Report by Sally Themans
13 Kilometres, Zero Regrets, and a crazy idea becoming a reality
What started as bold ‘pubchat’ at the Maybush over the last couple of years became a reality one Saturday in August when the tides were right to make this long held ambition to ‘Swim The Deben’ became a reality.
Harriet, Sally and Sarah
Three swimmers – all Waldringfield Sailing Club members – Harriet Themans, her mum Sally (myself) and Sarah Collingridge got into the water at 8AM at high tide in Woodbridge Yacht Club, having been chugged upriver for forty minutes on Sarah’s husband Neil’s launch. We had no idea how long it would take – or even if this was possible. This wasn’t an organised event – just friends ‘having a go’ supported by a kayak, a dinghy and a yacht.
Neil’s Launch
A calm start to the day
At first, the conditions were idyllic. Calm, beautiful and serene a few swans and rowers looked at us with curiosity. Then, around Methersgate anchorage, the weather gods saw we were enjoying ourselves too much and along came an early sea breeze – creating a headwind which turned the glassy Deben into a choppy washing machine for the majority of the swim.
Choppier waters
Canine support
An hour and twenty minutes in, the trio of swimmers were joined at Waldringfield by Sally’s brother, Harry Ogden, (another WSC member) as well as seasoned open water swimmers Jimmy Bland and friend Nick – fresh from completing the Dart 10k. Harriet, Jimmy, and Nick zipped ahead. Meanwhile, the rest of us took a more scenic route punctuated by a welcome snack and hydration break at Ramsholt and an impressive series of debilitating muscle cramps as the estuary reached the sea.
Heroes of the day were our legendary support crew on the boats – Neil Collingridge, Johnny Themans, Andy Lis, Harriet Bland and Clair Canning not to mention cousin Richard Atkins. Armed with bananas, jelly babies, drink bottles, and relentless cheerleading, they kept us afloat and reasonably sane.
I can officially tick off a massive bucket list goal. Will I be doing it again anytime soon? Absolutely not. But I’m thrilled we gave it a go!
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Ashore at Felixstowe Ferry
A very long four hours later, we stumbled ashore at Felixstowe Ferry around 1 PM. Shoulders screaming but hugely satisfied. The advance party of swimmers had arrived about an hour earlier. Hungry, tired but thrilled to complete the distance, we had a picnic on the shore before being brought back to Waldringfield aboard Richard Atkins’ Sea Swallow.
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We asked Sally what advice she would offer other open water swimmers:
It’s all about visibility…
1. Always wear a fluorescent swim tow float – make sure it is as bright as possible – and the new ones have a whistle in the clip. They do not get in the way of your swimming at all.
2. Wear a bright or fluorescent swim hat
3. ‘Sight’ every few strokes to make sure you spot any moving boats
4. Stick to shallower waters or stay close to the line of moored boats.
5. If you have to cross the channel, stop, look and listen to check for moving boats, then take the quickest most direct line
6. Be aware of the tides – we timed our swim to use the strong ebb – and had support boats accompanying us.
7. If you are swimming unattended, swim against the tide initially so you know you can always return with the tide; your swim tow float can be used as a float if you get tired.
8. Try to avoid cramp by staying well hydrated – you can add electrolyte tablets to your water (I used about 3 litres during the Deben swim). If you feel a cramp coming – try to relax – and stay in shallower water so you can put your feet down.
9. Let someone know where you are going
Sally Themans
Sally Themans lives in Bridgnorth, Shropshire where she works as a ‘Place Champion’ advising councils and small businesses to help boost local high streets. Her family has a long connection with the Deben spanning four generations, and she is never happier than when she is at their beach hut at Waldringfield and either swimming in, or sailing on, or walking along the banks of this wonderful river.