tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42252048915040952302024-03-13T06:36:32.987-04:00Salty TalesSwimming lore from Coney Island and beyond....BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-10704468783221100652014-04-23T21:10:00.001-04:002014-04-23T21:10:39.594-04:00Ama, the Pearl Diving Mermaid of JapanI've always marveled at tales of the Ama, the Japanese women who specialized in diving for shellfish. These fascinating women swam pretty much naked and were able to make a living and gain independence, mainly due to their superior ability to tolerate cold and to hold their breath for long periods of time. Found a fascinating blog with pictures of these beautiful women <a href="http://gakuran.com/ama-the-pearl-diving-mermaids-of-japan/">here.</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-36778265763369154282014-04-10T20:34:00.001-04:002014-04-10T20:34:47.444-04:00The space beneathEver since 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, I've wondered what has crossed the mind of every open water swimmer: what lies beneath.<br />
<br />
Not that Coney Island is the deep sea. The first CIBBOWS years didn't prevent us from telling our own salty tales about the giant squid. <br />
<br />
Bonaire they take the Kraken quite seriously, as a Dutch protectorate. I had a lot of time during a long swim to thing too long about it. It seems now we are getting some <a href="http://answers..../">answers.</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-78132060340851437802013-10-06T15:13:00.001-04:002013-10-06T15:13:45.695-04:00Harbor Chart of Coney Island Brighton Beach<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">For
the swimmers who may want a closer look at the course outline chart
background, and the surrounding areas, you can view the chart
interactively at <a href="http://ny.usharbors.com/explore/harbor-guide/coney-island" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://ny.usharbors.com/explore/harbor-guide/coney-island</a> -from kayaker maestro Terry O'Malley</span></span></h5>
BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-37830806391848598782013-10-06T08:58:00.000-04:002013-10-06T15:11:30.534-04:00Breezy Point to Coney Island Members Swim<blockquote style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" type="cite">
<div>
From <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48782408@N00/10100406134/in/set-72157636214363856" target="_blank">Lesa Wetsuit: </a></div>
</blockquote>
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<div>
As a young girl my friends and I would look out the window and<br />
pretend Breezy Point was England where we could meet the Queen. <br />
After four decades of gazing out at breezy point, the day finally came when I could step foot upon that shore and swim home to Coney Island!<br />
Lucky number 13, my neon yellow buoy, was tied safely to my wetsuit as I swam towards the first rubber motor boat in front of the aquarium. We rode this boat to a magnificent larger boat,and shared our dreams about swimming as we drifted toward Breezy Point. We jumped off near shore for a beach start. As I started to swim I looked up and saw yellow buoys and brightly colored kayaks dancing upon silver waves. An enchanted garden blossomed in the sea. I even had my own personal kayaker, Larry, to guide me on my adventure. I swam straight across towards Manhattan Beach, but the currents were pushing us towards Brighton Beach. Larry reassured me that we did not have to circle the buoy near Manhattan Beach, and we continued straight to the White Building. Memories of the Triple Dip swirled in my head as I swam along the rocks between Manhattan and Brighton Beach. The current was in our favor all the way back to the aquarium. I was able to relax and reflect on the four decades I spent on the shore facing Breezy Point.<br />
Coney Island avenue brings thoughts of the old Brighton Beach Baths, my first lifeguard assignment at the shack, and my new home at Oceana. When I float by Brighton 6 th I reflect on my career as a teacher. When I see the Tatianna restaurant I remember my proposal and wedding. Then comes our famous Grimaldo's chair, and all the lovely memories of his smile. When I reach the jetty on West 5th street, I can see the building where I grew up, and that window where I first gazed upon Breezy Point. <br />
The water was beautiful and I did not even want to exit at the aquarium....but then I thought of the frozen margaritas at Rubys.....party time! Two magical hours in the ocean of aqueous bliss made my dream come true!! Thank you CIBBOWS!!! -Lesa Schwartz</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Photo links from yesterday's member swim from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesspolarbearcapri/sets/72157636229652365/" target="_blank">Capri</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48782408@N00/sets/72157636214363856/" target="_blank">Tom</a>, <a href="http://www2.snapfish.com/hp/share/p=498851380996104426/l=20069523009/g=37338215/cobrandOid=1344012/COBRAND_NAME=hp/otsc=SYE/otsi=SAER" target="_blank">Paul </a><br />
