LJ Kids Take the TikiSwim Prize

It was a beautiful morning for a swim, The TikiSwim 2013 excitement could be felt from the parking lot. Entering check-in was busy, for the volunteers. The swimmers were excited moving from the check-in to the start line of the race.

As with all ocean races the current dictates the position of the start. The race organizers picked the best position for these athletes to begin their 2.4 mile journey as they gather for the start. Each competitor had prepared for this race with their own goals in mind. Three competitors had their own plans that would be revealed at the start and finish of the race. The horn sounded and three hundred swimmers hit the 5-6 foot surf. Several were tentative but a few headed for the first buoy as if they had been there before.

The spectators boarded the double-deck buses as they watched the first swimmer hit the second buoy past the pier.  The spectators were taken to the finish area. As with each TikiSwim this was the Oceanside Harbor Days, an event that brings together a community for fun events throughout the day.  The 1.2 mile event start takes place on the west side of the harbor. 

By the time the 1.2 mile event began the first 2.4 mile swimmers were already passing the starting shoot. Heading to the corner of the harbor is a special place for spectators that desire to walk their swimmer into the boat launch of the harbor, which is the finish line. The first swimmers came around the final turn in the harbor, in approximately 45 minutes. The second place swimmer looked strong working to chase down the lead swimmer. The third place swimmer was pressing into the race narrowing the distance from the second place swimmer. The fourth place swimmer was directly on the feet of the third place swimmer. This was going to be a fun finish, which swimmer would have the stamina to finish third.

The first place swimmer finished in 51:17. Congratulations, to Luke Weniger the first place finisher and top wetsuit finisher. The second place swimmer completed his race Ben Bleichwehl his time was 52:26. He was the top traditional swimmer also the first LJ Kid Team Member. The third swimmer held on for third, Jacee Frivaldo she was the first female in the traditional category with a 53:34 finish, the second LJ Kid Team Member. And Carson Gossler finished out the LJ Kid Team in the traditional category with a 57:35. Let’s not forget the best kid training partner ever Doug Burleigh. Super job, LJ Kid Team Members!

Jacee (right) Ben (Center) and Carson (left)

 

Who is the LJ Kid Team they are from La Jolla Cove Swim Team and they won the prize for the fastest traditional swimmers relay.  Yes, this is year two! The kids take it again!  Doug, Carol, Toni, Steve and other team mates from La Jolla Cove Swim, Known as LJ Cove Too each had their Tiki’s when they went home! Let’s hear it for the La Jolla Cove Swim Club!

Once again the TikiSwim was a blast! An absolutely a fun event for the whole family including the dog!

Keep up the great work Brian and John!

We’ll Be Baaaack!