Huntington Masters Swim Team

Underwater Photos From Bob Miller's Recent Trip to Mexico

2012-02-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

I usually tout these annual Caribbean photos from Bob as a "cure" for the cold winter weather but since we almost hit 60 yesterday on Long Island -- the last day of January -- I guess that we'll just have to enjoy them for themselves and not to make us feel bad about our winter temperatures. Thanks Bob!

Scott's Book Signing Was a HUGE Success

2012-01-29T07:55:00.002-05:00

When Book Revue in downtown Huntington, NY scheduled Scott Starkey for a book signing on Saturday, January 28th at 4:00PM they got a little more than they bargained for... by 4:20PM, EVERY copy of Scott's new book "How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying" had been sold and the overflow crowd that had come to buy and hear Scott talk had to be gently herded out of the aisles for fear of a fire violation! Congratulations to Scott on a GREAT First Book Signing and a great first book!

The crowd was so large that the planned book signing (after the talk and the reading) had to be moved from the main floor to the upstairs Celebrity Signing section!

How would you like that signed?

People left and right were taking pictures -- after all, Scott was signing his book in the Celebrity Section. Other people, see Tom above, were more than happy to smile for the camera as they waited on line for Scott (Tom, couldn't we just have gotten Scott's signature in the Y locker room?). Margot and Jay were closer to the back of the line (see picture below). Paval was also there for the reading but had to leave before the signing.

Scott Starkey Will Be Signing His NEW Book at 4PM, Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Book Revue in Huntington Village

2012-01-25T11:34:00.002-05:00

Our own Scott Starkey will sign and read from his new novel "How To Beat The Bully Without Really Trying" this Saturday afternoon, (4PM), at Book Revue in Huntington Village (313 New York Avenue). For those of you who only know Scott from the pool, Saturday will be a perfect time to see him dressed in something other than a bathing suit! And a great time to pick up an autographed first edition! See you at Book Revue!

Good Things Come To Those Who Swim!

2012-01-17T15:26:00.008-05:00

If you like swimming... if you like Guinness... you'll love this Guinness "swim-centric" commercial, "Good things come to those who... wait" . Enjoy!

Good things come to those who... wait.

A Video of Water Polo at the Y: December 31, 2011

2012-01-02T17:26:00.000-05:00

Putting on a Swim Cap... Hands Free!

2012-01-02T17:23:00.002-05:00

Water Polo at the Huntington Y: December 31, 2011

2012-01-02T11:37:00.003-05:00

Believe it or not, the group picture above was taken AFTER two hours of water polo... maybe they're smiling because it's over! If you've never done it, two hours of water polo is a real workout. But aside from a couple of minor cuts and bruises (and maybe one slightly broken toe), everyone had a great time and is ready to go again. Take a look at the pictures below... you may want to join in next time!

The teams took a "half-time" break and seemed to enjoy it though "Caps" stayed with "Caps" and "No-Caps" stayed with "No-Caps".

Bill asked if I could get a picture of his chlorine reddened eyes... turns out that I could!

Bye, Bye everybody... we'll see you next year!

The FIRST Open Water Swim of 2012 (Daytime): January 1, 2012: West Neck Beach, Huntington NY

2012-01-01T13:01:00.001-05:00

If you're going to swim in January at West Neck Beach in the waters of COLD Spring Harbor, then you couldn't have picked a better January day than the first day of this New Year. The sky was a brilliant blue with just the trace of a few puffy white clouds. And the temperature, ahh the air temperature... it was a balmy 50 degrees! Of course, the water temperature was nowhere near that warm!

In any event, seven brave souls of the West Neck Pod ventured forth and conquered both their fears and the cold waters off West Neck Beach. Me? I was happy it was warm enough to comfortably take pictures from the shoreline!

A Pre New Year's Eve Get Together at Meehans: December 30, 2011

2011-12-31T18:51:00.000-05:00

In what has become an annual tradition, a few of us Huntington Masters Swimmers and West Neck Beach "Poddies" got together at Meehan's in BUSY downtown Huntington, NY. A lot of the "regulars" were missing. But let's face it, it was and is a BIG travel and party week. Those who came had a fine time and got to meet my granddaughter Thora in person -- sorry no pictures of Thora here, (I was to busy showing her off!), but if you are on FB you might occasionally notice me posting a picture or two... or three... or more!

And, oh yeah, here's one of the reasons Huntington was so busy on Friday night, PITBULL was playing at the new Paramount Theater!

2011 Christmas Eve Swim at The Huntington Y

2011-12-24T09:34:00.003-05:00

What better way to start Christmas Eve than getting down to the Huntington Y with a few of your closest friends and swim three or four thousand yards -- this might be the most relaxing time we'll have for the next 24 hours or so! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Pre-New Year's Eve Get Together Scheduled for Friday, December 30th at Meehan's

2011-12-17T17:05:00.002-05:00

Get set to "belly-up" to the bar at Meehan's of Huntington! We plan to gather around 6pm or so on Friday night, December 30, 2011

Why 6pm on Friday night? Well, Saturday is New Year's Eve and we don't want to be out too late the night before! We've already got swim practice starting Saturday morning at 7am followed by our annual Water Polo event that same afternoon from 1 to 3pm -- it promises to be a busy Saturday, December 31, 2011 -- so why not start it out right the night before with a drink or two with your Swim friends (and spouses) at Meehan's!

Swim Team Christmas Party: December 4, 2011

2011-12-04T17:14:00.001-05:00

Some new faces and some old faces joined in this years Holiday Brunch on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Black & Blue Restaurant in Huntington, NY. We have been getting together for our annual Y Swimmers Brunch since the 1980's. As do many things, the exact start date of our first brunch escapes both Bob and my memories. But whatever the year was of that first Christmas Brunch, I know that for me at least, the Swim Brunch always seems to signal the real start of the Holiday Season! Time to think about buying the tree. Time to really start shopping. Yes, I know many of you are already finished but for someone who used to wait until Christmas Eve... well, shopping two or three weeks in advance is a real luxury -- as was this year's brunch!

Night Swimming

2011-11-21T06:02:00.042-05:00

( image of West Neck Beach early morning in November before a night swim )

This is type of open water swimming is dangerous. However, when done with an experienced swimmer, this type of swimming is STILL dangerous. Please take care when planning your outing. Ideally, any night swimming should include a few people and an escort kayak.

Night swimming or swimming before sunrise, is something to be experienced. If you are lucky or plan well, the moon and stars will be out. The star and moon view is simply stunning. For some , night swimming is a necessity for event training. For others, its about experiencing something different, getting out of comfort zones or pushing boundaries.

The thoughts and techniques outlined below are my experiences/techniques during night swimming. Yours may be different and I am by no means an expert but I thought its worth sharing. It is difficult to find any information on what do to in order to swim in the black of the night. Please take care if you decide to undertake a moonlight outing.

Time of Day

In many cases the swimmer can/should choose carefully when to swim in the dark - evening or morning. If you have a choice, you need to consider a few factors before deciding on when to enter the water.

