A very windy Friday morning and a phone call to Paul, asking him to change the meet point. The wind was a F4 for the swim start so it was the sensible decision to have him start at Ambleside instead. Paul had been training hard in Dock 9 and was certainly ready for this. Waved off by his friend and he sped off.

Water temperature was 15.5 degrees , still chilly even for a wetsuit wearer, the sky was blue but the wind was blowing across the Lake and with Paul breathing only to his right he got a bit of a slap everytime he rotated to breathe.

Paul fed hourly and superfast. Dead eye shot Karen threw the bottle and Paul caught it.. gulped and gone. No messing and just smiling " its a bit choppy".

The wind was relentless and Dave was doing a superb job of holding the boat in position. We had briefed Paul on watching myself for hand signals to ensure he stayed on course and within a safe distance from the boat as we were side on at times holding course. Paul was superb and it stood him in good stead.

As we approached the Ferry crossing we heard lots of shouts and a group of friends were there to give Paul a cheer on. A very nice surprise for him . At 2 hours and 35 minutes 8 km was done.

The wind settled down for the second half of the swim and Paul continued to make awesome progress. At around hour 4 and half hours we noticed a slow in his speed and stroke count as his shoulders began to tire. He was now in unknown territory and his longest swim to date. His shoulders were going to ache.

As we worked our way through Fell Foot end the wind picked up again, but Paul could see the finish.
5 hours and 52 minutes Paul Finley completed his Windermere Solo. No drama!