Boxing Day Cobo Swim

Back at Cobo Bay again this morning for the annual Boxing Day Swim. Hundreds of swimmers and many more spectators turned out on another beautiful day to raise money for the Guernsey Cheshire Homes.
This is the second year that I have taken part as a swimmer (or should I say a dipper!?) A great occasion to meet with family and friends.
A four piece brass band played carols from outside the Rockmount, hot drinks were ready to be served and many swimmers turned out in fancy dress: awesome atmosphere.
Kayakers took their places just out from the shoreline, spectators stood with cameras anticipating some great captures and swimmers lined up shivering while awaiting the countdown.
We were lucky to have mild weather, so the air temperature wasn't too much of a problem but the earlier rain/hail shower had made the sand colder on the feet than normal (must remember flip flops next time). Therefore I was pretty cold even before I made it to the water's edge.
I made it into the water, along with lots of other excitable participants. The sea was quite choppy and because the tide was quite high too, there were a few bigger waves than what I'm normally used to at Cobo.
Unfortunately, my Raynaud's Disease prevented me from having a little swim, so I just managed to quickly immerse myself in the sea and get hit by a couple of big waves before making my way back onto the beach to my hot water bottle and good old Guernsey wrap.
The hardcore sea swimmers, meanwhile, powered out to the flag rock and the brave dippers splashed around in the waves.
After a refreshing start to the day, homemade Christmas dinner soup and pie at the in-laws-to-be and housework, we am were back down at the Rockt for the Premiership matches. Aside from those disappointing scores, it's been another great day in GY5:-)