At WNB, the best moon light is in the morning. The image above is about 4am and shows the setting moon and the light reflecting on the waters. The moon sets in the west over Center Island(NY). From about 3am to sunrise, the moon shines right at WNB beach. When you start swimming in the dark, start with the initial swims during full or near full moon with clear skies. Like all weather its impossible to arrange but if it happens, take advantage of it. A moon lit swim at night offers extra navigational tools using the light on the water and the moon can be used as a sight point.

There is many things to think about when you start swimming in the dark. The moon is VERY comforting during these initial attempts, a friend.

The boat traffic in the pre-sunrise morning is fairly predictable. Clammers are out just before sunrise and go to certain spots in the harbour, depending on tide. I swim north , close to the shore and stay away from any of these lanes . Evening boat traffic is less predictable and , honestly, contains DWI boat drivers and stupid drivers. It is suggested to stay away from that group of boaters in the dark. It is one of the main reasons to swim in the early AM, rather than in the evening. If you have escorts and well lit swim party , it does offset the boat issue in the evening.

Seasonal :

When swimming in the morning, my timing is to be at the beach 90 minutes before sunrise. This allows 15 minutes to get into the water and over an hour of swimming before sunrise . I like to combine dark swimming with morning light swimming. This means that start times will be very very early in the summer.

For that reason, I tend to do most of my night swimming in the fall, with a few 4am runs in the summer when its practical.

Visibility : ( Boats seeing You )

This year, Carol Moore ( the POD-Mother ) of WNB introduced swimmers to a personal buoy for Open Water swimmers. In the day times, its very useful. In the night, stuff this buoy with two or three glow sticks. This will light up the buoy and at a distance clearly identify "something" in the water.

As a second visible method, attach several glow sticks to your wet suit or around your bathing suit when you are without wetsuit . Take a simple boot lace and tie it around your waist. Attach the additional glow sticks ( one , two or three ) . I use green and red colors.

Body Balance

It would be fair to believe that swimming in the dark requires no stroke change or modification. My experience would suggest that is not completely true and consideration for the dark conditions must be observed for a joyful or efficient swim experience. Swimming in the dark can be incredibly disorienting. Your balance will be all off due to the lack of normal balance points. You sighting will be off due to lack of points of reference and shore markers. You need to compensate

The first time I saw swam at night for any length, I thought I was going to fall over when I walked out of the water ( or at times thought I was going to be sick in the water ). As you swim, you will be disorientated in several very specific ways.

1) Which way is down for my head . When do i stop moving my head
2) How do I breath or where do I breath.
3) Where am I ( am I swimming straight ?

Normally when we swim we use our eyes to help keep balance and body position. Try swimming with your eyes closed and you get the idea. Add waves ( a different topic in night swimming ) for an higher sense of disorientation. Without some light, it becomes difficult to maintain good body position and proper balance. Finding the right place to finish your head movement below the water can be accomplished with a few techniques. Remember your body glow sticks. They don't give alot of light but they give some. It that can illuminate the water around you . Get used to that low light and focus on keeping you head down ( as normal ). Instead of trying to use only your eyes, add to it your head's movement timing and the feeling of your head moving with your body. Think hard about your head and neck from the point of breathing to proper head down position. Practice it in the pool. Keep that motion constant , smooth and minimise the effort. And Look for the glow from the sticks.

When your head comes up to get a breath, look for shore or sky spotting marks - a house light, a street light, a star cluster or the moon. If your planning is good, you have a full or partial moon and stars. Cold Spring Harbor ( the best place in the world to Open Water Swim, IMO ) , the moon sets perfectly over the harbor. The moon can be both a north bound spotting mark and a source of light. It can illuminate the water just enough to aid in the disorientation issue.

At the start, take the swim slow. Don't try to push your speed until you get comfortable with head movement and reducing disorientation.

- use the glow of the glow stick to help find "down" when your head is in the water
- time your head movement ( in pool and in OW ) and keep it very consistent. Keep head movement to a minimum
- look for breathing sight points on each breath.

Sighting
How the do you sight in the dark. ? First, place flash light ( I also use a RED glow stick with the flash light ) at your exit point from the water. It provides you a guaranteed end point for the swim and something to see on the trip back. Its a sight point for the way back. In the dark you need to sight more often. Given a lack of proper sighting while swimming, you will swim in a circle ( image below is case in point .. A swim of mine ( Ken, Lisa as well ) in the fog without sighting points as plotted by GPS).. Look for your end points, shore marks, etc. Do not believe that you will just swim straight. In the dark, sight more often.

Next : North Shore wave swimming

Will Exercise Help You Age Well?

2011-11-14T11:34:00.001-05:00

Exercise may help your muscles even as you age up and up and up... and, as much as we all LOVE to swim lap after endless lap and lift, and run, and bike,... wouldn't it be nice to know that besides making us feel good today that the exercise we do today will help us age well tomorrow?

According to a very interesting New York Times Health story "Aging Well Through Exercise" by Gretchen Reynolds, exercise may just be the key!

So, keep up the good work, pat yourself on the back and read Gretchen's article HERE.

Cold Water Swimming

2011-11-08T06:09:00.025-05:00

As we head into the fall open water season , the warmer waters of the summer have long since disappeared. Water temperatures in the 70s and 60s were very acceptable, sometimes even too warm. Now.. not so much. Some thoughts on cold water swimming.

Specific cold water swimming techniques are necessary to expand you swimming into November and December.

What? Some old classic methods and some new methods. In cold water swimming the primary goal needs to be to protect your CORE - center of your body - your heart. If you protect your core, other parts of your body stay warmer. When your core is cold, the body will draw blood from areas like your hands, feet, legs, arms and head. This lack of blood contributes to the coldness hands/feet/head and muscle issues ( cramps for instance ). If you reduce the need for the extra blood , your hands/feet will be warmer. Booties or socks for warmth and rock protection but you can also exist with just simple swim caps and no gloves. Remember though, these techniques delay the affect of cold water, not eliminate it, so you always have to be aware of the warning signs. If you are shivering in the water, time to get out. If you WERE shivering and now don't time to really get out and deal with hypothermia.

So, how to protect your core?

DRINK WARM
Simple - before every swim, drink something warm, with sugar is better. I drink hot chocolate just before.

ADD LAYERS

Look at other cold weather sports to gain some insight. In other distance sports, layers are used to stay warm ( running or skiing ). We need to find a way to swim with multiple layers. This will create small thin sections of warm water to help stay warm.

Compression clothing is a great inner layer. On upper body, use a compression top ( from SKIN ) . Others have them - NIKE, UNDERARMOR.. Compression gear is very tight ( overly tight ) with little room for air or water. BUT when in the water, that small space gets filled with a thin layer of water. Its tighness keeps the water close and does not allow it to be replaced often with colder water. That first layer will warm up quickly. The second layer is between the compression clothing and the wet suit. Since the compression clothing is meant to exercise in , it has no affect on body movement. ( specifically long sleeve, heat wear .. have not tried the cold wear compression gear ).

For the lower body use a non-pouruos swim suit - full leg version. These types of swim suits were used heavily at the China Olympics for pool swimming. The material does not let water thru and is skin tight. Compression leggings should also work. ( again SKIN, NIKE, UNDERARMOR ) You can also use a full body "speed suit" that is sufficiently tight.

