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If you are a new or fairly new swimmer, find a Master's Swim Team. Don't be shy, most of them are very receptive of new-comers and the only requirements are to over 19, be able to swim a fairly modest distance, and pay a fee. It is suprising how much better one can improve when properly coached and motivated. Swimming with a Masters Team, provides both. For more information on Masters Swim Teams visit U.S. Masters . My first swim My first open-water race was the Chesapeake Bay 1 mile challenge. This was not supposed to be a nude swim, but.. First, my suit was loose. I could not find my swim suit I used when swimming with the masters. It was a bit snug but never gave a hint of comming off - so I grabbed a suit I'd worn years ago. The suit was a bit loose, but I figured I'd tighten it up at the race. Second, I got to the starting line just as the swimmers were leaving and did not have time to tighten the suit. I drove all the way to the parking area that morning, with plenty of time to spare, as I decided to register at the race. By the time the bus I caught to take from the parking area arrived, I still had suffecient time to register, but I could not find where to register. I found the registeration table, registered for the race, paid, got my cap, and ran down to the starting line with just enough time to take off my sweats, put on my gogles and cap, and enter the water. Just then the signal was given and everyone started running for deeper water. As I dove into the water I could feel the suit coming loose, and then a hand catching it. In an instant I was nude (not that I cared that much), but not by choice. The mile seemed to go on forever and the water felt colder than I thought it would. I was told 73F, but it seemed much colder, which made getting my stroke down harder. I found it difficult to hold my face and beath out under water. Several times I felt people swim over me, some ones hand running down the length of my backside, or kicking my face. The draft at the start was awsome, but after a while people were separating and the draft died down. I exchanged a few words with a lovely gal, with an English Accent, who swam by me most of the way. She finally understood that I had lost my suit, entirely, and offered to get me a towel when I finished. I tried swimming on my back for a while, at her suggestion, which got my face out ot the water and helped to rest weary muscles. Navigation while swimming is difficult at best and I found myself swimming off course several times. Several times I thought of quiting, but could not see myself climbing into one the boats - butt naked. I swam as far as I could to the finish line and seeing no one with a towel - stood up and hastened for the shore. I heard several of the crowd laugh. A woman official at the finish line shook her finger at me and shouted, "This is not a nude swim"! I told her I knew it was not a nude swim, but then I had not started out that way and did not intend for it to be. As I picked out a pair of seatpants out of my bag, the woman ask me why my bag and clothes were there. I told her what had happened and she seemed satisfied. I collected my stuff and left. The race had been fun, but I hope to find a race where I can swim naked, as it was quite fun. I found out how nice it felt to be swimming without the hinderence of a suite. If you know of any swims that at least tolerate nude swimming, let me know. Thanks,
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