Swimming down Blackrock

Redhairedguy

Given that we have such a varied and wide range of posters here in the Galway Forum, surely there must be a contingent of mad hoors like myself that consistently swim down Blackrock.

I see so many of the same faces all the time, and I sometimes wonder if it's any of ye. So if you're just an occasional dipper, or an-all-year-rounder, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments...

And yes, the bleedin' state of the path up to the diving board is abysmal. :pac:

stampydmonkey

Pontoooon rage!!!!

Yeah swim there the odd time. Lovely spot and great community down there.

Redhairedguy

I very much missed the raft this year... I wonder is there any interest amongst locals to try to implement something again?

Health & Safety or some shíte was the reason they gave for getting rid of it in the first place, right?

stampydmonkey

Yeah something along the lines of no safe way to install it and/or remove it

kal7

I often swim at Blackrock, though in a wetsuit so maybe I don't count. Often with triathlon club on wednesday evening.

Moo Moo Land

I absolutely love Blackrock. It is a fantastic amenity. I'll be honest, the state of the diving board path/surface doesn't bother me so much.
I try to jump off the top every now and again but only on a high tide.
The thing I love the best is the positivity and craic down there. It can be really uplifting.

Redhairedguy

kal7 wrote: »

I often swim at Blackrock, though in a wetsuit so maybe I don't count. Often with triathlon club on wednesday evening.

I've probably shared a polite nod with you at some stage then. Wednesday evenings is one of my regular times. Question though, has the triathlon club stopped meeting for the season? It was fierce quiet last Wednesday.

Moo Moo Land

There were 2 races last weekend (Fri & Sat) at 7pm from the tower on the high tide. Good numbers too.

The yellow buoys running along the prom from the tower are a great idea. A lot of people using them to get fit.

Cold water swimming is so so good for you healthwise.

forestgirl

I love blackrock and the promenade summer or winter it's amazing.how deep is the water around the diving board at high tide does anyone know?

Moo Moo Land

forestgirl wrote: »

how deep is the water around the diving board at high tide does anyone know?

Not sure but I would guess 12-15 feet on an average high tide (4.5m). I never touch the seabed on jumps and I am pretty heavy

kal7

Yes, Triathlon club finished supported swims for the year, although many still going individually for good while yet.

The health promotion of HSE with contributions from Corrib water polo and triathlon club put the buoys out.
They are great resource for all of us.

joeKel73

Got out for a good few swims in Blackrock earlier this year. Mostly for triathlon training leading up to Challenge Galway. It's such a great and simple facility, always open and freely available for everyone to use.

I hope the final refurbishment works are much more light handed than what was shown in the initial viewing - excessive railings and flattening of the surfaces could badly damage the charm of the place.

kal7 wrote: »

The health promotion of HSE with contributions from Corrib water polo and triathlon club put the buoys out.
They are great resource for all of us.

The buoys are hugely helpful for those going out to swim distance. Thanks to all involved in getting them out there every year.

forestgirl wrote: »

how deep is the water around the diving board at high tide does anyone know?

It depends how high the high tide is...

Redhairedguy

J o e wrote: »

The buoys are hugely helpful for those going out to swim distance. Thanks to all involved in getting them out there every year.

Yeah, I agree. It's nice to work towards something like the 2nd buoy and come back knowing you've had a nice little swim.

Now the big question, people... The source of much debate amongst people down there... Are wetsuits cheating? :P

Redhairedguy

forestgirl wrote: »

I love blackrock and the promenade summer or winter it's amazing.how deep is the water around the diving board at high tide does anyone know?

It's about 4.3 metres today.

I use this site to check before I swim. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/galway-tide-times

Moo Moo Land

Redhairedguy wrote: »

Now the big question, people... The source of much debate amongst people down there... Are wetsuits cheating? :P

No...drysuits are cheating!

Wetsuits make you experience the initial cold just as much. The positive of the wetsuits is that you can stay in the water longer and they are safer (better bouyancy).

Moo Moo Land

Redhairedguy wrote: »

It's about 4.3 metres today.

I use this site to check before I swim. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/galway-tide-times

This site is good for planning your week/month

http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/calendar/month/2085.html

Friday evening look nice and high.

There is also a good free app called "Tides Near Me".

joeKel73

Redhairedguy wrote: »

It's about 4.3 metres today.

I use this site to check before I swim. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/galway-tide-times

That's 4.3m above chart datum ("approximately the lowest level due to astronomical effects and excluding meteorological effects").

I don't know what level the seabed is under the diving tower relative to chart datum but 4.3 is actually a very low high tide (neap tides at the moment).

I generally use Easy Tide;
http://www.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/ShowPrediction.aspx?PortID=0709&PredictionLength=7

joeKel73

Moo Moo Land wrote: »

There is also a good free app called "Tides Near Me".

There is a handy Android app called "Galway Tide Times"...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.galwaytidetimes&hl=en_GB

joeKel73

Redhairedguy wrote: »

Now the big question, people... The source of much debate amongst people down there... Are wetsuits cheating? :P

No

I've no time for this bravado among some swimmers down there. A lot of the anti-wetsuit swimmers only go in for a short dip, if you're going in for a longer distance/time or just aren't comfortable with the cold water then by all means wear a wetsuit.