This new layer will help protects your CORE. When you move from one layer to two layers, you should feel the difference in body temp and ALSO in hands/feet temp. Its important to note that putting on a tshirt will not help . It does not create that layer we need. The layer needs to be very thin and not allow much movement of water.

So.. Compression clothing + 5mm wetsuit = more warmth. .. yes!

OIL

Well not really oil, but this technique is well understood. November is optional but a good idea in December and January. Cold water marathon swimmers use it alot. The compression and wetsuit layers keep your body warmer and slows down the temperature drop, but you will still feel the nasty cold water on your skin. For exposed skin, you can use simple Vaseline or Vaseline/Lanoline/ layers. You can use on your face ( Vaseline ) but keep away from your eyes. It helps to take the edge off very cold water.

BREATHING

As the water temperature drops in the 30s, you need to add some techniques to your swimming style. The cold water reflex will start to really kick in. Your body will want to push air out quickly as you swim. Instead, you have to take overly deep breaths and slow your breathing down. It takes practice. The first time you deal with the cold water reflex is when entering the water. Do not rush to swim fast. Get your face used to the cold first. A good idea is to use Breast Stroke , allowing your face to be wet and cold while controlling my breathing. Once breathing regularly, start freestyle. It may take a minute or two but it is much better to sort out so the reflex issue does not kick in.

EXITING THE WATER

When you leave the nice warm water into the very cold air, you face two problems. When you are swimming in cold water, every muscle in your body is contributing to your warmth. For cold water swimming you need to methods to warm your body as soon as you stop swimming.Clearly the air will NOT be doing it.

You need to prepare everything for the water exit BEFORE you start swimming. When you exit the water, your blood will be rushing everywhere to try and recover warmth. Add to that, your muscles will NOT be pumping as hard. You are in a serious heat deficit. Your body needs help so it will start shivering. It will try to shiver to warmup. We want to avoid the nasty shivering.

Make sure you have gloves, hats, towels to cover up. Keep it right at the shore line. By preparing for the right type of exit, your cold water recovery is faster and less troublesome. By following some simple rules on exiting the water , you can reduce the shivering and bad recovery time.

Save The Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011 for our Annual Swimmers Christmas Brunch

2011-10-29T15:52:00.000-05:00

Remember last year's Swimmer's Christmas Brunch?

If you were there, and can't remember it, here are two pictures from the 2010 Brunch to jog your memory. If you weren't there last year than Sunday, December 4, 2011 is your chance to see just what you missed because we're going to "lather, rinse and repeat". That's right, just like one of those character building pool workouts we are going to repeat the 2010 party in 2011.

Same Place: Black & Blue Restaurant in downtown Huntington;
Same Time: 12:00 Noon;
Same Menu: DELICIOUS!,
Same Price: $25 (very reasonable for what we get!) And...
Almost the Same Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011 (just 364 days later!)

We'll have the main dining room in Black & Blue again -- the one with the big fish tank -- but we will have to give them a firm headcount 10 days in advance. So gather yea coins and please pay $25 per person, (CASH is King!), in advance to either myself (Mike Engel), the Coach (Bob Miller), or the Queen of West Neck Beach, (Carol Moore). (Note: Carol, I hope that it is OK that I put you on this detail -- I figure you have to stop swimming outdoors sometime... or maybe not!)

Water Views Around Manhattan Island: October 22, 2011

2011-10-25T11:14:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Yolanda and I headed into The City -- (which, of course, always means New York City!) -- to attend the wedding of our Goddaughter. Pictures from a wedding don't really belong on a blog about swimming, (unless it is the wedding of one of our swimmers!), but since I haven't posted anything new in awhile, (Since Sal's wedding, in fact!), I figured that these pictures of the waters surrounding NYC would certainly fit the "Swim Criteria"!

They fit because several of us have done swims in the Hudson River, The East River, New York Harbor -- specifically, The Brooklyn Bridge Swim, Lady Liberty Swim, Governors Island Swim, The Little Red Lighthouse Swim etc. Enjoy the pictures AND consider joining in on one of these New York City Swims -- the views are incredible and unique!

Why were these "water" pictures taken at a wedding? Good question, and "no", I wasn't goofing off! After the 4PM ceremony and before the 6:30PM reception, we all took a water taxi tour that started at Battery Park (near the Church) and ended at South Street Seaport (near the reception). The weather was great and the sunset spectacular. Had a great time at the wedding BUT that's a post for facebook!

Back By Popular Demand: The Dancing Swimmers!

2011-09-24T14:56:00.000-05:00

It seems like you couldn't keep these two off the dance floor... and though they didn't dance every dance together, (OK, this was the only one they danced together), this dance, (though very brief), was certainly one of the most amusing dances of the afternoon. For my money, YMCA topped it (see YMCA Video below wedding pictures) -- on the other hand, rumor has it that Arthur Murray may soon be calling Bob and "Pav"!

Scenes From a Long Island Wedding: Sal and Doris, September 18, 2011

2011-09-19T17:27:00.002-05:00

What Do Huntington Masters Swimmers Do When They're Not Swimming? Why, They Dance and Sing YMCA!

2011-09-18T17:56:00.001-05:00

Pictures From the Aftermath of Irene on West Neck Beach

2011-09-04T05:35:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Rob Ripp for these pictures from West Neck Beach after Irene payed a visit in August 2011!

John Daly 1-Mile Ocean Swim: August 2011

2011-08-27T11:19:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Margot for the picture and the report: "Here’s a group shot from the John Daly. In it from left to right are: Eric (last name unknown), Ani O’Brien, Kaitlyn Robinson, Margot Edlin, Evelyn Cruise, Susan Robinson, Rob Ripp and Keith ( I think). It was a good day for most of the pod."

Here are local area swimmer results -- thanks to Bob Miller:

Name overall age group time

Rob Ripp 35^th 2^nd 26:13.2

Frank Caponi 40^th 5^th 26:46.9

Lisa Valentine 62^nd 2^nd 28:20.7

Andrea O’Brien 88^th 3^rd 31:01.9

Kaitlyn Robinson 94^th 2nd 31:30.0

Margot Edlin 104^th 4^th 32:22.4

Sue Robinson 108^th 2^nd 32:43.0

Evelyn Cruise 141^st 8^th 35:25.4

Makamah Beach Open Water Swim: July 30, 2011 Bob Sends Some Saltwater My Way!

2011-07-31T14:18:00.000-05:00

Makamah Beach Open Water Swim: July 30, 2011 More Still Pictures

2011-07-30T12:37:00.000-05:00

Makamah Beach Open Water Swim: July 30, 2011 Some Pictures

2011-07-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

Greg Is Back From the Tour de France Trip And His Brought Us a Video!

2011-07-29T13:57:00.000-05:00

Greg described this video: "Alpe d'Huez on race morning. A video for my hardcore cycling friends. This shows random clips as my wife was following me in a van up the mountain. It gives a perspective that you don't see on Versus, and if you love watching the Tour, it only captures a fraction of the fun."

