NSVL - Boxing Day Swim 2001

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Boxing Day Swim 2001

The sea was just about as rough as it could get. Waves were crashing over the Lower Prom and some were breaking over 200m from shore. It was so rough that even the horizon was wobbly! Perfect conditions, then, for our annual Boxing Day Swim...

A very big sea...

With freezing temperatures outside, the mad fools who had agreed to take part took off their clothes and headed down the steps at 10:30am. Still, at least the sun was shining brightly (unlike last year when were in the middle of a snowstorm), but the thermometer reading for the water temperature was a very chilly 3°C (Oh for the luxury of last year's 7.5°C!).

Photographers from the local press were there and there was some attempt at getting us to pose. Unfortunately, the strength of the waves meant that it was very difficult to keep our feet on the ground - let alone stand still! Waves took people off their feet and draged them to the shore and then the strength of the backwash washed them right back out again. There were sand-grazed bodies a-plenty!

After the rest of us had got out, the photographer wanted a few more photos of Steve Poulton in his now traditional Jester's hat and sunglasses. Poor old Stephen had to sit in the water getting bashed around by the waves for a further five minutes while the photographer did his stuff - not that Steve minded! But it wasn't to no avail - the photo did end up in the Evening Chronicle and this time they did say it was Whitley Bay, unlike last year when they said it was a photo of Sunderland. Still, they made up for it by calling us the 'North Sea Volunteer Life Brigade' and misspelling our Chairman's name...again!

Back up to the Beach Base and it was a quick drying off and plenty of layers of clothes, along with a cup or tea (and whiskey!) to warm up before the certificates were handed out. Then it was up to the Avenue to warm up some more!

Special mention must go to our Portugese friend Pedro who had been roped into doing it over a few drinks with Club Chairman Joe Welsh - he'd never experienced cold like it!

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