<br />
Capri's video of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clbh-8SeggU" target="_blank">End of Season Party</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWqIkBW9Nn0W8AAmJn6uf9riESFW209Zm0Adt9fbFXbSeZ2_MqWfBZ9FhARQlMscGoA0z9GVdEYi4SW_IIsEI5ELVndIWOgv78Z_igYtB7D6Qw_u1jceVmcv0rOwWnWxxjUlrE-Zt8qoj/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWqIkBW9Nn0W8AAmJn6uf9riESFW209Zm0Adt9fbFXbSeZ2_MqWfBZ9FhARQlMscGoA0z9GVdEYi4SW_IIsEI5ELVndIWOgv78Z_igYtB7D6Qw_u1jceVmcv0rOwWnWxxjUlrE-Zt8qoj/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-40713862613238199102013-09-27T12:52:00.003-04:002013-09-27T13:25:19.778-04:00CIBBOWS Making History<blockquote style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" type="cite">
<blockquote type="cite">
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New York City resident Alan J. Morrison will attempt to swim the 10 miles from Sandy Hook, N.J. to Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1243036314" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday, September 29</span></span>, to emulate an <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F30C11F8385A127B93C6A81783D85F4D8784F9" target="_blank">historic journey completed 134 years ago</a>.</div>
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<div style="word-wrap: break-word;">
On August 13, 1879, Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim across the English Channel, swam from Sandy Hook to Manhattan Beach in just over eight hours. Morrison, 51, hopes to beat that time while swimming the course as Webb did -- entirely by breast stroke. </div>
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Morrison has done this before. On<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1243036315" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 10</span></span>, Morrison completed the 17-mile Rose Pitonof Swim from Kips Bay, Manhattan, to the Steeplechase Pier in Coney Island, using the breast stroke and setting a new course record for that stroke of six hours and 29 minutes.</div>
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An attorney by profession, Morrison has completed numerous other distance swims including a 12.4-mile swim across the Santa Barbara Channel and a 24-mile swim across Tampa Bay.</div>
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BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-63702916747498299392013-07-08T07:29:00.000-04:002013-07-08T07:31:22.025-04:00Inspring and thought-provoking tale from the English Channel<div class="_6a permalinkHeaderContentText">
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<div class="permalinkHeaderInfo fsl fwb fcb">
<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1640919139" href="https://www.facebook.com/bridgette.hobart">Bridgette Hobart</a></div>
<span class="fwn fcg"><span class="uiStreamSource" data-ft="{"type":26,"tn":"N"}"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bridgette.hobart/posts/10200860699553374"><abbr class="timestamp livetimestamp" data-utime="1373219444" title="Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 1:50pm">17 hours ago</abbr></a></span> via facebook </span></div>
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<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
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<span class="userContent">Many
thanks to those who wished me well pre and post my English Channel
attempt. After some doses of Benedryl I’m feeling fine today. I
always hoped when the day came for my first DNF that I’d handle it well,
and I think I am. First, I honestly feel mentally and physically
great and feel nothing but gratitude for Bob’s call. I’m blessed with
not just a perfect hubby, but a solid reliable crew support. My entire
experience has been nothing but great since I arrived in England. I’ve
met so many wonderful people, swimmers and non swimmers. I’m leaving
with new friends, and the knowledge that my new approach to mental and
physical training did me well. I was feeling nothing but pure bliss for
my entire swim, and I just felt so strong and positive. One of the
last words spoken to me on shore by another channel swimmer observing
for a relay team stuck in my mind – just relax and enjoy your channel
experience. I did just that. When my observer looked at me with a WTF
look on his face and said the water is 11. Bob nicely translated to –
it is 51-52. I recall shaking my head no because I thought he was
kidding. One toe hit the water and I said oh, wow he is serious. I
stayed positive and let my body embrace the temp as I swam to shore to
start thinking ah, mental training is paying off! I spent a lot of
effort on cold water acclimation and felt confident. I started
feeling fine, and embraced the temps by going out faster than normal.