Looks Like We Won't Run Out Of Water To Swim In... The Universe is LOADED With It!

2011-07-26T12:39:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE for story: Water in quasar could fill Earth's oceans 100 trillion times

Here we are at the South Buoy: July 24, 2011

2011-07-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

If you've never done an Open Water Swim with us, now is your chance to see what it looks like when you get to the South Buoy in Cold Spring Harbor (at least it's the south buoy when you start from West Neck Beach!). What does it look like? Sort of like a Starbucks coffee-clatch with a LOT of cool open water all around you!

Carol Swims By Off West Neck Beach: Sunday, July 24, 2011

2011-07-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

West Neck Beach OWS: Sunday, July 24, 2011 -- New Camera Pictures

2011-07-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

We seem to have some "dueling" camera action here at a "Buoy Stop" during a Sunday morning Open Water Swim at West Neck Beach in Huntington, New York. Actually we are in Cold Spring Harbor waters -- but it's all good in the middle of a late July Heat Wave. A heat wave that was one for the record books... but no matter, the water was delightfully cool!

Did Kramer Start the First Open Water Pod in the East River?

2011-07-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

Kramer Swims the East River

Take a Bike Ride With Greg, Harry and Crew

2011-07-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

GoPro Hero fever is spreading! I had been thinking of getting one of these amazing cameras for half-a-year or so but when Greg told me he picked one up at CostCo in Melville, well, it got me off my duff and I picked one up too. (See West Neck Beach pictures / video in yesterday's post.). So we know that the Hero HD works in the water... how will it work on a bike at speeds up to 42 MPH? Watch and see but hold on to your seat, you'll be in for quite a ride!

Some Pictures From Sunday, July 10 2011 Open Water Swim At West Neck Beach in Huntington, NY

2011-07-10T11:09:00.001-05:00

There are so many cars waiting for the gates of West Neck Beach to open, I don't know which way to turn!

As usual, it looks like the view, (and the water), was worth the wait!

West Neck Beach OWS: Sunday, July 10, 2011 -- I Test a New Camera

2011-07-10T10:54:00.002-05:00

I picked up a new GoPro Hero camera on Saturday -- less than 24 hours ago and was itching to give it a test! Sunday morning dawned bright and clear so I figured there would be a few people from the West Neck Pod in the waters of Cold Spring Harbor. They were there in force and with a fair number of "guests"!

I didn't have a wrist strap so I was confined to just standing in the water and holding the camera in my hand. And, with no screen to view results, you have to wait till you can get to a computer. I did, and here is the result (at least one of the results!). Can't wait to get a wrist strap so I can actually swim and take pictures!

"Peanut and Lifeguard Lynn" Voted Most Memorable Picture of The West Neck Beach 1&2 Mile Swim Huntington / Cold Spring Harbor, New York

2011-07-05T11:35:00.003-05:00

At age seven, "Peanut" was the youngest swimmer in the 400M Open Water Swim at West Neck Beach on Sunday, June 26, 2011. Lifeguard Lynn was not letting "Peanut" out of her sight and provided close escort -- not that "Peanut" needed it as she swam the 400M breast stroke! We won't be surprised to see "Peanut" entered in the 1 or 2 Mile event before to many years. In the meantime, thanks for a great race and a great photo opportunity! (Click on photo to enlarge.)

A Slideshow of 293 Photos From West Neck Beach 1 & 2 Mile Swim on June 26, 2011

2011-07-04T10:06:00.001-05:00

A 2012 West Neck Beach Swim? I'll Be There!

2011-07-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

At the conclusion of the 2011 West Neck Beach 1 & 2 Mile Open Water Swim on Sunday, June 26, 2011, one of the swimmers was asked for his opinion... here it is via a YouTube video:

Let's Give Out Some Awards! West Neck Beach Swim, June 26, 2011

2011-07-03T08:29:00.000-05:00

I wish that I had been able to get pictures of EVERYBODY who swam at the first West Neck Beach / Huntington / Cold Spring Harbor 1 and 2 Mile Swim on Sunday, June 26, 2011 OR, at least EVERYBODY who won an award... but I'm sure that I did not get pictures of every single person...

However, if you were there, you are already a winner and the "picture" of this picture-perfect swim event will stay with you for a long time. If you weren't there, enjoy these photo memories and be sure to join us next year... maybe you too can wave "hi" to the camera!

Below is link for Results of the 2011 1 & 2 Mile Plus 400M Swims at West Neck Beach

2011-06-30T18:32:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE for Results for-1&2 Mile and 400m Swims at West Neck Beach

Even More Water Pictures From WNB 1 & 2 Mile Swim!

2011-06-29T12:51:00.000-05:00

Water Pictures From West Neck Beach 1 & 2 Mile Swim: Sunday, June 26, 2011

2011-06-28T10:58:00.000-05:00

"Look, isn't that me paddling?"

Before The Start Of The Race: West Neck Beach 1 & 2 Mile Swim

2011-06-27T13:26:00.001-05:00

Now, how does that knot go? Left over right? Right over left? Ahhh... this should be good enough, it looks really, really calm out there today!

Did anybody remember to bring tablecloths? This is an inaugural swim race!

We were going to have that bird plot the course for us but he flew north and the race goes south!

A BIG thanks to Sea Tow... they made a complicated job look easy!

Our "rocky" North Shore beach gets a through grooming before the swimmers even get to the parking lot.

The "Official" Officials Photo.

I got my official West Neck Beach t-shirt. Now if I just don't lose my wallet!

Forget the tablecloths... we got a tent!

OK, we're all set up, now where are the swimmers?

This is really starting to come together... I guess it'd be OK to smile and be happy! And, lets face it, the weather couldn't have been any better. Just who was on the weather committee? (I'll take credit if no one else wants to!)

Ah. Summertime. The Beach. The Sun. A "Boy" and his surfboard. Cue the Beach Boys, we got a swim race today in Cold Spring Harbor, New York.

I don't think Rob let go of that clipboard all morning long!

Huntington / Cold Spring Harbor 1 & 2 Mile Swim First Photos

2011-06-26T11:54:00.001-05:00

So Many Pictures... So Little Time to post them! The Open Water Swim Event at West Neck Beach this morning was a great success. Here are just a FEW of the hundreds of pictures that were taken... to say nothing of video! Though, we'll start with a video just to :tease" a bit. More pictures (and videos), to come over the coming days and weeks. Yes, I took that many pictures, (and videos), and I wasn't the only one with a camera!

Huntington / Cold Spring Harbor 1 & 2 Mile Swim Is Almost Here!

2011-06-24T12:43:00.002-05:00

At 5AM on Sunday morning, June 26, 2011, there will be a last-minute weather check and if necessary, a cancellation notice will be emailed to the nearly 200 swimmers for this first-ever swim. The good news is that as of today, (Friday), the weather people are pretty sure that these pesky thunderstorms that have been hitting Long Island for the last couple of days should be gone for good... or at least for Sunday... leaving us with blue skies and puffy white clouds for the check-in, the swim and awards!

