Brian's Song

My brother-in-law, Brian, indulged in his first bay swim yesterday. Brian is in town visiting from NYC. He was a competitive swimmer in high school and quickly agreed to join me for dinner and a swim. We swam together out to the 'opening' of Aquatic Park and arrived just in time to see the sunset on the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a short .5 mile - 16 minute swim, but it was so cool to introduce a brave soul to bay swimming. We thought the temperature was 51, but later discovered the water was only 49. I know 2 degrees doesn't sound like much, but at the 50 degree mark it makes a world of difference.

Brian was strong at the start, but the cold soon began to take effect. Breathing became labored and by the end of the swim his arms became 'stumps'. In the sauna, he smiled as he shook uncontrollably for several minutes before regaining control. We rewarmed with a steak and crab dinner. His last word on the swim. . . "that was actually. . . FUN"

Stay tuned for Brian's account of the swim. . .


Leanne, me, and Brian


Yeah! Me in the white cap, Brian in the black thermocap


Dialing in our swim time on my Kobold watch


Swim briefing


Off we go! The surprised looks on the faces of the rowers was worth the dip.


The reward. Thanks for the swim Bri! I'll never forget it!