B-Team Boost!

A sunrise illuminated sea star waits for Craig (#gobears) at the Creekers. 📸: Fran

With the strong ebb pushing us to the opening in less than eight minutes, we knew the battle to the Creekers would not disappoint.

Kira launched with us at the beach and took a left turn toward the flag while Katie, Laura, Margaret, Sprink, and I set course for the opening. As we started our swim, the B-team persisted with their blue cap envy manifested as Smurf heckles. 

 

Needless to say, the B-team took the inside-outside route. Perhaps they feared the flood, or maybe they just wanted more playtime and a leisurely swim out in the Bay. We'll never know...

  

Katie (right) and I (left) conquering Ebbzilla   📸: Fran

With the powerful ebb pushing us out into the open waters of the San Francisco Bay, we quickly reached the opening. Without a regroup we headed east into the current, much to the chagrin of an unnamed sniveler from our pod. The ebb built as we progressed along the breakwater. As we approached the Creekers, the opposing current’s force increased. Eddys formed around the pylons, pushing us left and right, closer and further from the barnacle-covered sea wall.

Laura working her way up the breakwater   📸: Fran

The slog had yet to begin. We felt the ebb’s full force turning the corner at the elbow. It took 15 strokes to advance the five-foot distance between each pylon. Digging deep pushed me to the edge of my anaerobic threshold. I needed more. It became a struggle of mind over matter to overcome the ebb and make it the final 10 yards to the end of the breakwater. I needed motivation. Through my earplugs, I heard cheering. At first, I thought oxygen deprivation had set in. Then, I realized the B-Team had just rounded the Creekers and cheered us on. Their inside the breakwater route brought them to the Creekers before we arrived, and Smurfs be damned, their encouragement helped tremendously as they floated by while we swam in the opposite direction. Ultimately, we all made it to the Creekers where a humungous sea star welcomed us on the last pylon!

Long-time B-Team swimmer Tom heading under the Hyde Street Pier. 📸: Fran

On our return to the cove, not only did we come across Sarah and Kim making their way into the current, but we also saw several ‘birds’ patrolling the breakwater and opening. One of these alleged birds breached close enough for Margaret and me to confirm this particular bird with whiskers was in fact a pinniped.

 

A truly great sunrise swim!

36 Minutes

52ºF (colder in the Cove)