Uswim Adventure was launched this year by Karen Smith and Uswim Director David Quartermain from our combined love of open water swimming and enthusiasm to make other peoples dreams come true. Guiding swimmers along many a Loch, Channel and Lake.

To start the year off 2 Teams of 4 made up of regular Uswimmers took on the magical challenge of swimming the length of Loch Lomond. All 24 miles of it, leaving the wetsuit behind of course and expertly guided by myself and Dave on our boat Gemini Warrior.

With both teams sat waiting in beautiful Scotland, the weather report was our number one priority and following local advice we had to make a change to the swim direction. 2 different teams, 2 different days and 2 completely different swims.

Monday saw Team 1 "Eagles" meet at Balloch. The team consisted of myself Karen Smith, Phil Jackson, Gareth Rees and Erica Gelyczak. All swimmers had acclimatised to the water temperature and were excited for the swim ahead. The weather forecast was not pretty as we had 25 mph winds, 36 mph gusts and light rain to look forward to.

Phil was first in and thoroughly enjoyed the 13 degree water temperature, he made a terrific start and we appeared quite sheltered in the Bay. The water was probably too hot for this Ice Miler but great training for his English Channel Relay swim later in the year. Phils word to describe his swim "AWESOME".

Erica was in next with a tentative start. The wind had picked up pushing across the Loch and the conditions were definitely more sea-like, however this was a breeze for Erica who did a Loch Ness Relay with me in 2015 and has a Solo Loch Lomond ahead of her this year. A strong performance despite the chop. Ericas word "CHOPPY".

Gareth was next and like an excited child he was straight off the boat. This was Gareths first open water adventure and boy oh boy was he ready. Gareth also has an English Channel Relay this year as well as a Windermere Solo , all stepping stones to his English Channel Solo in 2018. . The wind had settled and he powered towards Wallaby Island. His word "EXCITING".

Next in was me. I have completed many swims such as a Loch Ness Relay with Erica and 2 English Channel Relays, and love nothing more than the dark cool waters of a Loch. The wind had definitely turned up a notch making it difficult to get into any rhythm. This was the craziest, wildest swim of the whole adventure and a taste of what was to continue. My word was "WILD". Dave expertly steered the boat but was struggling to stay on course as the winds were pushing us across to the other shoreline. With the first round of 45 minutes complete we were certainly awake and making steady progress.

The weather did not change and the next 9 hours were pretty much the same with head on winds at times. The conditions were certainly challenging , but all the Facebook messages of encouragement and Gareths fascinating facts about the Loch kept us entertained. There was never a doubt that we would not finish it was just a matter of when. With beautiful scenery and Islands to navigate through this swim is enchanting. 11 hours in and we were finally rewarded with calmer waters. After 14 hours and 5 minutes it was Gareth who took us to the end, touching the jetty at Ardlui, joined by Phil (any excuse for another splash). A truly epic swim with stunning scenery and intriguing Islands.

After a nights rest we then met with Team Falcons at Ardlui for their swim back to Balloch. A completely different Loch all together and another exciting day ahead. This Team consisted of Joanne Brown, Daniel Ralph, David Dutton and Kim Comer. All except Dan had experienced the mystical Loch Ness last year and all had been tracking yesterdays swim expecting the same conditions. But whilst the sun may not have come out, neither did the wind and the Loch was stunning in a whole different way.

First in the water was Joanne Brown with no messing jumping in off the boat. Joanne is a keen cyclist and absolutely buzzes off the dark wild swims such as Loch Ness, this was Jos only major swim challenge this year but she is already planning next years. Her word following her swim "BRILLIANT". Dan was next in. This was Dans first open water adventure and with a 1 way Windermere Solo in his diary a great preparation swim. His word "BLACK". The Loch was so calm and still it seemed a shame to make a ripple but with Dave Dutton chomping at the bit to jump in it had to be done. Dave is part of an English Channel Relay Team this year and has big swim dreams . His word "MAGICAL". Last of the Relay round was Kim who is joining myself, Erica and a few others on the 3 Lakes Challenge later in the season. Kim left the wetsuit behind when my stories of the Ness intrigued her so much she signed up herself last year and joined Nessie. Kims word "AMAZING".

The contrast of the previous days conditions was unreal but take nothing from Team Falcons, the water temperature never peaked 14 degrees and with each swimmer giving everything to their leg energy levels were tested. The Loch continued to stay like a millpond and we even joked when we were passed by a Cruiser that created a Swell. Dans wife Debbie was tracking the swim, cycling by the Loch and updating Facebook with images of Gemini Warrior in the middle of the Loch.

13 hours and 16 minutes later , a glass like Loch and this Teams Adventure was over . Met by Daves Dad and Dans wife Debs. Another fantastic Adventure and seamless support by Dave Q and myself (if I do say so myself).

Both teams demonstrated flawless attitude and it is indeed a team that creates the success. Great memories with great swimmers.