I admit, with some shame, that December 31 was the last day I entered the lovely ocean. Until today. The bright sunny skies lure me to the paredao to walk beside the sea, but tales of very cold water temperatures put me off during most of January. On that final day of 2011 I met a very interesting fellow swimmer, Piers , from Ireland. I have no idea of his age but his body shape suggested a man in very good physical condition. As he put on his rubberized top and bottoms (as opposed to my 2-piece lycra bathing suit), he said, “ I’m training for a triathlon.” He also revealed that his black bathing cap, of special silicone, was the most important part of his gear: “ Keep the head warm and the body stays warm too, “ he said. I’m lucky to have a thick set of curls which I though would keep me warm, but Piers told me otherwise. So last Friday I went to Decathalon and bought a “proper” cap for swimming, but not the rubberized suit. I wanted to feel the water on my skin, unprotected by some artificial outer gear. (I didn’t tell the triathlete that.) As I entered the ocean in this third week of January, I experienced the familiar rush of winter water: bone-chilling temperatures balanced with exhilarating excitement. I walked for five minutes and let my legs adjust to the icy water. Then, I plunged in and swam for about five minutes. When I exited, I headed for my towel, changed into warm clothes and basked in the January sun. In two week’s time I’ll head for India. My next column will contain tales on my swims in the Indian Ocean, considerably warmer than the Atlantic and possibly host to dolphins. In March, no more than a week after I return, you will find me again regularly in the waters off the Praia de Conceiçao beneath the Hotel Albatross, Want to join me? patwestheimer@gmail.com
Tags: winter water