After that I could feel it get warmer, thrilled I was under 20 sec on
feedings and peeing between feedings – my body was fine. I felt
stronger than ever with boundless energy- even my tapering was paying
off. I saw a few jellies early on under me and took in their beauty
and reflected back on my first 2008 one mile ocean swim where I was
freaked by the ocean and closed my eyes until the lifeguard startled me
when he told me I was going in the wrong direction. I felt so thrilled
I was now swimming over them, admiring them. I wasn’t worried about a
sting at all. I was stung in Tampa so I knew it would hurt but I’d get
through it. You learn something from each challenge to apply to the
next. I saw few more and fine again. I couldn’t believe how awesome
it was swimming in the channel, and how fast time was going between
feedings – a sign of pure bliss. I last remember swimming through what
seemed like endless jellies and thinking wow, so many and so cool. I
felt the stings and said wow, not as bad as Tampa, must be cuz I’m numb
from cold. I swam on and then suddenly I felt drugged, then left side
of my body was doing its own thing and I recall trying to focus to swim
through it but was really disoriented. I heard Bob’s voice and from
that point I really thought I was chatting with them, but Bob said nope,
unresponsive. In my mind I was swimming through it, but his vision had
me not even rolling my head to breathe. It really wasn’t a bad
experience for me since I was in la la land, but I’m sure I stressed
poor Bob out and for that I’m sorry. He’s done nothing but support my
goals 100%, and unfortunately he had to make a decision that I’m sure
is hard for any crew to make. While this didn’t go as I hoped, I am
really feeling good, strong and healthy today. I’ll now focus on my
other work, swim and life commitments in the coming months and continue
my English Channel training for a hopeful slot in 2014 season. Thanks
again to all for their support. I really am leaving healthy, injury
free, and content. I came here with no other ‘next’ swim planned
because I said anything can happen, and I want to focus on the channel
until I hit France and I plan to keep my word:)</span></div>
</span></h5>
BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-56119309832785974962012-10-23T16:34:00.002-04:002012-10-23T20:27:05.274-04:00More Than a Relay, Not Quite a Solo, Sandy Hook to Coney Island EPIC Test Swim with CIBBOWS<div class="MsoNormal">
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</style> October 20th, 2012<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foghorns bellow as my alarm sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is still dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if we will be permitted to
swim with the thick soup that lay outside my window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make my way to the
aquarium where we meet with the rest of the CIBBOWS crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melinda sounds like she has a frog
stuck in her throat, and Jim cancelled --home sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been wavering between doing a solo or a relay, wanting
something in between, but chose to go with the flow depending on what worked
for the other swimmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relay it
would be--Melinda, Jay, Capri and myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>MelissaMo, the least experienced of our crew, would be the only
soloist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wade out to load Agent
Orange as David tries to navigate the waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We're all soaked before we start.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We bounce as chop gives way to waves towards Sandy Hook through lifting fog, but as we arrive the surf is too dangerous for a beach start. We scramble to spread ourselves and our gear in the various support boats. MelissaMo, Melinda and Jay begin in the water while Capri and I wait our turn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romer Shoals
lay in the distance, and the whitecaps look huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an hour, it was time for the relays to switch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Cold, Melinda was ready for a break. </span>I could tell Jay did not want to get
out, but it was my turn and I was itching to get in. Capri and I plunge in at Romer Shoals, joining MelissaMo, who's struggling a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am feeling wonderful, so light, like a butterfly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This is going to be my day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waves are big. Very big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so big (and it's
rather shallow) the boats are unable to follow us, so we swim through the madness accompanied only by our kayakers. At first it doesn't really occur to me how gigantic they are, but I notice my kayaker, maestro
Richard Clifford, maneuvering hard to stay afloat. These are massive
rollers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a strange sensation in my stomach, like when you are on a roller coaster and it
drops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is exactly what we are swimming in--a roller coaster of 15 to 20' waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an hour of the epic ride of a lifetime, we hit the Ambrose Channel, the busiest shipping channel in the world. It is lined with tankers as far as the eye could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we wait for three huge monsters to
pass, the Coast Guard decides it was unsafe to swim cross, so we will be boated to
the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seize the
opportunity to chow a sandwich and spicy tea, which I share with Capri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are starting to get cold as we
wait for one enormous ship after another to pass, looking for an opening to dart to the
other side.</div>
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Seasickness began to take its toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Later I found out the details--</span>Rondi was lying over the side of Agent
Orange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memo was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melinda was laying on the bottom of her