Thanks to all the Volunteers and the Race Committee members, especially Event Directors Rob Ripp and Colleen Driscoll. Check back after the race -- we hope to be publishing LOTS of pictures of what promises to be a great event!

12 Hours to Go! If you haven't signed up for the West Neck Beach Swim, Click the Link Below BEFORE Midnight Tonight!

2011-06-21T10:40:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE: tick tick tick-registration-deadline-for West Neck Beach Swim

It Was Buoy Turn Practice Day At The Huntington Y

2011-06-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

It's not exactly like turning around a buoy in an open water event but it's as close as Bob can make it in a 25 yard pool! Thanks to Bob Miller for the pictures and the buoy turn tips! Want to know what those tips are? Sign up for Bob's next class at the Huntington YMCA -- practice makes perfect!

One Week To Go! Here's The Race Course Map For West Neck Beach One and Two Mile Swim

2011-06-19T12:47:00.001-05:00

If You Haven't Joined U.S. MastersSwimming As a Member of the Huntington Masters Swim Team... NOW'S THE TIME!

2011-05-21T08:55:00.000-05:00

The Huntington Masters Swim Team and U.S. Masters Swimming welcomes swimmers of all abilities who want to improve their overall fitness, develop better technique, or train for any type of swimming competition. If you want to get fit, become a better swimmer or triathlete, stay motivated and meet new friends, U.S. Masters Swimming, the Huntington Masters Swim Team and the West Neck Pod is the place to be!

CLICK HERE to join US Masters Swimming. IMPORTANT: Don't forget to sign up as a member of HUMS (Huntington Masters Swimming and the West Neck Pod). US Masters has a nominal annual charge. Huntington Masters Swimming and the West Neck Pod are both free.

Register Online Now for the First Annual Huntington/Cold Spring Harbor 1 & 2 Mile Swim!

2011-05-14T11:47:00.000-05:00

Join us at West Neck Beach on Sunday, June 26, 2011 in a benefit to support the Huntington YMCA's children's swim scholarship program.

This sanctioned event, (One and Two Mile Open Water Swim), will also include a 400-meter swim for children ten and under, and will feature both wetsuit and non-wetsuit divisions. On-line registration is open -- follow the links on the Water-Blog to register for the US Masters Swimming, Open, and USA Swimming divisions:

CLICK the Link BELOW to go to the Water-Blog for COMPLETE registration info and links:

http://thewater-blog.blogspot.com/2011/05/register-online-now-for-first-annual.html

See you at West Neck Beach!

An Army of Bright Green Crossing Guards Spotted At The Huntington Y

2011-05-05T10:50:00.000-05:00

Along with the "new" building, "new" parking lot, and some "new" members, The Huntington YMCA main driveway sported a veritable Army of NEW Bright Green Crossing Guards! Perhaps these new guards, like the hoped-for warmer May weather are all harbingers of Summers imminent arrival in the form of campers and Open Water Swimming! Yes, before you know it, we'll all be back at West Neck Beach!

Competition Bike For Sale (Save OVER $3,500.00!)

2011-04-05T10:13:00.001-05:00

Are you in the market for a new ride? Do you have dreams of a Ferrari, but only funds for a Hyundai? Well, Nancy may have the solution to your dilemma. How? Nancy’s misfortune (lost her job), can be your good fortune. She is unfortunately, being forced to sell her road bike to meet some unavoidable bills. Here’s the deal:

FOR SALE~ 52 CM. TITANIUM SEROTTA- LEGEND TI ROAD BIKE (frame is $4000 new)

SRAM RED COMPONENTS ($2000 new)

RITCHEY CARBON FRONT FORK ($250 new)

CHRIS KING THREADLESS HEAD SET ($120 new)

FSA CARBON CRANKS ($250 new)

SPEEDPLAY PEDALS

BONTRAGER BARS & NEW TIRES

EASTON EA90SCX WHEELS ($1000 new)

FI’ZI:K ARIONE SADDLE- 213g ($135 new)

CATEYE STRADA WIRELESS COMPUTER (BRAND NEW)

The bike is in excellent condition, no dinks or scratches, very little wear.
Truly a gem, that can be yours, (ALL of it!), for $4000, (negotiable).

Contact Nancy: (H) 631-421-9339- (c) 631-848-5268 or runspot23@gmail.com

More Pictures From the TRI / Masters Swim Meet: 3/27/2011 Huntington Y

2011-04-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks and a "Tip-Of-The-Camera-Lens" to Jeff Urquhart for all these photos of the March 27th Sunday Morning TRI / Masters Swim Meet at the Norton Pool in the Huntington Y.

TRI / Masters Swim Meet: March 27, 2011, Huntington YMCA

2011-03-27T14:04:00.001-05:00

Prizes and Swimmers were lined up and ready to go for this 6th Annual Swim Classic!

There are a couple of videos below!

Email From Coach Bob: The results are in and it looks like Bob's team, Big Orange, beat Lynn's team, Mean Green Machine (again...hee hee)...the relay scores were pretty close - Orange - 26; Green - 24. But the individual results put Big Orange over the top. 2 methods of determining total points were used...one where only the top 5 places (male and/or female) received points (Orange - 116; Green - 55) and the other where men and women were scored separately (Orange - 200; Green - 95). So the final team standings remain the same...

Orange and Green Swim It Out For Prizes And Honor

2011-03-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

Stop Rocking and Start Swimming!

2011-03-27T13:12:00.000-05:00

First Dinner... Than Dancing (Or At Least Rocking!)

2011-03-27T12:03:00.001-05:00

March 26, 2011: Saturday Night in Huntington and the Town was ROCKING! Seven of us decided to eat out at F. H. Riley's before listening to Tim play at Nag's Head (see video below).

Margot and Jay thought F. H. Riley's was crowded... it would seem empty compared to the crowd at Nag's Head!

Carol sporting the latest fashion accessory -- neon ear plugs. Fashionable and smart when you're standing about three feet from the band!

When do you get on stage again Tim? "Here, right here. That's only about 6 songs away!"

BACKGROUND: Huntington area swimmers got together at the Nag's Head Ale House on New York Avenue in Huntington New York to hear fellow Pod member Tim Sullivan play blues harmonica with "Blue Sky Reign". The 8:00pm concert was a fundraiser for Marine Lt. James Byler, who was wounded in Afghanistan. All proceeds will go to renovate Lt. Byler's Huntington home.

Tim At Nag's Head Ale House March 26, 2011

2011-03-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

A Mid-Winter Get-Together At Meehan's: Friday, February 18, 2011

2011-02-19T17:04:00.000-05:00

We figured, "February 18th -- it'll be freezing cold, the middle of a really BAD winter -- what a great time for a Swimmer's Get-Together at Meehan's in downtown Huntington." Boy, were we ever wrong -- at least about the freezing cold... it hit 60 plus degrees that Friday in February and it was really welcome as was the friendship we all shared on a strangely warm winter's night. My guess is that it wasn't just the weather outside that contributed to the warmth but the gathering together of good friends! For those of you who were there, I salute you. For those of you who missed it, take part in these pictures and be sure to join us next time -- we missed you!

