Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue 1 (March 1999)
Issue 2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue 7 (May 2000)

Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)

Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)

Categories
Sport: 1 2 3
Lifestyles: 1 2 3
Commentary: 1 2 3
Review: 1 2 3
Writing: 1 2 3
Event: 1 2 3

SUMMER

Aisling Wadden,
Dominican College, Wicklow

For most people 'Summer Holidays' mean three months relaxation, staying in bed late, and enjoying yourself. It means all of these things to me too but most of all, 'sea swimming' springs to my mind.

During the months June, July and August I swim every day in the sea and, on average, I compete in four or five swimming races a week. Half of these are 'Wicklow Swimming Club' races which I really enjoy but, the other ones are 'Leinster Open Sea Swims' and these are what I live for in the Summer. I absolutely love taking part in these races which are mostly held in Dun Laoighre and Blackrock. These races are between one and a half to two kilometres in length and there are separate events for men and women. On a good day there would be around 100-150 men and 60-90 women racing. The age group of the swimmers ranges from fourteen to sixty!

They work on a handicap system in which the slower swimmers are let off at the beginning and the faster swimmers are let go by degrees until the fastest 'Scratch' swimmer is let off last.

While I'm swimming I 1et my mind wander until I'm near the finish and then, all I can think about is swimming as fast as I can and getting to the end. I get a great rush of adrenalin from these races. Afterwards, there is a presentation which normally takes place in a hotel or pub. All the swimmers meet up here and socialise.

These 'Open Sea Swims' are the highlight of my Summer and I plan to continue doing them for as long as I can.

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