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I grew up in New York, Colorado and California, and grew up swimming in the ocean every chance I got, and now my kids do the same. It is kinda chilly in the Pacific (west coast.)
I've been swimming in Maine, but only in August.
These days I live in north Florida (just south of Georgia), and swim at the beach all summer long. I saw people swimming here at the beach over spring break, but it was still too cold for me. We have not been ocean swimming yet this year, but probably will by the weekend.
When it's hot enough to feel hot outside, it's hot enough for us to swim.
I think it depends where you grow up--my husband was raised in the midwest and he'll get in the water and splash around a bit, but it's not a passion with him the way it's always been with me.
I go to sun...and I'll take a "dip' if I get too hot. Most of the E. Coast beaches aren't really suitable for actual "swimming"....and by that, I mean practicing strokes....too choppy!
I actually prefer a pool, so that I can SEE what's in the water!!!
It depends on the beach - they are not all equal. Waves, the water temp, and whether or not there's stuff floating around like sea-grass, etc. makes all the difference. Saying that we go "just to sunbath" is a little blunt. You go to the beach because of the ambiance and the view. Just being near the water is relaxing.
I go to sun...and I'll take a "dip' if I get too hot. Most of the E. Coast beaches aren't really suitable for actual "swimming"....and by that, I mean practicing strokes....too choppy!
I actually prefer a pool, so that I can SEE what's in the water!!!
Wow, I live on the East coast and would rather "swim" at the beach (surf, body surf, duck dive the waves, etc) than paddle up and down a lane in a pool any day. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
@ slackjaw : look hard at this picture, how many people are actually swimming ? they are mostly "cavorting" in the waves or bodysurfing, I bet some with a can of BudLight in hand. I always noticed how most Americans don't really practice swimming in the sea, they need some device to mediate between themselves and the ocean (surfboard, fishing line, snorkeling gear...). Plain and simple swimming in speedos (because bermudas and boxer shorts are not really adapted to the endeavour!) is nearly nonexistent on US shores! and they always have a good reason not to jump in the water : too cold (in San Diego! pleeeeaaaaze! come to Brittany, and you'll feel the difference!), presence of jellyfish, stingrays, sharks (for those who have watched too many movies of man-eating sharks), pollution....rolf!
Location: Big Island- Hawaii, AK, WA where the whales are!
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I swim as my SO in Hawaii almost every day of the winter. AS far as WA AK OR etc too cold, too much rip tide, pollutation... Go to the beach often in Mainland and AK but no swiming. He grew up in the water in CA. Depends on where you go. Have friends in WA and AK that scuba often. Too cold for me.
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