boat in the fetal position, and Jay was not feeling so hot now either. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to convince him he'll feel better
in the drink than on the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
we had more kayakers/boats than swimmers, so I feel the need to represent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CIBBOWS is not going down like
that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turn Jay and Capri, shouting "let's do this-solo it-all the way!".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I receive skeptical looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Jay looks a little green. </span>David asks over the
radio "is anyone going to get back in the water?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or what?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Capri and I plunge back in; as Jay struggles to get back in his
cheaters I tease him for being a slow poke (he is the fastest of our group, but
wearing wetsuit bottoms).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The water is about 59F, and re-entry is bracing, but I soon get used
to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel good in the
water.... one of those rare days when all the stars align and you are one with the ocean...and swim a strong, steady pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stop a
few times for gu and water along the way, as the Romer Shoals
lighthouse began to fade behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing but the waves the sun as it moves across the sky.</div>
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Hours pass, then the parachute jump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fist pump and the boat cheers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know I still had 3 miles to
go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crew keeps me in my
ignorant bliss, giggling to themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm not one of those swimmers who ask how far I've gone or how long I've
been swimming--I don't really want to dwell on those kinds of details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it's better not to know. I have already spotted Jay and Capri on
the boat, they've been hopping in and out, and I realize I'm the only one left
who's going the entire distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Igor's words float in my head--"you only think you're tired"--as I push forward. </span></span>Melinda, feeling better, joins me on the home stretch, pulling ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coney Island Baby is following us, as
well as NYPD Harbor Patrol, who stays busy keeping errant boats from our
path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MelissaMo is still hurling
from the bow of the boat, and I make a mental note to school her on crew
etiquette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vomiting should be done
from the stern, not the bow please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pick up my pace to get ahead of the boat. Margarethe, my kayaker since the Ambrose, smiles encouragingly.</div>
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I ask for hot tea, and my crew tries to give Margarethe my huge thermos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
capsizes, and when she doesn't come up right away I sprint to her assist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has to do an escape, so now she's
soaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first mate Lovely
Lenny (dressed in a dry suit) springs into action, and dives to her rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Que hombre. </span>I wonder later if
he took off his fake hair before he jumped in the water. (He's rocking a Rod
Stewart wig/hat this week, change of pace from the Rasta look of last
weekend).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tease her that she was
just trying to see what I was dealing with, cold water-wise, but I am worried
for her, now exposed to the elements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While they pump out her kayak, I have my ginger spice tea, and offer her some. They give her a dry hat and scarf and we're back on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next feed, the crew puts my warm tea
in an empty bottle and tosses it to me. It comes at me like speeding missile from the
sky--Eileen has an arm like a professional baseball player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Margarethe has a spare carbo pro gel,
which I gratefully accept, not having packed my liquid feed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm starting to feel heavy and tired, and my shoulder starts to twinge,
but I can make out the beams of the pier, I know I'm so close, so I keep
plugging away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">About
a mile to go the right shoulder starts to hurt badly, but I can see a small
crowd of people waiting for my finish. No stopping now, I have to figure out how to swim through the pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>djusting my stroke, I focus on relaxing my shoulder and throwing my recovery arm from the remaining strength of my
lats. I tell myself to suck it up--this is what you get for being lax on the pool training. Out of my peripheral vision, I
see I am about to cross the outer edge of the pier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Legs go into high gear and I sprint, spraying the water behind me as
Margarethe smiles in approval at my burst of energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I'm sure she's ready to finish too--dry clothes
await.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's longer than it
seems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm completely out of
breath as I finally touch ground, but I made it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm home! My CIBBOWS peeps cheer me as I emerge from the