Moo Moo Land

I've been down to Blackrock for the past 3 lunchtimes and there is always a steady stream of people in swimming.
Absolutely great to see in mid-October. Great for physical and mental health.

Redhairedguy

Jaysus, it was ferociously cold yesterday evening by comparison to even two weeks ago. Not as many people down there as well, just one chap and I in the water at 6.30pm.

Also, I now have a key for the changing room, so the adversion to swim whilst it's bucketing down is gone!

biko

Fair play to ya for getting in the freezing water!

Redhairedguy

One part masochism, to 3 parts stubbornness! Recipe for success.

Moo Moo Land

biko wrote: »

Fair play to ya for getting in the freezing water!

The folks that do it every day of the year should be rewarded somehow. I don't know how they do it.

ronnie3585

Blackrock is one of Galway's greatest facilities. I'm a regular there year round and the community of people that swim there are some of the nicest that you could meet. The water is definitely taking a dip in temps, the only positive is that there should be fewer jellies around now!

Echoing comments made by a poster above, I've huge concerns regarding the impending 'regeneration' of Blackrock, it appears to be driven completely by H&S. I am eagerly awaiting their planning application.

McTigs

Redhairedguy wrote: »

Also, I now have a key for the changing room, so the adversion to swim whilst it's bucketing down is gone!

how "in" do you have to be to get one of those

ronnie3585

McTigs wrote: »

how "in" do you have to be to get one of those

Very:D

I can only aspire to the heady heights of 'having a key':)

martin6651

Red be careful with the lock, make sure the lock is closed before you remove the key or else it can get messed up inside.

Redhairedguy

McTigs wrote: »

how "in" do you have to be to get one of those

You just gotta grease the right palms...

martin6651 wrote: »

Red be careful with the lock, make sure the lock is closed before you remove the key or else it can get messed up inside.

Cool. Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep that in mind for later.


My 5/4 winter wetsuit was dispatched from the Shannon DHL facility about twenty minutes ago; should hopefully be with me a little later and I can get a chance to break it in this evening!

I use the pool a fair bit but have so far chickened out of going in at Blackrock. I have reckoned that it would only be good for dipping in and out as wouldn’t feel safe swimming out to sea. Used to live near Bondi many years ago and they had a 50m outdoor pool which gave the benefits of both the pool and outdoor swimming with no chlorine needed, even had the waves breaking over it and would feel great after getting a good swim in there. Have often wished something similar was available here as could could get a good healthy swim in safely.. ps If anyone knows any outdoor swimming clubs for non-triathletes would be interested in knowing about them..

Redhairedguy

Deleted User wrote: »

I have reckoned that it would only be good for dipping in and out as wouldn’t feel safe swimming out to sea. .

I was in the same boat for a long time, but I've gotta say that Blackrock is really quite safe; as long as you don't have too much of a problem being out of your depth at high tide. Low tide is really pleasant and you have complete control how deep you go.

Also, there's no currents or rips down Blackrock, and you're more likely to be blown in land than out to sea.

Moo Moo Land

Deleted User wrote: »

I have reckoned that it would only be good for dipping in and out as wouldn’t feel safe swimming out to sea.

It's actually quite safe there. The prevailing wind is generally from SW so the waves tend to be pushing you towards the beach/shore. Also the diving board structure itself provides good shelter for getting in and out. The risk of being swept "out to sea" is very small. Just keep an eye on the flow when you get in. A wetsuit will also provide more bouyancy.

ronnie3585

I went to the public information night in the Salthill Hotel to meet with the engineers of the proposed 're-development' of Blackrock many, many months ago. The said then that they were hopeful the work would be completed before the start of the 2017 summer. Obviously this hasn't happened and since then there has been very little if any info about what's going on.

I just spotted this on FB from Niall O'Tuathail about a meeting he's holding at Blackrock this evening:

https://www.facebook.com/events/681370618654174/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%223%22%2C%22ref_newsfeed_story_type%22%3A%22regular%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D

Hi all,
I'm not sure how many people are aware but Galway City Council are proposing to begin some developments to Blackrock, and observations are invited from the public.
The plans aren't very clear but seem to include a long corridor of handrails that would break up the area and significantly change the nature of Blackrock. Apparently there was clear opposition to this at the public consulation meeting that happened but it seems like that is not reflected in the plans.
To ensure people are fully aware and can make submissions, we are obtaining as much information as we can from the Council, including the objectives they are trying to achieve with the development, and Earthbound Films are preparing a 3D model that will show what the area will look like.
We will be at Blackrock at 6pm on Wednesday, and look forward to engaging with the community at Blackrock to make sure the maximum benefit is gotten from funds available for investment in Blackrock.
All the best,
Niall

If anyone here is attending I'd be very grateful if you could post here about what happened - I'm out of the country and can't attend. Cheers.

joeKel73

We will be at Blackrock at 6pm on Wednesday, and look forward to engaging with the community at Blackrock to make sure the maximum benefit is gotten from funds available for investment in Blackrock.