Gravity, Jell-O and a Monday Morning Workout

2011-02-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

GRAVITATIONAL ANOMALY DETECTED AT HUNTINGTON YMCA

Don’t panic. Don’t call NASA. This gravitational anomaly probably has more to do human frailty than little green men from Mars. There was no hint of an impending science-defying effect as I walked down the stairs to the strength-training center at the Huntington Y. In fact, all seemed quite normal. The usual suspects were standing about talking, others were actually working out. Nothing was amiss until I picked up those innocent looking dumbbells. Whoa! After a few reps they got much heavier than normal. Had my workout been transported to Saturn? Nope. No rings visible outside – just some left over snow in the parking lot. The heavier-than-normal effect on the dumbbells I was lifting had to be due to a gravitational anomaly. Time to put those weights down and head to the pool.
I’d be weightless in the water. The gravitational anomaly couldn’t touch me in Norton Pool. Or could it? Well, it turns out that it couldn’t but if I ever catch the person who spilled the Jell-O in the deep end and made every lap this morning feel ever so sluggish; he’ll be experiencing a gravitational anomaly of another kind!

Of course, my scientific and medical advisors ridicule my Monday Morning Gravitational Anomaly and Jell-O Theory. Even though other people have noticed the same or similar effects… and not always on Mondays! Have you?

Mike and Paval's Excellent Adventure To The Knicks / Lakers Game On Friday February 11, 2011

2011-02-12T12:18:00.000-05:00

Paval, with our host for the evening, Phil Weber, Assistant Coach, NY Knicks.

Amar'e Stoudemire powdering up to start the game!

Unfortunately, Kobe Bryant, (number 24 in the purple and gold shorts). was "in the zone" and poured in 19 points in the first quarter, finished with 33... and he didn't even play the 4th quarter. The seats were great. It was an EXCELLENT adventure but the Knicks were humbled by the defending world champs. Enjoy the pictures -- they were taken with a regular Canon digital camera or an iPhone -- NO Giant Zooms!

We were so close, we were almost on the court during the game! By the way, how many times can you spot Spike Lee in the pictures above?

Paval and Mike with our "Family" Passes... how else did you think we got to walk on the Garden floor?

We even "hitched" a ride in a limo to get home to Huntington... but before the Limo Ride, we did get to say hello to Walt "Clyde" Frazier at center court on the Garden Floor. We both shook his hand and thanked him for all the great basketball he had given us -- an EXCELLENT Adventure indeed!

Swim Sal Swim: Huntington Y Indoor Tri 2/6/2011

2011-02-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

Huntington Y Indoor Tri: Instructions For the Swim Portion

2011-02-07T18:27:00.000-05:00

Spinning at the Huntington Y Indoor Tri

2011-02-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

Running at the Huntington Y Indoor Tri

2011-02-06T18:34:00.000-05:00

Huntington Y Indoor Tri Swim Start Heat 5

2011-02-06T18:08:00.000-05:00

Huntington Y: Indoor Tri 2011

2011-02-06T13:21:00.000-05:00

Sunday, February 6, 2011: Some might remember this day as Super Bowl Sunday -- but in Huntington, NY a whole bunch of people will also remember it as the day of the Huntington Y Indoor Tri which has become an annual and fun event!

Nothing like doing a Tri in the middle of one of the worst winters we've seen in years. What's more, even the weather outdoor had a spring feel to it which just added to the great mood. Congrats to all who participated and THANKS to all those who put it together and the volunteers who helped make it run so smoothly. Here are just a few pictures... more to come!

A Few Underwater Pictures From Bob's Latest Snorkel Excursion In Mexico

2011-02-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

I always seem to enjoy warm-water pictures more in the middle of winter than any other time of the year. Thanks Bob -- the only thing that would have been better would have been to actually be there taking them myself! But this isn't too bad. Not too bad at all!

Rob's PINK Speedo: Maybe It's a Good Thing That the Picture Is Blurry

2011-01-28T12:14:00.000-05:00

This picture is for those of you who have not been following the saga of Rob's Pink Speedo on Facebook -- and if this doesn't get you join us on Facebook, what will? (OK, Kids and Grandkids -- but a Pink Speedo -- that's gotta be worth something!). And as for exactly why the picture is blurry... it wasn't done on purpose... I put it down to amused camera shake! As to WHY Rob has a Pink Speedo? That's a question that only Rob can answer!

5 Degrees? 5 Degrees! I Want the Summer... I'll Settle For Spring!

2011-01-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

Above is the "Official" Weather for Huntington, New York on Monday, January 24, 2011. At 7:56 AM it was 5 Degrees! Not exactly outdoor swimming weather but it certainly made the temperatures in both Y pools very welcome... like a quick Caribbean vacation. See you in the pool!

And don't forget to sign up for the INDOOR TRI. It's just TWO WEEKS AWAY -- on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 8:00AM. All three events -- Swim, Bike, Run -- are completed indoors, using the pool, stationary bikes and treadmills to complete each event. For more information or to sign up, call the Huntington Y at 631-421-4242.

Blast From the Past: September 1997, John Daly One Mile Ocean Swim, Long Beach NY

2011-01-19T12:38:00.001-05:00

Long before blogging or facebook, your's truly had a little digital camera that held all of 8 pictures -- and it was remarkable! The question is, did I actually have that camera when I took these pictures of the 1997, (or was it 1998), John Daly One Mile Ocean Swim in Long Beach, New York? If not that first digital camera, then where did these digital pictures come from?

Oh, I know where I found them -- they were on a treasure trove of old Memorex 2SHD, (two-sided, High Density), 1.44 MB Diskettes. The pictures are small. The pictures are grainy. But they're more than a dozen years old! To realize just how long ago that was in "computer years" you'd have to understand that in 1997 I would have needed to carry over 75,000 of these Floppy Disks with me just to start to come close to the memory on my cell phone in 2011! Be that as it may, enjoy this blast from the past! And better yet, it was SUMMERTIME and it was WARM enough for outdoor swimming!

A YouTube Video From Today's Swim (January 15, 2011)

2011-01-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

Winter Outside... SUMMER Inside!

2011-01-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

Saturday. January 15, 2011 at the Huntington Y:

"Oh the weather outside is frightful... but the pool is so delightful... and so long as we're going to swim (inside), let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

OK, so actually the weather today wasn't so frightful at all. In fact, it felt almost balmy walking out of the Y -- if you can call 25 degrees balmy. But with no wind and a bright blue sky overhead, it really didn't feel bad at all. Looking at the mounds of snow everywhere... well, that's an entirely different issue! So my feeling is that one "snow-filled" picture (above) is more than enough. Let your eyes wander down to pictures from Norton Pool -- like a little time machine to Summer!

Margot, Don, Paul and Sal line up in swim-speed order.

What are Harry and Margot so happy about? I'm guessing it's because the workout has been over for about 20 minutes already and this is just "cool down" and "fun swim" time. In my book, the yardage still counts!

Joe makes sure to stay hydrated.

The water was so warm and blue, Sal thought he was in Hawaii!

Ahh, a boy and his kickboard!