sea. It is magical, swimming home to my training grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Returning to the womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so bad ass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Four hours and 15minutes. EPIC!!</span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB9-E07faXb-3_2_oUWJl109-0Oadah3Xt9NnOZzwPLkzkyqdH2zLCDz6kOVk6KEtewdfNL9D5FqBzUDs_OqMVqF0aEqJE8fUcG6W7s3sCNfxcLoR8ChykkF0Z7DBUCBZp4y_cw-kPG9U/s1600/kayakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB9-E07faXb-3_2_oUWJl109-0Oadah3Xt9NnOZzwPLkzkyqdH2zLCDz6kOVk6KEtewdfNL9D5FqBzUDs_OqMVqF0aEqJE8fUcG6W7s3sCNfxcLoR8ChykkF0Z7DBUCBZp4y_cw-kPG9U/s320/kayakers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to launch-Coney at dawn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmULbLNvb51QcixKupSSv4LAKfiTrYzogZ8an1OjKNvC60Kf9UoXeGEAn0WYNc9S6TchDH0rKPSgfeg2c8AtGiyJT_AR3Hly5EWf_bzE_2iBQy0bpw7NBt4mvnRdozq4JVhsVVn2DVfa6/s1600/capri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmULbLNvb51QcixKupSSv4LAKfiTrYzogZ8an1OjKNvC60Kf9UoXeGEAn0WYNc9S6TchDH0rKPSgfeg2c8AtGiyJT_AR3Hly5EWf_bzE_2iBQy0bpw7NBt4mvnRdozq4JVhsVVn2DVfa6/s320/capri.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capri tests the water temp</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiVZ5g_L2niDtTM57R18wYb-Vi_dGgx5D-qXg2yCUNBwlLkl3UbdM1EU8QRrIjNiGY5Yepj9bFZM4PtpeoL0fUoTetpNPII5XR7ojBmRe3p7VJsErtPk_HM3-bfV-AxTSozkI1egV5o4F/s1600/427800_10151145615414401_1132141376_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiVZ5g_L2niDtTM57R18wYb-Vi_dGgx5D-qXg2yCUNBwlLkl3UbdM1EU8QRrIjNiGY5Yepj9bFZM4PtpeoL0fUoTetpNPII5XR7ojBmRe3p7VJsErtPk_HM3-bfV-AxTSozkI1egV5o4F/s400/427800_10151145615414401_1132141376_n-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romer Shoals. Somehow Melinda managed to get this shot of Capri's foot at the crest of a wave, where you can just see the mast of a 20' ship peeking behind, while projectile vomiting. Talk about multi-tasking.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-eAr0KYdMSB0QZz01acRPZlsXlFnOSEjgePHL_tk4sXMnO5EMz1mQswMn-vIoYS10rAKCok1KvLTyax3fPwwQfpdV7pSaUv76HQhKwJA0dfrLBVxPzbtr4UYF-10K2nXVOJ1EP2qakza/s1600/CaprinMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-eAr0KYdMSB0QZz01acRPZlsXlFnOSEjgePHL_tk4sXMnO5EMz1mQswMn-vIoYS10rAKCok1KvLTyax3fPwwQfpdV7pSaUv76HQhKwJA0dfrLBVxPzbtr4UYF-10K2nXVOJ1EP2qakza/s200/CaprinMe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea on the Ambrose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPnOPU1fzAgjP4jSgvJOpKCwi4rThrgz0A1If0K-ruUjj41ryhyphenhypheniDurNtqk1w83ubJryZeRZtzGZnQS9z7Nj-SejDFCFxDP1EnmtciIwE5sYOAgsuC-6sRPZKLYeam2_nTcFBIEU4gKJs/s1600/triumphantfinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPnOPU1fzAgjP4jSgvJOpKCwi4rThrgz0A1If0K-ruUjj41ryhyphenhypheniDurNtqk1w83ubJryZeRZtzGZnQS9z7Nj-SejDFCFxDP1EnmtciIwE5sYOAgsuC-6sRPZKLYeam2_nTcFBIEU4gKJs/s400/triumphantfinish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Triumphant Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-78913853982216182522012-07-17T20:17:00.002-04:002012-07-17T20:17:53.448-04:00The Shark Fin, Brighton Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8MgiVlSqbL6RgfPI4aHHoYVSQnPAMNmIxwGJDhzpVN8L7rLcUkVu_V71vwhQat5kGgcrD_0YYn20WTUHUM9525PO62nVlZKEpiGII-Oz3WVxsUOLbPI1sTiE9VQCcHIiBokGN0MrZ39A/s1600/SharkFinHsi-Ling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8MgiVlSqbL6RgfPI4aHHoYVSQnPAMNmIxwGJDhzpVN8L7rLcUkVu_V71vwhQat5kGgcrD_0YYn20WTUHUM9525PO62nVlZKEpiGII-Oz3WVxsUOLbPI1sTiE9VQCcHIiBokGN0MrZ39A/s320/SharkFinHsi-Ling.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
photo by Hsi-Ling Chang, All Rights Reserved.BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-64810052190861749372012-06-06T17:26:00.002-04:002012-06-06T17:26:51.663-04:00Letter from CapriSAT JUN 2, 2012
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
well - what can i say …</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
cast of characters:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
37' boat called Together II (beautiful boat - i love this
boat)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
boat captain:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ed dottino, with two
crew members, mitch and jerry</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
morty berger:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>director of operation - swim capri swim</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
my crew:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>alan morrison and arlene
chung</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
kayaker:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>bonnie aldinger</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
swimmer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>capri djatiasmoro (me)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66ue0gmEcks" target="_blank">video: booking to sandy hook</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
this is all i have, because as soon as we got to sandy hook</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we were working and dealing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
with the drama on the high seas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i had trained diligently for months</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i was ready but mother nature; the ocean and the wind had
other plans</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
full moon made for very fast tidal currents</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we were supposed to have a strong current assist pushing
north</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
( this is good )</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we were supposed to have wind from the south pushing north</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(this is good)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
unfortunately - the wind switched to a strong 15-20 mph wind</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
coming from the west going east </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the current at sandy hook was - east going west</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
this caused a washing machine effect with 6' plus waves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(not fun, but i've been through this before)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i swam to shore and started the swim from the beach</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Had to get through some huge crashing waves and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
then the washing machine was waiting for me</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
there were times when the boat could not see us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i couldn't see the boat</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
sometimes, i could see bonnie in the kayak,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and she was getting blown all over the place</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
