Pretty cold day for the annual charity swim in Cornwall
Happy New Year to all my readers! May this be a happy and productive year for you all… I have just got back from taking photos of a “New Year Swim” event. It is a fun thing to do and gives you the chance to flush out the cobwebs from a New Years Eve party!
This morning it was wet and windy on the beach. Photography was difficult. But the swimmers were keen and ready to go. Most of them were there to raise money for charity. Hundreds of spectators were there to support them and watch the fun. It was pretty cold. So it was a bit of a challenge just to get to the beach! With so many spectators there is little chance the swimmers were going to wimp out once they arrived. Everyone wears fancy dress to make it more fun!
I did this swim myself five times. I have to say it was fun – but also bitterly cold some years. Well, you have to get your kicks somehow. In recent years I get my kicks photographing these events. Some of the shots are rough and ready – especially when the weather is poor. Here are a few photos of the event from the last few years…
Knights in waiting for the swim
Even cowgirls go for the charity swim
The vikings invade again
The lifeguards like to play too...
Charity group before the swim
A flight of swimmers preparing for the water
When the horn sounds everyone rushes to the sea for the swim
Mad Hatter character ready for the swim
Keystone Cops get the criminals
Some people find it a bit cold in there - it was about four degrees on that day!
Coming out of the water everyone looks less enthusiastic
Some of the costumes are really well done - there are prizes for the best individual costume and the best group costumes
It's pretty cold getting changed on the beach after the swim
After the swim everyone gets warmed up and participants get hot soup