San Francisco, CA

Wetsuit Shaming in San Francisco Divides Bay Area Swimmers

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2023

Wetsuit Shaming in San Francisco Divides Bay Area Swimmers

SAN FRANCISCO—A 12 months in the past, Adele Gower used to cherish day by day 90-minute swims within the frigid Bay right here. Now she will solely stand it for half-hour.

She deserted her wetsuit after being shamed by fellow San Francisco Bay swimmers—a peculiar, zealous breed, who soar off boats close to Alcatraz Island and swim with seals within the metropolis’s Aquatic Park.

Someday whereas struggling to take her wetsuit off, a swimmer pal—a burly former Marine—got here in to assist her. “He wades into the water and grabs my wetsuit and he simply yanks it proper off,” she says.

Ms. Gower recollects the swimmer saying: “You’ll be able to simply let the ocean take that. Let it float away.”

Chilly-water immersion is having a second lately, with rising numbers of followers plunging into low-temperatures to attempt to really feel higher. However in San Francisco, the chatter about chilly water goes a lot deeper than in most locations.

It’s house to the good wetsuit divide.

The wetsuit has an extended historical past in San Francisco, popularized by Jack O’Neil in 1952 to keep at bay hypothermia in surfers. With the water hovering simply above 50 levels this month—and air temperature within the 50s too—that is only one of many hazards Bay swimmers face: they may exhaust themselves combating robust currents, be bitten by aggressive sea lions, and even cross paths with the occasional ocean tanker. And but, some Bay swimmers refuse to put on these doubtlessly lifesaving units as a result of they contemplate them a type of dishonest. Or, even when they like them, as did Ms. Gower, they don’t need the effort of wetsuit shaming.

The wetsuit cut up is famous in Bay aquatics. Some native triathlete pages name wetsuits “wuss fits.” Through the years, in precise chilly instances, wetsuits have mysteriously vanished from the altering room on the South Finish Rowing Membership, a 150-year-old house to lots of Bay swimmers.

Jack O’Neill in Santa Cruz, Calif., in 1992.

Picture:

Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Pictures

Later, the fits turned up in rubbish cans or, in a single case, hanging outside from a nail on the second flooring of the constructing, in accordance with Invoice Wygant, a member and previous membership president. He denies involvement within the disappearances, however provides: “They knew the danger.”

Tom Linthicum, a swimmer referred to as “Reptile,” has made the mile-and-a-quarter water trek from Alcatraz to San Francisco greater than 200 instances, however by no means in a wetsuit. With a wetsuit, he says, “you’re not likely having fun with the chilly.” For swimmers resembling Reptile, the bone-numbing chilly of the water is the entire level, and by no means one thing to be prevented.

“It’s a tremendous feeling to be in that water and to let your physique react,” Mr. Linthicum explains. “There’s nothing prefer it. I’ve no want to ever put on a wetsuit.” He says he harbors no ailing will towards those that do.

Mr. Linthicum’s wetsuit-less code has led to powerful moments. On some days, he concedes, he stares into the darkish chilly water of an early morning swim, and part of his thoughts he calls his “land mind” begins whispering.

“The land mind needs to go house, take a nap, neglect about it,” he says. Throughout instances like this, he as an alternative channels his “reptile mind,” which he believes to be an evolutionary vestige. “The reptile mind simply comes out and says, ‘benefit from the water; benefit from the chilly,’ ” he says. “Our ancestors could by no means have had a heat bathe of their whole life.”

Swimmers have been identified to drop within the South Finish Membership’s showers as a result of results of chilly and Mr. Linthicum has seen a couple of despatched to the hospital. Occasionally he can’t really feel his ft when he emerges from frigid water. However that’s neither right here nor there. “No matter occurs to you after the swim—so long as you bought the swim in—it doesn’t matter,” he says.

Tom Linthicum, a swimmer who goes by the title ‘Reptile,’ swims with no wetsuit.

Picture:

Jillian Savage

The South Finish Membership’s president, Fran Hegeler, says whereas hypothermia is a severe situation, common Bay swimmers study to establish early indicators and get out of the water, and to swim with a buddy. San Francisco’s annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon recommends members put on wetsuits.

In 50-degree water, the primary levels of hypothermia can kick in after simply 10 minutes, in accordance with John A. Downing, a professor of biology with the College of Minnesota’s Massive Lakes Observatory. “Wetsuit shaming. I discover that hysterical,” he says. “Why would you disgrace somebody for attempting to remain alive?”

The U.Okay.-based Channel Swimming Affiliation, which retains official rely of English Channel crossings has set the gold commonplace on what’s and what isn’t permitted in aggressive open-water swims. For a channel journey, swimmers could put on goggles, one cap, a nostril clip, ear plugs and one swimsuit. Wetsuits and any materials providing “thermal safety or buoyancy” are forbidden. Physique grease is OK, in accordance with the group’s web site.