after 45 min of swimming and going no where</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(actually, i was getting sucked into staten island bay - not
good)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
they pulled me - they told me to swim to the boat</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i swam to the boat, but the wind kept pushing the boat away</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i tried three times to no avail</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
finally they threw me a life preserver on a line and dragged
me into the boat</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
then we had to get bonnie and her kayak on board</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
remember - this was in a turbulent washing machine with 6'
plus waves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the boat could not hold position</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as we were trying to load the kayak on board,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
at one point, the boat came down on the kayak and capsized
it</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bonnie lost her radio, bag with food and water, broke her
camera etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bonnie is a pro, she kept her cool and dealt with the
situation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it took awhile, but we finally got bonnie and her kayak on
board</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we got out of the treacherous washing machine danger zone</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and headed to relatively speaking, "calmer" waters</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
just south of the verrazano bridge, bonnie with her kayak
and i got back in</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
back into the water - ok, let's try this again ...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i did three feeds at the verrazano - that's a feed break
every 45min</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i have no idea how far i swam</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
but i was swimming hard, working my ass off</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
speaking of ass … at one point near bay ridge, i felt
something</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
very big and slippery smack my left check ass</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and go flying over me - it was not a log</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i can only assume it was a large fish</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
then, i was getting bored with the caffe latte feed</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i asked bonnie to tell my crew to switch to the other feed -
the strawberry vanilla</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i was starting to get a little sore, so i took a sip of the
liquid Advil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
boy, was that a mistake!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it mixed with the caffe latte and came right up</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it was a good thing, that the week before, my open water
swimming coach,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(patricia sener) had just taught me how to puke in the
water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i didn't want bonnie to see me puking (they would pull me)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
so i took a breath</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and exhaled in the water puking each time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
lovely, isn't it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
this is what open water swimmers do …</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i was getting pushed north, but the strong wind from the
west was pushing us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
into moored barges on the brooklyn side</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i made it past one barge and then morty called the event</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we were north of bay ridge and south of governor's island</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i said … why did you pull me - i made it past the barge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
he said … look at all those barges up ahead</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it was like a mine field of anchored barges</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
morty did the right thing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it was too dangerous</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
later in the afternoon - the wind direction changed to
coming from the north</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
so it would have been brutal conditions - swimming into
battery park</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
let alone dodging a tanker, a cruise ship, barges, staten
island ferry</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and all the other harbor boat traffic, but this is what i do
for fun!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
yes, and of course we had the necessary permits, insurance,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and clearance from NYPD harbor patrol, USCG, and homeland
security</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
so … that's about it for now folks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
until the next swimming adventure</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
