Report by Anne Smyth
Over the October long weekend (3-6 October 2014), several members from our club participated in a swim camp at Thredbo. Swimmers attending were Crawford and Marshall O’Brien, Greg Gourley, Leisa Cass, Caroline Makin and Anne Smyth.
Organised by Susan Leech from Ryde Masters, the weekend is always a good event involving six two-hour swim sessions with time in between for some relaxing and exploring the delights of Thredbo. Most of the team stayed at Boali Lodge where they were looked after superbly with three fantastic meals provided every day. After hours activities included a poetry reading night organised by Ryde’s Jamie Turner and social drinks at Thredbo pubs. During the day many explored Thredbo’s walks and even indulged in some retail therapy.
Now for the swimming! The Ryde coaches, Greg Lewin and Wendy Searle, organised the sessions with Anne and Caz from Tuggeranong helping out with stroke technique. The squad also enjoyed a beep test session run by Greg Gourley which was well received by our Ryde swimming friends! The sessions involved a stroke focus each session, sprint work and starts. With the focus on technique, mileage was achievable with only muscle fatigue evident by the final day and some tiredness from the very early morning starts.
It is a really enjoyable weekend away, combining the essential elements of Masters Swimming – fitness, swimming, friendship, good food and wine! We are very lucky that Ryde includes our club in this special weekend – so keep it in mind for next year! All levels of swimmers are catered for and many use the weekend as a mini holiday bringing along partners and children.
If you have any questions about the weekend, just ask one of us who have attended.
