Monday, March 24, 2008

Explunging Ground Rules

Thanks to a fun meeting of the founding members of the Cambridge Society of Explungers (and spousal support units) this past Thursday night, Explunge Season 1 is off to a strong start.

The lively discussion of lane and swimming etiquette got me thinking— it’s probably a good idea to put down some ground rules. At the very least, I thought we could use a list of guidelines that define what explunging is (and is not), rules dictating proper etiquette for safety and enjoyment, and how to preserve the fine art of explunging for future generations.

I submit for your review a humble gathering of Explunging Ground Rules:

1.) Thou shalt not fear any body of water (unless, or course there are signs clearly posted that tell you the water is unsafe or you otherwise know that sea life, microorganism counts, or other contaminants are present and could do bodily harm. In these instances, fear is acceptable and another body of water more suitable for explunging should be sought.)

2.) Never explunge alone.

3.) Cold water is not considered dangerous, but proceed with caution in cases of extreme cold water (any water under 50 degrees Fahrenheit). The team thermometer carrier will make an official call as to the temperature at the start of each explunge and has the right to curtail an attempt if the water is deemed to be too cold.

4.) For a complete explunging experience, all swimmers must fully submerge themselves in the body of water. Up to the knees, hips, or chest is not an acceptable example of a complete explunge. Attempts that reach anything less than a fully submerged level will be recorded as a Junior Varsity attempt.

5.) Explunging is not wading; an explunge officially becomes a wading experience in less than 12 inches of water. Seek deeper water or find another body of water in which to explunge to be awarded full credit for a Varsity Explunge.

6.) Only a standard swimming costume, bathing cap, and goggles are acceptable attire for a full explunge. Wetsuits are permitted, but any explunge being completed in said wet suit will be recorded as a Junior Varsity experience.

7.) Keep the beer and ice cream consumption levels to a minimum before all but the most leisurely of explunges. This will ensure safety and prevent stomach cramps on longer swims and the more technically challenging explunges. After the explunge is completed, however, all bets are off. Explungers are advised to arrange for a designated driver or to have a well-mapped out route to the nearest ice cream vendor. Eat, drink, and be merry!

8.) Have fun and keep an eye on your fellow explungers. Safety comes first!

Here's to a great Explunging season!

4 comments:

The Society said...

Addendum:
9.) The route for longer explunges and nut-distance swims should be discussed and agreed upon ahead of time. If there are groups with varying speeds, a meeting spot should be designated to ensure every explunger is accounted for. If water is extremely cold, as outlined in Ground Rule 3, frequent checks on fellow explungers' condition is highly recommended. Remember the buddy system!

goodaddy said...

I have to disagree on the proposed wet suit JV downgrade for explunging on a number of fronts. In order to safely expand the length of the open water swimming season, wet suits are a very useful option. Even in the middle of summer, some ocean swims may be of a length that folks might need the extra warmth to avoid losing too much core heat.

For example, let's say we are going as a group around Plum Island and halfway through the swim, someone becomes dangerously chilled. Since we wouldn't want to leave that person to swim back by themselves, others from the group would have to abandon the swim to make sure the distressed swimmer gets to shore safely. Had that cold swimmer been wearing a wet suit, there might not have been a problem.

If it makes them feel comfortable, I think anything goes in regards to what type of swim suit or wet suit each person choose . Remember, we're doing this for fun and if someone is approaching hypothermia, it's stopped being fun.

T said...

I agree on allowing a wetsuit when it is appropriate for the safety of the swimmer and others swimming with he/she. Adaptation to cold water takes time. We should carefully consider how we will respond to cold emergencies on longer swims. Simply swimming to shore may not be enough if we are several miles from our stuff and do not have towels or clothing available to warm the endangered swimmer.

The Society said...

Agreed. We will have to outline cold water swimming safety and have a safetly plan that everyone is aware of. Safety first, always.