The First (and We Hope Annual) WH2O Zuma Swim (9/3/01)


With absent friends kicking back and basking in the tropical Hawaiian sun (they had made some lame excuse about a relay, and little swim two days later, I am not sure any of us really believed them to be honest), we real oceanswimmers made our way to labor at the Labor Day First (and we hope Annual) WH2O Ocean Swim at Zuma hosted by the very friendly WH2O team. Tracy insisted it was just "drizzling," while quite clearly to anyone with any sense, the scientifically correct term was "raining." I mean John's bike helmet had raindrops all over it. But anyway, not to let down our missing comrades (those basking in Hawaii as discussed previously), we threw ourselves with abandon into the one mile course off Zuma. I had stipulated that had the waves been anything close to those encountered at the previous Zuma swim, well I for one little oceanswimming buddy -- I was not swimming. Fortunately they were just little waves and even I could not use the surf as an excuse.

Our very own Dawn Heckman led the field with another first place finish. Yawn. She did look great in another Heckman original, orders may be placed at dawnheckman@hotmail.com. The very fast Lyle was second overall, our own Jerry S. was tres speedy with a 3rd place finish, followed closely by Tracy at 6th. Eric E. splashed home in 8th and the 2nd, 6th and 8th place winners graced another photo in the Handsome Men in Speedos Photo Series. John J. was 14th, riding to the race and home in his warmup for this coming weekend's LA triathlon. Other SCAQ swimmers included Nick of Culver fame, and Brian J. who finished second in his age-group and "survived" in his immortal words. Again, another snap for the series. Tom Winslow, another SCAQer, was 11th overall and first in his group, Auggie grabbed first as usual in the Handsome Mens. Steve J. was a fast finisher with a 2nd place agegroup medal. Other SCAQers to be congratulated are Chris, Gina Greco, Molly Hintlian, Tracy Webbers, Kara Clifford, Khalsa Prithman, and Ira D. Again, apologies for omissions, misspellings, inaccurate statistics, and the weather!

The day cleared up slightly as we finished another fun oceanswim thanks to the WH2O team. We encourage them to make this an annual event! I bought Tracy some "elixir of the Gods" (Diet Coke for the unitiated), signed the petition to ratify domestic partnerships in keeping with the day's events, and we made our merry way homeward. Stay tuned for the last (thank goodness) ocean race of the season at Catalina. Hope to see you there if not before oceanswimming buddies!