The inspiration behind my sea swimmers mug

 My Sea Swimmers design is inspired by all the brave (crazy?) open water swimmers in Tramore.  In the summer months, walking along the cliff road, you will catch a glimpse of a rubber swim hat or a splashing arm out in the bay between the Guillamene and the beach.  Or sitting on the beach you will see a wetsuit clad selkie emerge from the waves.

I have a massive amount of respect for these athletes, spending hours on their own out in the deep blue sea.  Open water swimmers talk about the sense of connection they experience on a long swim, a connection both with the natural environment they are in and with themselves.  The physical and mental health benefits of open water swimming abound.

However, I have to admit you won't find me out in the middle of the bay anytime soon.  I have a life long, irrational fear of what's down there in the deep dark waters, just waiting for my legs to dangle over their gaping jaws!  Seaweed forests hiding Giant Congor eels, poisonous Man O'War jellyfish, Basking sharks(yes, I know they have no teeth!).  Just thinking about what's out there gives me the Heebie Jeebies!  So for now I'm happy to float within the confines of the Guillamene or stand sure footed in the waves of the beach...but there will always be that thought in the back of my head, "I wonder, would I?"