Too Chilly For Dipping? Hugh's Got To Be Joking
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday April 1, 2008
HUGH Carpenter is just bunging on the shivers for the camera - after decades of winter swimming, he is as tough as nails.
"It was actually lovely in the water," he confessed afterwards.The retired electrician, a founding member of the Bulli Sea Lions, which kicked off in 1959, was testing the waters for the season's start yesterday."Wet or cold weekends don't worry me because I've swum in water temperature as low as 11.2 degrees," Mr Carpenter said.This winter is the club's 50th season and may test the commitment of its members as temperatures are forecast to be lower than normal, with higher than average rainfall."I haven't missed a club swim for the past 30 years and I plan to continue well after my 70th birthday in May," Mr Carpenter said.The club, which started as the Bulli Brass Monkeys, is now a thriving family operation.Mr Carpenter's son, Neil, is club president and his wife, Wendy, also attends club meets."The women just scraped in at a club vote more than 20 years ago but they are part of the reason we are still going today," Mr Carpenter said."I think they have enhanced the club - specially since they take turns in making the soup we have after our swim."Mr Carpenter said apart from membership, not a lot had changed in 50 years."Barry (Adams) and I are the only pioneers left now."I've grown a bit older but I'm still wearing Speedos - my 10th pair - and I feel pretty healthy."
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
