7.30pm Ain Salah, Algeria, July 1992. The hottest place on the planet at the hottest time of the year. A motely crew of mad Englishmen arrive on their mountain bikes after crossing the Sahara Desert. A crescent moon rises over the desert. And the temperature starts to cool from the 46.5 degrees. Will, also known lovingly to the FFF as Rubberman, remembers this day well. It is the last day he remembers being warm.
The first rule of FFF, no rubber, is again breached by Rubberman. Push ups ensure. A legend has been born.
As Guy posts 21 degrees in chalky on the watery pipe, Rubberman dons the 5mm thick wetsuit, with vest and wet suit hoodie. Now it’s almost summer the booties have been left in the bag.
An epic adventurer, Rubberman is a Machine Man, belonging to one of the finest swim groups at the wall. Mighty lovers, raconteurs, gamblers, sometime swimmers, purveyors of fine liquors. Like an unruly flash mob we come together most days, when we can get past the bleary hangover and long Banker lunches. Much like the FFF every Friday.
The sky was bright with the satellites
Caroline’s Pitch Report
21 we have reached 21 degrees. Ian and the Baker out at 5.30am. Joined them at 6 with Snoopy to battle the sea lice. Make your choice. In the middle with sea lice… or around the edge with sea lice and fish. Beside being itchy, the ocean is calm. A couple of showers making the surface glassy. Keen 548ers Kylie, Millie and Murray discovered an 8 foot long jimble and some wear the scars from the discovery. Veteran swimmer Mary with 6th time swimmer Harry, saw a wobby first swim, a turtle and loads of fish 2nd swim and a breaching whale. I’m expecting a pod of dolphins next. Viz average in the middle, not bad, not great. Joining the FFFs Blocky and Trooper try to teach the unteachable.
Hear the sound of the cars downtown. As the lighthouse sweeps its arms around
Thanks for the swim and coffee Team. Remember don’t let your true love run cold! (or wear a wet suit).
Cheers,
Rusty the Fish and Carolinebythebeach
Chippo’s wetsuit wiki:
Back in the 1830s, Charles Goodyear accidentally left a mixture of rubber and sulfur on a hot stove. Imagine his surprise when he discovered that instead of a kitchen disaster, he had stumbled upon the process of vulcanization, making rubber more durable and bouncy. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Here, have a stretchier life!” 🌟
Rubber wetsuits, the unsung heroes of aquatic insulation! It’s like wearing a cozy hug from a friendly sea creature. Imagine being wrapped in a rubbery fortress, shielding you from the ocean’s chilly antics. These wetsuits are the VIPs of warmth, the knights in shining neoprene, bravely battling the cold to keep you toasty while you conquer the waves. It’s like having your personal hot tub, but with added style and a touch of underwater flair.
for that snippet of brilliance Chippo.. a song for you for the ride home: