Plum Island, one of our favorite open water training locations is facing a crisis.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/03/23/plum_island_aid_urged/
Monday, March 24, 2008
Explunging Ground Rules
Thanks to a fun meeting of the founding members of the Cambridge Society of Explungers (and spousal support units) this past Thursday night, Explunge Season 1 is off to a strong start.
The lively discussion of lane and swimming etiquette got me thinking— it’s probably a good idea to put down some ground rules. At the very least, I thought we could use a list of guidelines that define what explunging is (and is not), rules dictating proper etiquette for safety and enjoyment, and how to preserve the fine art of explunging for future generations.
I submit for your review a humble gathering of Explunging Ground Rules:
1.) Thou shalt not fear any body of water (unless, or course there are signs clearly posted that tell you the water is unsafe or you otherwise know that sea life, microorganism counts, or other contaminants are present and could do bodily harm. In these instances, fear is acceptable and another body of water more suitable for explunging should be sought.)
2.) Never explunge alone.
3.) Cold water is not considered dangerous, but proceed with caution in cases of extreme cold water (any water under 50 degrees Fahrenheit). The team thermometer carrier will make an official call as to the temperature at the start of each explunge and has the right to curtail an attempt if the water is deemed to be too cold.
4.) For a complete explunging experience, all swimmers must fully submerge themselves in the body of water. Up to the knees, hips, or chest is not an acceptable example of a complete explunge. Attempts that reach anything less than a fully submerged level will be recorded as a Junior Varsity attempt.
5.) Explunging is not wading; an explunge officially becomes a wading experience in less than 12 inches of water. Seek deeper water or find another body of water in which to explunge to be awarded full credit for a Varsity Explunge.
6.) Only a standard swimming costume, bathing cap, and goggles are acceptable attire for a full explunge. Wetsuits are permitted, but any explunge being completed in said wet suit will be recorded as a Junior Varsity experience.
7.) Keep the beer and ice cream consumption levels to a minimum before all but the most leisurely of explunges. This will ensure safety and prevent stomach cramps on longer swims and the more technically challenging explunges. After the explunge is completed, however, all bets are off. Explungers are advised to arrange for a designated driver or to have a well-mapped out route to the nearest ice cream vendor. Eat, drink, and be merry!
8.) Have fun and keep an eye on your fellow explungers. Safety comes first!
Here's to a great Explunging season!
The lively discussion of lane and swimming etiquette got me thinking— it’s probably a good idea to put down some ground rules. At the very least, I thought we could use a list of guidelines that define what explunging is (and is not), rules dictating proper etiquette for safety and enjoyment, and how to preserve the fine art of explunging for future generations.
I submit for your review a humble gathering of Explunging Ground Rules:
1.) Thou shalt not fear any body of water (unless, or course there are signs clearly posted that tell you the water is unsafe or you otherwise know that sea life, microorganism counts, or other contaminants are present and could do bodily harm. In these instances, fear is acceptable and another body of water more suitable for explunging should be sought.)
2.) Never explunge alone.
3.) Cold water is not considered dangerous, but proceed with caution in cases of extreme cold water (any water under 50 degrees Fahrenheit). The team thermometer carrier will make an official call as to the temperature at the start of each explunge and has the right to curtail an attempt if the water is deemed to be too cold.
4.) For a complete explunging experience, all swimmers must fully submerge themselves in the body of water. Up to the knees, hips, or chest is not an acceptable example of a complete explunge. Attempts that reach anything less than a fully submerged level will be recorded as a Junior Varsity attempt.
5.) Explunging is not wading; an explunge officially becomes a wading experience in less than 12 inches of water. Seek deeper water or find another body of water in which to explunge to be awarded full credit for a Varsity Explunge.
6.) Only a standard swimming costume, bathing cap, and goggles are acceptable attire for a full explunge. Wetsuits are permitted, but any explunge being completed in said wet suit will be recorded as a Junior Varsity experience.
7.) Keep the beer and ice cream consumption levels to a minimum before all but the most leisurely of explunges. This will ensure safety and prevent stomach cramps on longer swims and the more technically challenging explunges. After the explunge is completed, however, all bets are off. Explungers are advised to arrange for a designated driver or to have a well-mapped out route to the nearest ice cream vendor. Eat, drink, and be merry!
8.) Have fun and keep an eye on your fellow explungers. Safety comes first!
Here's to a great Explunging season!
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