Surfrider Way north to South Jetty & Back

So late afternoon came and I wanted to swim.  I got to thinking about the water currents for that upcoming Tiki Swim and I wanted to swim northward.  I swam out in some warm water not too far--about 100-150 yards. I stopped briefly to look for currents; it was a mild current running southward.  This remained the same throughout the swim.  So off I went north, and I do not care for the sight of those iconic pink cottages: Robert's Cottages.  Why?  Because I always seem to swim stationary in that spot and have to look at them far too long. 
When I got past the cottages, the ocean took me out another hundred yards as a surprise--gently.  I then remembered that with the varying currents in that area, I usually do end up far out without realizing it.  I swam along, today enjoying a minimally choppy ocean surface.  When I got to the first rock jetty, I was past it and far out, so I had to swim in a ways.  I was at 33 minutes.  I stopped and checked for currents--still mild and moving south. 
The water was dirty today. Visibility 3 feet and lots of silty dirt dispersed throughout.  Who knows why.  On the way back I did a lot of thinking about timing the breathing and strokes with the movements of the surface water.  It seems that it's worth holding your breath for another stroke or two until the time feels right to breathe.  So, to wrap up, I finished in 1 hour and 7 minutes and had a nice swim. 



"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Tiki Swim Oceanside, CA

http://www.tikiswim.com/

I am curious to hear any feedback from 2011 participants regarding currents and tides last
year.

You may find my related post one year ago relevant to Tiki.

http://oceanswimoceansideca.blogspot.com/2011/09/tiki-swim-pier-to-harbor-swim-dry-run.html



"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Short Swim

This water fountain across the street from the Wyndham Hotel monstrosity has never worked as long as I know of its existence.  I wish the City maintenance people would turn on the water.  Don't tease us.

The water was warm today.  surfline.com has it at 67-69 degrees.  Small waves but a good number of surfers waiting for something rideable.  For swimming it was choppy and unpleasant.  I just swam out to the end of the pier and turned around and returned.  26 minutes of slowness.
I saw a fish (yay) as I was wading in; that was exciting. It was plump and about 16 inches long. Maybe a sea bass? 
Then coming in I saw a small stingray resting on the bottom.  Maybe the warm water is bringing more fish here.


"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Pier to Wisconsin Pole Round-Trip From Tower 2

Incredible beach day. I swam the round-trip from north of the pier to the Wisconsin pole and back in an hour and 40 minutes.  The water was too warm.  Visibility just a few feet.  Fairly strong waves. I was pulled at least 100 yards north as I was trying to get out of the water.  Just neat to have the whole ocean to yourself out there. 


"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Gorgeous Day Oceanside CA for Surfing, Swimming, and Strolling

It was a special day today at the Pier.  I took some photos before the swim and there were surfers stretched out along the southern beach and a half-dozen or so on the north side.  Most of the waves were 2-3 feet with a long interval, but lots of them closed out. 
They are still surfing in trunks and rash guards, as the water is a comfortable 68 degrees. 
I only had a little over an hour and my swim turned out to be 55 minutes.  I was concentrating on my arm pulling backwards instead of pulling back and down, as I have a bad habit of doing.
I swam out on the north side and headed south.  I turned back at about 25 minutes so the parking meter wouldn't expire on me.  The meter was expired when I got to my car but no ticket.  On the return swim north, the water was choppy  and breaking right in my face.  I got a good workout pulling my way back into that.
There is something going on at the bottom of the water about 50 yards out: a brown cloudiness covers quite an area.  Perhaps this is the beginning of an algae bloom?  I haven't heard anything of it yet.
It was a neat day at the Pier!


"The first time you quit is the last time you try."