see you in the water ;-)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Capri</span>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-69452476813551628432012-02-13T07:29:00.003-05:002012-02-13T07:38:34.659-05:00Free program for nature lovers, in Brooklyn this Sat<a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2012/02/18/animal-tracks-exploration#.TzkCHgmp18c.blogger">Animal Tracks Exploration : : New York City Department of Parks & Recreation</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-14902270493126775582012-01-25T11:37:00.004-05:002012-01-25T11:52:16.444-05:00Brown fat, my new heroFascinating article in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/health/brown-fat-burns-ordinary-fat-study-finds.html?_r=2&hp">New York Times</a> yesterday, finally an explanation for my sleepless nights! Due to a drunken bet that involves some serious weight loss on my part by Jan 31st, I have kicked my workout regime into overdrive. My body have been so HOT at night that I can't sleep. Like when the furnace turns on in cold water swimming. Apparently, it's the brown fat hard at work burning the white fat. Brown fat, which forms from cold, also forms from exercise. Who knew? Which would explain why the hotter I am at night, the more the scale drops in the morning.<br /><br />Go brown fat GO!! You're about to win CIBBOWS $1000.00!!BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-58423291487236440282011-11-30T09:41:00.005-05:002011-11-30T09:47:45.348-05:00CIBBOWS in the news!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoVqaNGInjq19OJ85SaRj3jx0YsFBKL1IkhYO_h95mxrUHNl-G8ObwgnHc8NBSHQeJQD8hcv4wADKyDNhKhftpLTjOAg2htE3LeoaFB0bR6e4ggP_w5v48JapZ-ukWLmFwS2C7ZM0HdAp/s1600/GIlles-0030.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoVqaNGInjq19OJ85SaRj3jx0YsFBKL1IkhYO_h95mxrUHNl-G8ObwgnHc8NBSHQeJQD8hcv4wADKyDNhKhftpLTjOAg2htE3LeoaFB0bR6e4ggP_w5v48JapZ-ukWLmFwS2C7ZM0HdAp/s400/GIlles-0030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680800243472189026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYShKHpWVN7DD2djSBsM0-xOZINQwYeF9hZf3VIv7v335j-F8CimhqCQbtjuS1LuLYl5HfVLZ_cwdEy4CsvTxgzsP_Yfsc3dfYiT3EZW9F3PIDEva6FRaHFeEAdajbgHTArQjRfMwXh5w6/s1600/GIlles-0019.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYShKHpWVN7DD2djSBsM0-xOZINQwYeF9hZf3VIv7v335j-F8CimhqCQbtjuS1LuLYl5HfVLZ_cwdEy4CsvTxgzsP_Yfsc3dfYiT3EZW9F3PIDEva6FRaHFeEAdajbgHTArQjRfMwXh5w6/s400/GIlles-0019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680800146450299154" /></a><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204452104577055950095852414.html?mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories#articleTabs%3Darticle">Brooklyn's Swimming Mecca<br />Brighton Beach Offers Open-Water Enthusiasts the Perfect Spot to Meet and Train </a><br /><br />Photos: Kevin Hagen for the Wall Street JournalBrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-6111999329438065512011-11-14T19:33:00.002-05:002011-11-14T19:50:52.353-05:00Itchy and Scratchy....or, Debunking the Myth of Sea LiceI've noticed in my many years of swimming at Coney, as the water cools, the itching begins. It starts with one or two red marks. Now, as the water nears 50F, I have about 10 welts the size of a quarter. Everyone calls it "sea lice", which sounds frightening. It is also incorrect, according to this <a href="http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=55">medical article on the Divers Alert Network.</a> No, according to the CDC what I have is the more innocuous sounding "<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/swimmersitch/faqs.html#how_infested">swimmer's itch</a>". Microscopic parasites that are looking for a duck to call home, but they settle for me. Ew. I think I'd rather be lunch for the jellyfish larvae.....<br /><br />Towel off well, my friends....BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-91567968624414026472011-11-08T14:15:00.000-05:002011-11-08T14:16:11.862-05:00Brooklyn Masters Swim TeamAs many of you know, I have been dreaming of starting a REAL masters swim team here in Brooklyn for many years now...it looks like I've finally found a pool! Details to come, but I am STOKED!!!!BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-52436101946771873362011-07-18T17:43:00.007-04:002011-07-18T17:52:38.645-04:00A Floating Movie Theater in Far RockawayMedium popcorn. Large Cherry Coke. Box of Junior Mints.<br /><br />The tried-and-true movie theater essentials.<br /><br />Though just this once, you may want to bring an anchor and life preserver, too.<br /><br />Welcome to the Boggsville Boat-In Theater, a floating movie house in Far Rockaway that’s showing aquatic-themed flicks on a big screen in the middle of the bay, now playing.<br /><br />Think of this as a coming attraction for what the movie date will look like after the polar ice caps melt. More specifically, it’s a makeshift drifting platform that screens films every Thursday through Saturday for an eager, seafaring audience. And the occasional curious mermaid.<br /><br />So you’ll load up a cooler with beer, dust off your favorite captain’s hat and set a course for Marina 59 on Jamaica Bay. When you pull into port, you’ll notice a motley crew of crafts all moored together into a single cluster. That... is your Cineplex.<br /><br />The movies here are free (donations are welcome) to any vessels in the area, but if you’re seeking permission to come aboard the flotilla (and get a better view of the screen), you’ll want to email ahead and reserve a spot at the dock.<br /><br />Or try to rent one of the refurbished boats in Boggsville’s fleet for an overnight stay.<br /><br />Perfect opportunity to join the Sea Level High Club.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fluxfactory.org/events/constance-hockaday%E2%80%99s-boggsville-boatel-and-boat-in-theater/">Boggsville Boat-In Theater</a><br />at Marina 59<br />59-14 Beach Channel Dr<br />Far Rockaway, NY 11692<br />718-945-4500<br /><br />To read the full article, click <a href="http://www.urbandaddy.com/nyc/leisure/13855/Boggsville_Boat_In_Theater_A_Floating_Movie_Theater_in_Far_Rockaway_New_York_City_NYC_Somerville_Event">here</a><br />from urbandaddy.comBrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-9421885082595935342011-07-18T08:38:00.000-04:002011-07-18T08:38:03.495-04:00Grimaldo's Mile VII in the news!<a href="http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/open-swim-race-in-brooklyn-20110717-gjw">Open Swim Race In Brooklyn</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-62396637678373034262011-07-03T07:20:00.003-04:002011-07-03T07:23:40.992-04:00Renaissance of Open Water SwimmingGreat article from Suzanne Sataline in this weekend's NY Times about some of our local swims and the renaissance of OWS <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/nyregion/the-revival-of-marathon-swims-comes-to-new-york.html?_r=1">here.</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-71866157143794339122011-06-14T09:11:00.004-04:002011-06-14T09:17:51.622-04:00Last week for Early Bird Special!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4QFcaRT-fDUhNnsE5r3mM6WtcOyUzVUak14m1PX0iA9aTC6yOSLUeYyCZ2L95Y6CZE3lJiv3FHsNmkWCLnFfw1ifHBa9JPYXyr2UsJ8VwzCirPf0q2wQzRoKiqffjHDnZCEz6y787m81/s1600/2011AQpostcard.