Sunday, September 11, 2011

the annual la jolla rough water swim

 i know ocean swimming is challenging; there are no walls to push off from, no turns, and no solid floor at least for 30 feet or so.  but the la jolla rouh water swim comes once a year- the day before school starts for some, marking the end of a long sumer vacation.
i competed in it in 1961 for a number of years and then picked it up again as a 30 year old.  i had a slight encounter with it in 2004, but felt like i had been hit over the head.  so i gave it up.   i am too old and mostly too untrained.
rosie started competing in the LJRWS from age 7 every year until she reached age 15.  but now that she is 16, i won't let her swim it.  not because she is 16, but because in the last few years i have noticed more and more bird poo contamination, by the sit- and- watch pelicans.  more sea lions and baby seals floating around acting nearly tame.  but they also look yummy and inviting to more and more sharks.  and today being 9/11, i did not want to force luck.  
her coach was disappointed but understanding.  he has been  the events master of ceremonies since 1969 or something.  its not like he wouldn't know if she didn't show up to swim it.

so rosie gets to compete in pools only.  she doesn't mind.  having been born and raised here in san diego, she has had plenty of ocean experiences.  and now that she drives, she can go any old time.

but somehow i feel a bit wimpy for keeping her home.  thankfully i have not heard a word of shark misconduct at this years open water swim.  that's good.
still.
rosie stays home and does not have to empty her swim suit of 10 pounds of sand.  that's about right.  i will still hold my head up even if i am a wimpy swim mom.   bloop, bloop.

3 comments:

Minnie said...

I,m with you. No sharks for me.... I'm just amazed she complied to your wishes.

Minnie said...

I,m with you. No sharks for me.... I'm just amazed she complied to your wishes.

Joy Logan said...

go rosie!

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