The call came yesterday afternoon for an early Alcatraz swim. "Be at the club by 5:30. We're leaving the dock at 6:15". And that was that.
Despite being tired I'm pushing to get to 100 by June 11 which for those of you who are into prison lore is the anniversary date of the prison breakout that was the inspiration for the movie Escape From Alcatraz. I have a lot of swimming to do between now and then but with four swims in the last seven days and the support of other swimmers and pilots I may just make it.
As I made the drive into the SERC, the radio blared a favorable weather report but looking into the Bay from the Golden Gate Bride the pre-dawn light was already showing some white caps. Yes, I'm having coffee with chop and wave today.
Gary Emich was our pilot today as three of us gals made the crossing from Coughlin to Alcatraz. My butt will be sore for the rest of the day from the zodiac ride bouncing us over to the start. In true fashion, KB, DSW and I went overboard and up onto the beach and waited for the horn before heading out and being assaulted by some hard 4 foot rollers coming in.
The initial sighting this morning was to be on the east slope of Angel Island. Jumping 17 minutes before a weak max ebb (1.7) we would have a slow carry past the rock. As I looked up for the first few sightings all I could see was a cruise ship making its way into port. I wondered if the passengers on board had a sauna. Or coffee.
I have to say that not many people swim to prisons and this morning will go down as a favorite swim for a while. Why? I was fortunate enough to swim with two women who are both strong swimmers (I had to wear my fins today to keep in the pack). For a good third of the way I swam in between the two and stroke for stroke I was able to see the years of experience and art of swimming in rough chop. Nerves are of steel - it's just another swim. Arms are a bit higher to allow you to get up, over or through the face-bashing wall of water. Tempo is even when possible with strong underwater recovery. Both women are able to grab and push an amazing amount of water while at the same time staying in "the tube" and streamlining.
The second third of the swim we spread out a bit, but not much for safety reasons. You always need to know where your pilot is, your fellow swimmers and be aware that you are heading in the same direction. After the swim Gary mentioned that once he was ready to come over and herd us back together but before he could we merged ourselves. While it is for safety, it is also a sign of respect to your pilot and fellow swimmers. Your pilot(s) shouldn't have to race all over the Bay to protect your aquatic rear-end. For your fellow swimmers, anyone can have an off day and watching the pack leave massive gaps can cause panic to the straggler. Similarly, if you are a speed demon and way out in front, slow up and either swim back, tread water or somehow get in your pack. This of course does not apply to race days where you have a barrier of pilots and are looking for your best time but for training swims in the open water, safety and respect will carry you over the years and make you a stronger swimmer.
The last part of the swim was both beautiful and hard work. To the right, the sun was a blazing ball of fire over the Bay Bridge. To the left, the Golden Gate Bridge had a reflective glow from the sunrise and the bluest of blue skies overhead drove out the cold.
Nearing Alcatraz always gets choppy with the water rushing around the obstacle of the island creating little back eddies and yes, chop and rolls that get a bit harsher and higher. It is difficult to see ahead and even more so to stay together. Somehow the three of us came together and completed the morning mission before scurrying back and getting a helpful hand up and over the side of the zodiac. I have a nice bruise on my left thigh to prove it.
Time: 45:26 (sf)
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