The South Finish Membership, which presently has about 1,700 members, together with this reporter, has likewise maintained a minimalist perspective towards swim gear. Goggles solely turned commonplace within the Eighties.

“Within the previous South Finish, individuals used to suppose you have been a sissy if you happen to swam with goggles,” Mr. Wygant says.

Round 25 years in the past, the South Finish’s anti-wetsuit tradition sparked a rubber rise up, he recollects. Protesters, offended with a membership coverage that bumped wetsuit-free members to the entrance of the road for sure swims, protested the rule in the one approach they knew how. “All of them dressed up in wetsuits,” Mr. Wygant says. They have been chanting, ‘We’re right here, we put on gear. Get used to it!”

Adele Gower used to cherish day by day 90-minute swims when she wore a wetsuit. With out one, she will solely stand it for half-hour.

Picture:

Adele Gower

Letting your wetsuit float away can show expensive. Ms. Gower, who was inspired to do exactly that, held on to hers. It sells for $600 new, though she bought it used for $125.

The South Finish Membership nonetheless doesn’t permit wetsuits in its altering room. Ms. Hegeler, the president, says she isn’t completely positive of the rationale for this rule.

“It’s an previous membership,” says Ms. Hegeler, a former wetsuit-wearer herself. “There are particular traditions which can be upheld.”

Write to Robert McMillan at Robert.Mcmillan@wsj.com

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San Francisco, CA

First Alert Weather Friday night forecast 6-28-24

Published

5 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

First Alert Weather Friday night forecast 6-28-24 – CBS San Francisco

Watch CBS News

Chief meteorologist Paul Heggen has the Pride Weekend forecast.

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San Francisco, CA

SF Giants to hold celebration of life for Willie Mays on July 8

Published

12 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

SF Giants to hold celebration of life for Willie Mays on July 8

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The Giants are inviting all fans and friends of the late, great Willie Mays to a public celebration of life.

It will be held on Monday, July 8 at 4 p.m. at Oracle Park.

Admission is free and no registration is required.

Fans pay tribute to Willie Mays at San Francisco’s Oracle Park

Fans will enter through the Willie Mays Plaza gates on 3rd and King.

The Giants legend died on June 18 at the age of 93.

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San Francisco, CA

Pride and More – San Francisco Bay Times

Published

19 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Pride and More – San Francisco Bay Times

By David Landis, The Gay Gourmet–

First off, it’s great to be back writing this column, with a new bionic knee, no less. Thanks to all the loyal readers who have sent notes of concern and support. The good news is that I’m back in the saddle, doing great, and well on the way to recovery.

Now, to the matter at hand! There’s a lot of talk about Pride this month. But what does Pride really mean? I’m of the opinion, in the spirit of Harvey Milk (who said everyone should come out), that Pride means showing up.

Showing up can express itself in a thousand ways. For me, I’m proud that during my short time on this planet, I’ve: held the hands of dear friends who were dying of AIDS, while I was still in my twenties; been the first to dance at my employer (KPIX TV)’s holiday party in the 1980s with my boyfriend (now husband); delivered thousands of meals over 11 years to people with terminal diseases through Project Open Hand; helped start television’s first AIDS education series on national TV, inviting Elizabeth Taylor to get involved in the cause for the first time (and winning a Peabody award); boldly celebrated my 10th anniversary with my husband in a redneck town in Montana where everyone sang to us in front of the locals; helped a popular on-air anchor come out when you didn’t know if you’d lose your job; joined the throngs of newlyweds at City Hall to get married when Gavin Newsom made same-sex marriage legal; supported ZATA, an organization that helps people with AIDS in Zimbabwe; purposely called my partner “husband” (even though sometimes he cringes), especially in front of those who might call us something else; honored our local and out-of-town drag performers by turning up at just about any drag show I could possibly attend; brought thousands of out-of-towners and locals to AsiaSF to help expose them to what transgender means; gathered openly at that great bar, 440 Castro, with my gay brothers, sisters, and others, to watch the passing parade on Castro Street; and started this column, proudly calling myself “The Gay Gourmet.”

But, like many of you, I’ve only just begun. There is so much more to do. With each day that passes, I fear that, unless we continue the fight, we will lose all the rights and privileges we’ve gained during our lifetimes.

Back to the point. I guess Pride means doing whatever you can do to help celebrate our community in whatever way you can. To that end, I’m proud that our diverse and celebrated restaurant community has joined the month-long observance. Here are just a few ways that they—and you—can continue to exhibit Pride.

Sizzle, San Francisco’s Dinner Drag Show to Kickoff SF Pride Weekend: One Market Restaurant and famed SF Drag Queen Bobby Friday present SIZZLE: San Francisco’s only dinner drag show to kickoff SF Pride Weekend 2024 on Thursday, June 27. Experience eye-popping performances paired with an indulgent 4-course dinner from Chef Mark Dommen, for an unforgettable evening of glamour and entertainment. The dinner is a benefit for LYRIC—a San Francisco LGBTQ+ youth organization.

