Big Big Waves

January 27, 2012

Jacee arrived at La Jolla Cove late in the afternoon. The surf was up and she was excited to jump in and learn about big waves. Jacee was asked; by Doug if she felt she could go out? Jacee reviewed the surf and decided to go out and take a short swim to see what she was made of that day. This surf is not swum by many because it is very challenging! Do not attempt this unless you are an experience open water swimmer and have an even more confident and experience escort swimmer. These waves are dangerous, if you do not have many years of experience with them. Yes, Doug checked in with the lifeguards, who paid close attention, while Jacee was out there. Carefully, Doug explained the sets that were coming in, as they waited out the really big waves before heading out. This is not about rushing it is about a learning experience for Jacee. She must and I repeat must follow the instructions of what she is being taught.

Patience prevailed, the large sets gave way to the smaller sets, Jacee and Doug headed out to the first buoy just, outside the wave sets. I was able to sense relief in Jacee as she cleared the waves. Jacee and Doug came back from the short swim and began to work through the larger sets of waves. Doug has many, many years of experience in all types of conditions and knows what Jacee is capable of doing. Erring on the side of caution with Jacee, rather than taking a risk in the open water, is how Doug trains Jacee. As I watched, I could see the caution that Jacee was operating in, carefully moving into the waves that were coming at her. She was learning to “hang in the wave”, challenged, feeling great respect with her new experience. Jacee has been in tough conditions but training for success is the key to a great open water swimmer. When Jacee came in she stated, “That was a little tougher than it looked.” She was processing the waves and went to warm up.

The next morning, Jacee was excited and the surf was way down. She really wanted a big day in swimming. Doug, Dan and Jacee decided to swim pier to cove. It was a sunny and bright day, the best I have seen in a long time. The conditions were modest; the water was about 58 degrees. Surfers were having a great time in the waves. The surfers and waves were plentiful. As Jacee, Doug and Dan began to shuffle out to the surf, there was excited anticipation for the swim. They each jumped into the waves and they were off! Enjoying their afternoon swim!

About 45 minutes later they were swimming past the buoy near the cove. Doug was in the lead, Jacee and Dan were close behind but this day would be Doug’s and he was determined, he would hit the sand first. Jacee and Dan stood on the rock since the tide was low. Jacee figured out why she needed to be careful out there, as she pushed off, she cut her foot. Yes, it was what she wanted to do but, the words of caution about playing on the rock came stingingly through. They headed to shore where Jacee was met by another swimmer and she went directly out, a short swim back to the buoy and in. She had met one of the clubs newest Triple Crown Marathon Swimmer’s. Jacee came up the stairs to have a sandwich and drink some fluids and patiently wait for the next group of swimmers. Jacee had about two miles under her belt and wanted more. Her friend Tom came down from the street to prepare for his swim. He had just successfully swum Cook’s Strait becoming the oldest person to ever swim that in 10 hours and about 39 minutes. She was so, excited for him! They spent some time discussing the conditions of his swim and learned about his trip. Congratulations, Tom!

A short time later, her friend Carson arrived after his duathlon, he wanted to head out with the group. The chatter was exciting as everyone was getting ready to head out, on the next swimming adventure! Jacee had eaten and properly hydrated and was ready to head out with another group of swimmers. As the group headed out, Jacee still looked strong and was delighting in the swim. The conditions were picking up from earlier in the day, as the group passed the first buoy and headed out to the next buoy. What a day of swimming for Jacee! She had swum with some many wonderful friends and team members, she was still going! The “Energizer Bunny” had nothing on Jacee that day. As the group made the turn toward the virtual half-mile, everyone looked great! Doug and I discussed if today could be Jacee’s unofficial birthday swim because she is working on swimming for the “Big Chill”, she wanted to count her miles and get the extra miles. It was decided that special conditions existed based on being a child and it would be counted.

Shortly, after that Jacee and the group came in and of course, Jacee wanted more. She had to be called up to get a move on, to head home. Jacee had swum 3.5 miles in 24 hours. She loved every minute of the open water swims. Of course, she had to take breaks for fuel and hydration, two very important things if you are going to swim that much. Proper preparation for open water swimming is not a casual decision. It is essential to train for the distance you have decided to swim.

Thank you, Carson for the roof and food!

Signing off for pool work, until the next open water adventure!

Jacee’s Mom