NYCkayaker Manhattan Island swim

[Richard Clifford]

NYCKayaker:
    On Saturday, once again, I had the pleasure to paddle for John van 
Wisse in the swim around Manhattan. John won the swim and was first to 
finish even before all relays. In 2000 I kayaked for John when he won  
the race. Twice before in 1997 & 1999 I kayaked for is sister Tammy for 
the swim. She won and got a second. In fact, I have had a great time 
going around Manhattan with the van Wisses and many other swimmers.

    In fact, this was my 15th year of doing the Manhattan swim. I've had 
a great time doing the event. Morty has been there virtually the entire 
time. Once again, on Saturday I loved being out there the entire time. 
All of us have had our ups and downs over those years with individuals 
and details of the event. I have only one bit of advice or observation 
for the more than several individuals who have peppered this list with 
criticisms and critiques, accusations and complaints.

    There are other swims and other events. If this does not work out 
for you then you ought to move on and find another one.

    In late July Swim Across America is doing a swim on the Long Island 
Sound (6-4-1 miles). They need kayakers. They need volunteers. Help 
them. They also have other swims and other sites. 
http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=418

    In September there is a Hudson River Swim For Life for another great 
charity event. They too need kayakers and volunteers. Go help them. 
http://www.hudsonriverswim.org/

    Sue Ellen Nelson put up a posting suggesting other swims as well. I 
will be putting up a  request for kayakers and volunteers for both of 
these events again and in a bit more detail.

    None of us gets too much out of the regular complaining that does 
creep into the list. And, most definitely, no one is going to accept 
that it was just intellectual cuteness when we are being called scabs. 
So, perhaps a bit more editorial effort and thoughtfulness before 
hitting the "send" button. that is not to say that there never are good 
reasons to make a critical point or comment. We don't benefit if the 
list is transformed into "a mutual admiration society."


    And, for the record, I deleted my other response I had considered 
sending. The event and each of us has evolved over these many years. Me 
too. - Richard Clifford