First Sunday Swim in 2011 (January 2nd, 2011)

2011-01-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo but the window in the hallway that looks in on the pool is not exactly crystal clear. And, with a cell-phone camera from that distance... Oh, and about the action OR lack of it, (lots of standing, sitting and gabbing) -- the workout was pretty much over by this time with most swimmers logging 3,000 or MORE yards (Paul was probably pushing 5,000 yards) -- OK for a Sunday morning after the big New Year's celebrations.

Christmas Eve 2010: Last Minute Shopping OR Last Minute Swimming... Which Would Be More Popular?

2010-12-24T11:48:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm gonna have to say that it looks fairly obvious that virtually ALL Huntington area swimmers were extremely efficient in their Christmas Shopping this year!

December 24, 2010 turned out to be one of the biggest swim turn-out days we've had in a LONG, long time! The group pictured below is but a fraction of the swimmers who graced Norton Pool with their presence this morning, (I suppose because they had taken care of all their "presents" well before Christmas Eve Morn).

The Christmas Eve Swim started at 5:30AM and was still going strong, (although with longer "chat" breaks), when I shot these pictures around 8:20AM! A few potential swimmers, who will remain nameless, on peering in the windows at the pool and seeing the crowd, turned around and headed for home -- perhaps for some last-minute shopping!

So, non-swimming spouses and significant others who are reading this and seeing the smiles on the faces of the swimmers below can rest easy that all the last-minute shopping has already been done -- for who among us would put swimming ahead of Christmas shopping? Merry Christmas to All

A Saturday Morning Swim Winds Down

2010-12-21T11:13:00.000-05:00

This iPhone photo was taken Saturday, December 18, 2010 looking thru the water-splattered window of the hallway door just outside the lifeguard office. Not too many swimmers left... and those that are still in the pool seem to be doing more talking than swimming!

Morning Workout? Should You Eat Breakfast BEFORE or AFTER Exercise?

2010-12-15T14:14:00.002-05:00

The Benefits of Exercising Before Breakfast
Click the link above to go to the New York Times 12/15/2010 news story.

Cold Weather Cure 2: Open Water Swim "Art" From West Neck Beach

2010-12-15T12:29:00.000-05:00

Can't you just feel the warm Summer sun on your shoulders?

Cold Weather Cure -- Open Water Summer Swim Pictures (Brooklyn Bridge)

2010-12-14T16:18:00.000-05:00

If I was an artist, above is how I'd like to paint the "Pre-Race Instructions".

Above: Swimming under the Brooklyn Bridge and past the Coast Guard Cutter.

Below: The first wave lines up, ready to start the race.

Editors Note: Photoshop is a lot faster than actually doing the painting!

Christmas Brunch 2010 Edition: Best Ever?

2010-12-05T18:19:00.000-05:00

Some people say that the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the "kick-off" to the Christmas Holiday Season. Some say that its the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center. (Some stores seem to think that the Christmas Season starts right after Labor Day!) But for the last 25 years or so, if you were a Huntington area Swimmer, (or married to one!), the REAL "kick-off" to the Christmas Holiday Season was, is and hopefully always will be the Annual Swimmer's Christmas Brunch.

Was 2010 the Best One Ever? Based on turn-out and calories consumed, maybe it was.

Plates were piled high and many went back for seconds... some for thirds!

Carole is the artist... and she, along with everyone else, enjoyed how the light shone through on her original stained-glass "To The Sailboat And Beyond" work of art.

Before the food and during the drinks, there was a lot of ernest conversations going on. Some of us get together nearly every day but for many others, the brunch is a great time to get caught up in what has been happening with friends not seen on a daily basis. Facebook is good but it's no substitute for "face-to-face"!

And sometimes, the "Fast" Lane and the "Slow" Lane never get to talk to one another... but at a brunch, swim speed is never an issue -- talk is king! And, if we didn't have these occasional "out-of-the-water" get-togethers, when would we ever get to use the ever popular "I didn't recognize you with your clothes on" line!

Y Parking Lot Is Open For Business... Including the Jackson Avenue Entrance!

2010-12-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

Mark this day well -- Friday, December 3, 2010 -- the day that the new upper parking lot was opened and we were able to park in peace. So, Bring on your rain. Bring on your snow. We won't be walking through mud, mush and gravel -- we've got ASPHALT!

Happy days are here again. And, oh yeah, I can stop taking pictures of construction and concentrate on parties and swimming! See you in the pool... and Sunday at Black & Blue Restaurant for our annual Swimmer's Brunch (a yearly tradition since the 1980's!).

Asphalt is DOWN -- Jackson Ave. Entrance Gate Is Still UP!

2010-12-02T12:10:00.000-05:00

It's true. As of 8AM Thursday, December 2, 2010 the asphalt in the Huntington Y parking lot(s) and driveways was totally down and looking good. I guess we're lucky that it didn't all wash away in yesterday's rain! Though cars still couldn't get in via Jackson Ave, pedestrian traffic was "clean & green" walking into the Y from Jackson Ave on our nice, new sidewalks! Sunshine is supposed to rule the weather for the next few days so we should be parking in style real soon. We can't wait!

Huntington Y: The Gift of Asphalt! -- Tuesday, Nov. 30 2010 Progress

2010-11-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

The weathermen are all predicting rain for tonight and even heavier rain for tomorrow, (Wednesday). What will this mean for the "pouring" of the asphalt? Only time will tell but, progress is obvious!

Huntington Y: The Gift of Asphalt!

2010-11-27T13:05:00.000-05:00

Monday, November 30th THRU Wednesday, December 1, 2010 the soon-to-be-completed "upper" Main Parking Lot for the Huntington Y is scheduled to be closed including both entrances to the "upper" Main Parking Lot from Jackson Ave and the driveway from lower lot. The lower lot (entrance on 25A) will remain open but there will be NO Access to the Y from Jackson Ave -- including pedestrian access!

"Without Asphalt... it's been a Jungle!"

Huntington Y: Work on the Jackson Ave Entrance Continues

2010-11-20T18:08:00.000-05:00

While the inside construction at the Huntington Y is pretty much done, (it seems like we've been using the new 7,500 square foot strength training center forever -- and happy we are about that!), work on the outside sidewalks, driveways and parking areas continues. Asphalt is scheduled to be applied to the roadways and parking lots on November 30th so those of us who normally enter from Jackson Avenue should be able to resume doing so in early December -- just in time for Winter weather!

Bob's Trip to Hawaii: Pictures to savor on a cold Winter's Day!

2010-11-13T13:13:00.000-05:00

I just received the following 4 pictures from Bob along with this note:

"Here are a few shots of out trip to Kaua'i. Went off Bali hai in about 70 feet of water and got a couple of shots of a 12 foot monk seal...he came up about a foot away from me, but...figures, that shot was out of the frame. The last shot is one of me I took body surfing at Hanalei Bay...such a beautiful island!"

Perfect pictures for a cold winter's day -- of course today in Huntington, it is already up to 61 degrees, the sky is a beautiful blue and I know that a few of you are secretly thinking of "just one more open water swim at West Neck Beach". Alas, even on it's very best days, the water around Long Island doesn't quite look like this! Enjoy and THANKS BOB!

