by Simon Hinnigan

Happy New Year Bowmoor!

2026 is a really important year as it's our 50th anniversary and we have some great plans.

Save the Date: The club's birthday is on June 25th and we're holding a weekend of members only celebrations on the 27th and 28th June.  We're planning a fun packed weekend party including food, disco and a live band.  Please hold the date and keep an eye out for the release of tickets so that you can reserve your spot.

For those interested, you can read up on club history here.

Last Sunday gave some beautiful conditions, sunny, moderate breeze, but very cold with ice over part of the lake.  The icicle and frostbite racing series certainly lived up to their name.  Fair play to those that raced - it was chilly! Many thanks to Chris, Rachel, Kirsty and Nigel for putting on some great racing.

Swimming Safety: On Sunday many of our experienced swimmers decided conditions presented too much risk and did not swim.  Adrian has very kindly written up guidance from the Outdoor Swimming Society which I've included below.  We have had some hypothermia cases in past years, please make sure you look at the risk matrix posted on notice boards or in the activity hut before you enter the water.  Water temperature is 4°C, so if you are not acclimatized, don't have the correct equipment, or are just not sure, please do not swim.

For future planning, the Galley will be closed on Sunday February 22nd due to a planned holiday.

The plans for 2026 look really exciting!

See you on the water,

Simon

 

From Adrian Waghorn

• Acclimatise Slowly: Don't jump in; get in gradually, up to waist depth first to control the gasp reflex.
• Manage Cold Shock: Control your breathing, focus on exhaling, and use head-up breaststroke initially.
• Know Your Limits: Don't push yourself; build up tolerance and keep initial swims short, especially below 10°C.
• Gear Up: Wear neoprene socks, gloves, and a swim hat (or bonnet) to protect extremities and head.
• Stay In Your Depth: Especially when getting used to the water, keep your feet on the bottom.
• Warm Up Properly: Rehydrate and warm up slowly after your swim; the cold continues to affect you.
• Never Swim Alone: Always have a buddy or swim in a supervised group.

Saturday 10th January
Youth Winter Squad Coaching
Winter Race Squads – Adults
Sunday 11th January
11:30 Icicle Series AM
13:30 Frostbite Series PM
Tuesday 13th January
19:30 Lions Young People in Community Service Awards (setup from 18:00)
Sunday 18th January
11:30 Icicle Series AM
13:30 Frostbite Series PM
Saturday 24th January
Member Coaching Double Handers
Sunday 25th January
11:30 Icicle Series AM
13:30 Frostbite Series PM
Saturday 31st January
Winter Squad Coaching RS Tera
Sunday 1st February
11:30 Icicle Series AM
13:30 Frostbite Series PM

The full calendar is published on bowmoor.com/calendar/