I’m very excited to swim in Wexford today with the Wexford Masters Openwater Seaswimming Club​. It’s not that far away from where I had my 1st ever sea swim, in neighbouring Waterford. I’ve got this old photo of that day, snapped in Tramore, a summer or two ago! (1969).

I was showing #Dad (91) the photo. Squinting, as he took a loan of my reading glasses to see better, he remarked: “Gosh you’re looking great there. Who’s the big man beside you, is it Fergal (Somerville)?”

“No dad” I replied “Look a bit closer” I said. “Hang on, let me zoom in a bit”.

A guffaw of laughter suddenly filled the room “Aha, would you look….it’s me” dad shouted “Look at that. Look at me. Look how tall and straight I am”.

An hour later, Dad was still talking about that trip to Tramore and my first ever sea swim.

I need to complete 6 sea races this year, to qualify for the privilege of participating in the Liffey Swim. The ancient 97yr old race through my own city’s beautiful watery heart. Tomorrow in Curracloe will be my 2nd sea race this year.  It’s Wexford not Waterford, but after today, it’s going to have extra significance. The focus has changed slightly. Dad has agreed to come too.

The sea races are a bit like that; all tied up with family and friends, the sociability of meeting with other open sea swimmers, and those that admit the fascination with jumping into a cold sea with only a swimsuit, cap and goggles, can be a bit of an addiction. A good one though.

I’m not unaware of the fact that this year, the sea swims are also helping me with my big charity challenge of completing ten triathlons in a year, with my lovely triathlon ‘newbie’ team ‘Tri10’. We are ten people, doing ten triathlons, for ten local charities at every venue where we run, bike and swim. We have currently got 3 triathlons under our belt and we are racing again next weekend, so I’ll let you know later how the training is going.  Check us out on iDonate and give us a few bob over the summer.  Many thanks in Advance. TeenaG xxx