The Little Apple Run: Lloyd Neck, New York

2010-11-10T17:36:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Rich Huminski for the pictures and the following "eyewitness" report from the Little Apple Run on Lloyd Neck this past weekend.

"I took my son to a run last Sunday called the Little Apple Run. It was in Lloyd Neck. Saw Don Bond, Liz Pearlman, and Scott.(pictures attached)...what was fun for me is that my son has kept a race shirt I got at the Southampton Tri in September of 1988...(see picture)...he was born on June 11 of the same year and was at the race..If us old guys can't relive the past on the roads we can at least relive it in our T-shirts.."

Thanks again Rich! And, BTW if anyone else is sitting on a good story -- hopefully WITH pictures or video... send it in... the BLOG is ever hungry!

Harry Finishes Florida Ironman in 10:58

2010-11-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, November 6, 2010 2,500 athletes took part in the 12th edition of Ford Ironman Florida in Panama City Beach. One of those athletes was our very own Harry Slutter. Here's Harry's race story in his own words:

"Florida was fun I went 10:58 The conditions were good 15 to 20 wind but a cool start @ 38 Brrr. There is nothing more enjoyable then swimming with 2500 friends, It's a Full Contact Sport. I had a great Bike 21.4 mph and was thinking of 10:30 time. Then came the run had a 8:45 pace for the first 7 and Stomach woes so from mile 8 to 11 things were tough, got it back together around 11 and ran the rest of the away."

Way to go Harry!

Open Water Halloween Swim: West Neck Beach 10/31/2010

2010-10-31T14:21:00.002-05:00

Sunday: October 31, 2010

Wow, the summer is long gone... Labor Day is but a distant memory.

It's Halloween already! Can Thanksgiving and even Christmas be far away? They're not! And yet, a few hardy Long Island Open Water Swimmers are still hearing the pull of the salt and braving the cold, the wind, the chop and assorted other hazards to get in yet one more Open Water Swim before the season really freezes over. So, here they are, around 12:30pm Sunday afternoon -- Halloween no less -- getting that one last swim in -- though rumors are already flying for an Election Day swim!

I told you that it was Halloween. This must be Superman getting out of the water!

"Superman" was heard to mutter; "Guess I finally swam all that Kryptonite off my hands!"

"This darn cape never stays where it's supposed to be once it gets wet!"

Bloodied but un-defeated, Rob shows the results of his too-close encounter with a wave tossed buoy!

"I swear that buoy had JAWS THIS BIG!"

Carol and I get in some "dueling photos"! Which is OK with me as long as I could do it from the shoreline!

"Nurse" Joye does what she can to patch Rob up.

Carol can't resist getting a close-up shot!

Parking Lot Paving Is Starting at the Huntington Y

2010-10-22T14:05:00.000-05:00

Plenty of GOOD Parking Spots are now available... there's just no way to get to them! But this is progress, real progress!

Save The Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010 (Noon to 3PM)

2010-10-20T13:32:00.000-05:00

Our Annual Christmas Brunch will be held this year at Black and Blue Restaurant, 65 Wall Street, Huntington NY.

Total Cost is $25 per person and includes the buffet menu above plus unlimited Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's. We will be taking over the Main Dining Room at Black and Blue Restaurant from 12 Noon till 3PM on Sunday, December 5th, 2010. If you've never been to Black and Blue, you're in for a real treat -- the food is outstanding, the people are terrific and there is a LARGE fish tank in the Dining Room -- perfect for swimmer's to gaze at over good food and drink.

Best of all -- good friends getting together for another Annual Christmas Brunch. If memory serves, the first "Holiday Swimmer's Brunch" was sometime in the 1980's. Yes, some of us do go back that far!

So, keep the tradition alive... join us 12 Noon on Sunday, 12/5/2010 at Black and Blue Restaurant, 65 Wall Street in downtown Huntington. A sign-up sheet will be posted at the Y within the week.

CW Post Masters Swim Meet Results 10-3-2010

2010-10-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

Event/Name A/G place Time

50 free

Jeff He 2^nd 25.64

Rob Martell 4^th 28.03

100 Free

Jeff He 2^nd 59.36

50 Back

Jeff He 1^st 33.08

50 Breast

Rob Martell 1^st 32.51

50 Fly

Jeff He 1^st 30.07

Rob Martell 2^nd 33.39

Results of 2010 Cow Harbor 10K 9-25-2010

2010-09-29T17:12:00.002-05:00

All right, all right. We all know that it's not a 10K Swim but it is a 10K and it is in Northport, and it is right near the water. I figure thats close enough!

Name Overall Age Group Time

Todd Rowley 61 6 38:43

Rich Delasota 64 1 38:55

Mike Bosclair 83 9 40:35

Steve Uresk 85 9 40:43

Steve Schmidt 95 10 41:06

Carl Reinesch 173 16 43:32

Louis Carminati 265 19 45:21

Liz Perlstein 526 21 48:14

Mike Edebohls 792 94 50:25

Frank Andriza 954 123 51:36

Eileen Knauer 1227 10 53:29

Susan McKane 1983 64 57:53

Liz Donroe 2080 67 58:21

Lisa Lamorte 2152 39 58:45

Evelyn Cruise 2239 109 59:11

Andrea O’Brien 2744 169 1:02:01

Joanna Grossman 2997 197 1:03:32

Janette Newell 3931 45 1:11:05

Doug Dougherty 3949 380 1:11:23

Amy Girimonti 3981 294 1:11:4

More September 2010 Race Results including: Mighty Hamptons Tri and the Toughman Tri

2010-09-26T16:12:00.001-05:00

Results of Mighty Hamptons Triathlon 9-12-2010

Name Time Place

Brett Emsden 2:34:50 97^th

Mike Olsen 2:39:53 153^rd

Tony Santomauro 2:42:52 189^th

Joe Conklin 2:46:44 254^th

Dawn Desimone 3:05:41 536^th

Bernadette Olsen 3:26:35 712^th

Renate Rhein 4:10:03 853^rd

Toughman Triathlon 9-12-2010

Name Overall Age group Time

Todd Rowley 31^st 8^th 4:48:20

Kaitlyn Robinson 272^nd 7^th 5:48:57

Andrea O’Brien 410^th 14^th 6:23:58

SheRox Tri Asbury Park, NJ

Denise Tirino 1:24:03 25^th A/G 275^th O/A

Y Parking Lot Construction In The Dark of an Early Thursday Morning

2010-09-23T14:53:00.000-05:00

See, the Huntington Y Parking Lot lights are working! Good luck parking there unless, of course, you're driving a Caterpillar Construction Vehicle.

Construction Continues at the Huntington Y: Especially the Parking Lots

2010-09-22T14:04:00.003-05:00

It was a sunny September morning -- Wednesday, September 22, 2010 -- and construction was in full swing both inside and outside the Huntington YMCA. Our temporary parking lots gave us a little bit of an extra workout but when you're swimming 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 yards on any given day, (plus some weight room work), you really can't complain about an extra 100 yard walk to your car!

The light poles are up -- and they already work. Something we'll really appreciate when the days get shorter and shorter!