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4QFcaRT-fDUhNnsE5r3mM6WtcOyUzVUak14m1PX0iA9aTC6yOSLUeYyCZ2L95Y6CZE3lJiv3FHsNmkWCLnFfw1ifHBa9JPYXyr2UsJ8VwzCirPf0q2wQzRoKiqffjHDnZCEz6y787m81/s400/2011AQpostcard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618063084226209618" /></a><br />Hurry and <a href="http://cibbows.org/races/">sign up</a> for the Aquarium Swims!<br />We have the USMS National 5k Championship and the NY Aquarium 1 mile swim.<br /><br />Early bird special ($45) ends June 21st.<br /><br />Post-swim party at the NY Aquarium--live music, yummy spread, dancing seals!BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-1143189011592956622011-06-14T07:27:00.004-04:002011-06-14T07:39:54.880-04:00Historic 68 Mile Swim by Penny Palfrey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmYZXxGIObGSA57lW5RWbV9N2yNUkH1IxuXEPEWRVOeMkuBxNwwsREQ-jAyIs8exF12lAkdgVD8Q8OsKwuK4MR_RyJjEN54CnPBEJ-TTkrievCyaRQKrhGVwwgNREIpxJEMkxJn3oXEZd/s1600/penny-wide.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmYZXxGIObGSA57lW5RWbV9N2yNUkH1IxuXEPEWRVOeMkuBxNwwsREQ-jAyIs8exF12lAkdgVD8Q8OsKwuK4MR_RyJjEN54CnPBEJ-TTkrievCyaRQKrhGVwwgNREIpxJEMkxJn3oXEZd/s400/penny-wide.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618037974710675426" /></a><br />Penny is a darling. And a rock star. And a swim goddess. Always an inspiration, now she has has smashed another record. A big one. The longest solo unassisted ocean swim--68 miles, accomplished in forty hours and forty-one minutes. Straight. And no, she did not use a wetsuit, shark cage, or noodle. And what makes it even more fantastic is she is one of the most lovely, sweet, grounded people you will ever find. LOVE HER and her hard-core goodness!!! Big congrats to you Penny.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxsports.com.au/other-sports/queensland-woman-penny-palfrey-breaks-ocean-endurance-record-with-108km-swim-in-the-caribbean/story-e6frf56c-1226075165074">Read more about her swim on Fox Sports.</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-11152463719104462692011-06-09T10:48:00.014-04:002011-06-09T11:19:36.386-04:00Cool blog, swim buddies, google groupsCheck out a super-cool blog from one of our new swim friends, Caitlin, who is also kindly organizing the week-day swimmers along with Samantha, another new swimmer.<br /><a href="http://throwmeintheocean.com/">Throw Me In The Ocean</a><br /><br />If you are interested in swimming during the week, they have organized a google group and spreadsheet with all interested swimmers/times.<br /><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgXAuiyzVnfCdERxRVlvNk40MVFGYU1aZ19FblBQZFE&hl=en_US">SPREADSHEET LINK</a><br /><br />If you join the <a href="http://groups.google.com/group/cibbows-weekday">weekday swim-buddy google group</a>, you can email when you are looking for a swim buddy and everyone who's interested will be notified.<br /><br />And if you haven't already joined the <a href="http://groups.google.com/group/cibbows">CIBBOWS google group</a>, for info on upcoming races and all things CIBBOWS, do so today. Our group is over 500 strong!BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-45063192580659397932011-06-09T10:29:00.004-04:002011-06-09T11:34:31.980-04:00Swimmers Prep for Human-Powered Circle Line<a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/06/swimmers_prep_for_human-powere.html">Swimmers Prep for Human-Powered Circle Line</a><br />Really great piece about Sil'n Sweet Melissa's MIMS relay!BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-69923458504905959782011-06-09T10:14:00.004-04:002011-06-09T10:26:45.960-04:0010k Charity Fundraiser for CIBBOWSWe have a new event this year!<br /><a href="http://cibbows.org/races/">The NY Harbor 10k/5k Charity Swim</a><br />Sunday September 11, 2011<br />We are raising money for several projects and initiatives. First priority will be aquiring equipment for races and swim support in order to keep our entry fees low. We are also spearheading initiatives that include developing swim teaching programs for kids and adults as well as researching ways for creating a permanent waterfront home for CIBBOWS. CIBBOWS is partnering with other organizations with complementary missions in order to keep our waterways clean, promote access, and help bring people to the water.<br /><br />So come on out and do a loop or two for a positive force in NYC!BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-33169753831194001192011-06-09T10:06:00.005-04:002011-06-09T10:37:08.393-04:00Coney Island Earth CamEver wonder what's doing in Coney? Is it foggy? Is it choppy? Lumpy, flat, rolling? Now you don't have to call me to find out what's happening outside my window. Just log onto the <a href="http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/coneyisland/">webcam.</a><br />Live updates every 15mins!<br /><br />Want more info? Check under Super Cool Links for Sandy Hook water temp, water quality reports, beach closings and local weather. <br /><br />Or just come out and be surprised!BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-81117970242566346832011-05-29T14:40:00.006-04:002011-06-09T10:27:32.777-04:00Bermuda pix<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriciasener/5772094015/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/5772094015_6effb5b214_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriciasener/5772094015/">BermudaIMG_6606Bermuda</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriciasener/">brooklynmermaid</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Squid Squadron</p><br />For more Bermuda Pix click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriciasener/collections/72157606443487245/">here</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225204891504095230.post-54553368593007248772011-05-29T13:48:00.003-04:002011-06-03T10:11:36.211-04:00Flying into Bermuda<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriciasener/5772115071/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/5772115071_a66fb98594_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriciasener/5772115071/">BermudaIMG_6746Bermuda</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriciasener/">brooklynmermaid</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Thinking about Bermuda....<br />R<a href="http://aquamoonadventures.com">ound the Sound Swim in October</a>BrooklynMermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567289968902715232noreply@blogger.com0