A few years back, a group of our swimmers banded together for a day out at the coast and a sea swim. Now, that annual trip has become a fixture on the calendar, and its popularity has spread. 

This year, we were treated to open blue skies and sunshine, which immediately lifted the mood as we congregated at Clapham Junction station. A few coffees and pastries later, as we chugged south, the train turned towards Hastings and tracked the coastline, revealing beautiful calm and inviting coastal waters. 

As we disembarked at Hastings station and scurried to acquire more provisions for the day ahead, the excitement levels began to rise, and the potential cooling effects of the sea became increasingly motivating. 

Arriving in Hastings

We convened at the Coastguard Cafe in Hastings, hosted by our coach, Steve. We drank more fluids and ate extra calories for the impending swim. Then came the walk down to the sea, taking in the coastal footpaths across headlands and down through the woods. 

Emerging from the dense woods, our swimmers were hot and ready. The eagerness was palpable. Without hesitation, we stripped to our swimsuits and stuffed our towfloats, launching ourselves into the breakers and heading immediately for deeper waters and along the coast to Hastings town.

What a total delight it was, with warm water and sun on our backs. The swim almost went too fast, but we were united in exiting the water in Hastings town and heading back to the cafe for a post-swim BBQ and a bit of refreshment.  Since the bus taking us there wasn’t as quick as our swimmers, we had extra time to lie on the beach and grab some Mr Whippy ice creams. 

The high-energy atmosphere after the swim showed just how enjoyable it had been. The team had a lot of fun as the burgers and hot dogs topped up their energy, while the beverages kept the laughs rolling. 

Swimming at Spencer starts in the water but extends far beyond.

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The evening’s programme was filled with purposefully designed relay events, all aimed at shaking up the usual lane orders and injecting a little mischief into the mix. Swimmers faced unusual tasks and quirky twists, many of which had never been encountered before. The result? Unpredictable races, plenty of laughter, and a great deal of friendly competition as teams were regularly shuffled to keep everyone on their toes.

Hosted at our Thursday night session in Tooting, the team enjoyed a mix of medley and freestyle events — but with a Halloween twist. Amidst the chaos and creativity, one of our newest members, Emma, stood out by captaining her team to a narrow victory in the final event of the evening, aptly named “The Tandem.” Despite a slower start, her team clawed back to clinch the win in style.

It was a spooktacular night full of camaraderie and cackles — the perfect way to unwind after a hard push into the Nationals. Spirits were high, the competition was friendly, and everyone left with smiles and sweets (and perhaps a few goosebumps).

Here’s to more sessions where training meets a touch of trick-or-treat!

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