This has been pushed to 7pm

Niall &#211 wrote: »

Hi everyone, thanks so much for the strong interest. We are pushing out the start to 7pm to allow some interested Councillors to attend.

Redhairedguy

Feck the handrails, fix the potholes, erect a life guard hut, and leave the swimmers to do what they do best.

ronnie3585

Redhairedguy wrote: »

Feck the handrails, fix the potholes, erect a life guard hut, and leave the swimmers to do what they do best.

I couldn't agree more!

I was out there last Friday. Sunny but f'in cold. Still, all 10 (yes 10) bike stands at the Tower full to the brim.

Given the general attitude to parking in Salthill, more bike racks would be a good idea and encourage alternative methods of transport.

bobbyss

Haven't been there in a long time. Saw pictures of it looking tired, grotty and basically falling apart. Is that the way it still is? Jumped off the top diving board a few times in my youth. It was all a bit raw. Happy memories of the place and the auld donkey as you enter.

What do people do with their gear when they are swimming? Is everything safe to leave unguarded?
Would love to get back into swimming down there, but a little concerned that my things might grow legs and disappear

Redhairedguy

I think there's almost this weird unspoken rule where nobody messes with other people's gear down there. I was concerned at first about leaving my phone and wallet in my bag, so I'd generally leave it in the car or something. Nowadays, I either stuff it in my shoes, and my socks down on top of it, or if I'm feeling particularly paranoid, wrap my stuff in my jocks and cram it down the bottom of my bag. Probably TMI for people, but meh... :pac:

ronnie3585

I've been swimming there all my life and have never had my bag touched. I usually leave my phone and wallet in the car but I'm not too bothered if I bring them with me.

Beware of sunny/hot days as Blackrock becomes a magnet for all types of scumbags. Every other day is fine.

Yeah, presumed everything was safe, and good to hear your opinions on it. Thanks

Now need to start looking to get a triathlon wetsuit, and get back in the sea.

bobbyss

Redhairedguy wrote:

I think there's almost this weird unspoken rule where nobody messes with other people's gear down there. I was concerned at first about leaving my phone and wallet in my bag, so I'd generally leave it in the car or something. Nowadays, I either stuff it in my shoes, and my socks down on top of it, or if I'm feeling particularly paranoid, wrap my stuff in my jocks and cram it down the bottom of my bag. Probably TMI for people, but meh...

Ah yes. The old 'putting it in the shoe trick'. Robber never think of looking there.

stampydmonkey

bobbyss wrote: »

Ah yes. The old 'putting it in the shoe trick'. Robber never think of looking there.

Good luck to them if they go near my shoesðŸ€...they'll deserve the haul

flatty

I've never seen or heard of anyone having anything robbed down there, but it's only a matter of time I suppose.
It's my favourite place in the world near enough.

bobbyss

Is there a small room somewhere there? I seem to recall a door there. Where do women get changed?

joeKel73

There's no different changing facilities for women. Wrap yourself in a towel and work away.

There is a room but it requires a key and it seems to be just the local elders that have access. Always seemed strange as it's presumably publically owned.

Redhairedguy

Technically it is a public access changing facility, that just requires you to pop along to city council, fill out a form with your details, give them a tenner, and they'll give you a key there and then.

However, it is only accessible to public between the months of September to May. During the summer months, it's used as a lifeguard hut and equipment storage (kayaks, paddle boards, what-have-you). I've used the room maybe twice since I got the key. Changing outside is just as handy, and you have the stone benches and a bit of weather cover if you're concerned about your gear getting blown about/wet.

Quite a few people aren't too bashful about getting changed in front of others (myself included) so don't be shocked to see a bit of bum, boobs and balls from time to time. :P

joeKel73

Redhairedguy wrote: »

Technically it is a public access changing facility, that just requires you to pop along to city council, fill out a form with your details, give them a tenner, and they'll give you a key there and then.

I did not know this. Like yourself I'm happy to change outside (help lower your temp before hitting the water!) but good to know I'm an equal citizen!

bobbyss

Has anyone ever died while there, swimming in the sea or as a result of?

Greaney

bobbyss wrote: »

Has anyone ever died while there, swimming in the sea or as a result of?

Indeed, I'm glad you've asked this. When I was looking at this thread earlier I came across the post and saw the part where folk were talking about Blackrock being 'upgraded' with more safety facilities, I thought 'hold on a second, I've never heard of anyone getting killed there!! So why would you invest in something not needed?'.

So here's my tuppence worth, I've heard only of someone being reckless (one story in the last 30 years) and jumping in when it was too shallow and being taken to hospital, other than that, even the young are very nervous about either jumping on, or being landed on, from the diving board, so they're pretty cautious, with a good 'look before you leap' stratagy:D:

Blackrock is a joy, very special, real Galway, and I try to bring visitors there at least once in their visit to get a lovely authentic Galway experience.