Dark Swim

Swim Start Time 22:39

January 4 2021

Causeway Coast

Charity AWARE NI

Swim Distance 1.43km

The big bright moon of the previous night was nowhere to be seen tonight. The shimmery surface gone as the moon was obsured by cloud cover. Hearing splashes or slaps in the water that Im pretty sure wasnt me often makes me stop and have a look around just incase my seal friends are following! I didnt see them last night so I assume it was just the sound of water moving that made me pause but they may well have been there. Last night was a tough swim. I was held back by currents at several points. Infact I was being pushed backwards at times. Despite swimming to the west I was actually being pushed to the east. I have a marker on land where a church breaks the skyline and I just seemed to not get to it for ages last night. Eventually though I made it through and kept going. Surface conditions were small and clean and not as cold as the previous swim but I often find these conditons to be the hardest to move forward in with continual waves coming from the side. The combination of relatively insignificant factors at times converge to become significant and make it a bit tougher to progress. I much more enjoy when the surf is pounding as the whitewater is much more evenly spaced and I can get into a rhythm with my strokes much more easily!

Thank you for reading this far! Please if you have a few spare quid use it to help the charity AWARE NI via the link here.... A massive thank you to the few of you who have donated so far! I cant reply to you on the justgiving site but know that your words and the money for charity are greatly appreciated. I know how hard it is for everyone at the minute and to find something to donate is a great and kind thing thank you! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/al-mennie

Info - I am swimming a total of 100km through the darkness, in the darkest and coldest months of the year off the North Coast of Ireland. My aim...to inspire those who may be struggling in dark times to keep going. I also aim to raise awareness and funds for the depression Charity Aware NI. We all face dark times in life at some point and it can be extremely overwhelming.

Safety - Please don't think that because I am doing this that you too should do this or something similar. I am very experienced in the sea with knowledge that is only gained through many years of exposure to the sea in all her moods. I have a safety and location system in place including continual contact with people on land every time I swim.