentally celebrating his birthday) provided a lovely BBQ with an array of meats, fish, potatoes, salads and even dessert, all welcomely devoured by the intrepid swimmers. Helen presented Steve with a throughfully prepared celebratory cake she carried carefully from London, from which we all shared the dividends while cheering another year round on the calender for Steve. The afternoon flew by with chat, BBQ, and tunes, curated by DJs Robyn and Paul.
All too quickly, it was time for our departure.
However, it wasn’t all over. Another quick stop to stock up on more beverages, the journey continued, with much fun and laughter and a few photos which will surely serve as future banter material. An impromptu sing-along made the trip back fly by and rounded off a terrific day.
This was the third year of this seaside outing, and each time has been a resounding success. We hope that this tradition will continue. If you have never done an open water / sea swim, this really is the perfect opportunity to try it out, it is truly a fabulous day out with fellow Spencerites.
Article written by club member Christine L.