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation celebrates Pride Month with its latest online exhibition, Hirschfeld’s Drag Show, now live through August 15. The special guest curator for the exhibition is Tony-nominated playwright, actor, director, novelist, and drag legend, Charles Busch. The new exhibition celebrates some of the greatest drag performances of stage and screen, as seen through the eyes of legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Charles Busch offers his commentary on Hirschfeld art depicting scenes from Broadway and Off-Broadway theater, and film, including Hairspray, Some Like It Hot, Victor/Victoria, Charlie’s Aunt, Tootsie, and Peter Pan, and artists including Julie Andrews, Mary Martin, Harvey Fierstein, Charles Ludlam, José Ferrer, Katharine Hepburn, Raquel Welch, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Dustin Hoffman, BD Wong, Tony Roberts, Robert Morse, and more.

The Madrigal features 3 Pride cocktails inspired by the Beacon of Light, San Francisco’s rainbow light installation that beams with equality and community. These include: Clone Canyon, with gin, pineapple, hibiscus shrub, lime, cilantro, firewater, grapefruit soda, and a pink glowing ice cube; The Ensemble, with Ketel One vodka, pea flower, vanilla, lime, egg white, and club soda; and Mayclem’s Whey, with light rum, Zacapa 23, lemon, orange, pineapple, coriander, cinnamon, green tea, and milk whey.

San Francisco Pride month is in full swing at the Ferry Building. Indulge in Humphry Slocombe’s “Make It Gay” sundae, featuring two scoops of Tahitian vanilla ice cream, house-made pink marshmallow fluff, and Fruit Loops. Savor Acme Bread Company’s “Rainbow Sandwich” all month long with roasted eggplant, house-made romesco, basil, and spicy giardiniera on its Pizza Bianca.

Early To Rise is offering a special “Glitter Doughnut” during the month.

Alora on the Embarcadero is donating proceeds to LYRIC from the sales of its Pride cocktail, “Rosé All Day” and its Pride dessert, “Farmers’ Market Berries.”

Above It All Pride Parade Viewing Party: Join Charmaine’s at The San Francisco Proper Hotel on Sunday, June 30, for a fabulous day filled with celebration, music, and fun. Get ready to watch the vibrant Pride Parade from a prime rooftop spot on Market Street, while enjoying crafted cocktails and delicious bites.

On June 30, The Phoenix Hotel’s iconic Mighty Real Pride Sunday is one of the hottest and most sought-after celebrations in the city. Back this year for another day party by the pool, the event features popping DJ artists, flowing drinks, and Pride vibes galore. Artists include David Harness, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and Tedd Patterson. This event will sell out, so it is highly encouraged to snag a ticket while you can.

Barrio in Ghirardelli Square is celebrating Pride month with a special “Rainbow Margarita,” where a portion of proceeds are donated to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. This upgraded signature margarita features a blend of blue curaçao, cherry, and pineapple juice.

The new Beacon Grand Hotel at Union Square (formerly the Sir Francis Drake Hotel) unveiled a 3,000-square-foot Pride flag down the side of its building in celebration of Pride month. Throughout the month, the historic property will offer a special room package and cocktail in support of SF Pride. Available at the hotel’s bar and restaurant, The Post Room, the “Simply Complicated” cocktail will be served with an oversized Pride cookie from local gay-owned Hot Cookie, and a portion of proceeds will directly support SF Pride. Inspired by a chocolate-dipped strawberry, the “Simply
Complicated” cocktail is made with Pasote Tequila, spiced agave, fresh strawberry purée, and basil.

Starlite, the rooftop bar at the Beacon Grand Hotel, is also honoring LGBTQ+ Pride. Through the end of June, Starlite will be offering the “Little Red Dress,” a delicate cocktail of vodka, blood orange, Meyer lemon, and sparkling wine shaken and served in a coupetini glass with a touch of sparkle. 25% of each cocktail will be donated to Rainbow Honor Walk, the walk of fame installation in the Castro that honors notable LGBTQ+ individuals from around the world who left a lasting mark on society.

The Downtown SF Partnership is producing the return of Drag Me Downtown, a weekly series of pop-up drag performances featuring some of the biggest names in San Francisco drag, every Thursday in June. Performers at this year’s event include Afrika America, Oliver Branch, Tito Soto, Amoura Teese, Tyson Check-in, Kipper Snacks, Mahlae Balenciaga, and Carnie Asada. There will also be two Queer History Bus Tours and a sing-along before the final Drag Me Downtown performance on June 27 from 1–2:30 pm and 3:30–5 pm. Legendary drag queen Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will lead the tour and show attendees the hidden LGBTQ+ past of downtown San Francisco while cruising past lesser-known queer landmarks and singing along to classic pride anthems before the final drag show in the series.

In honor of Pride month, Gentleman Farmer Wines has created a Pride-themed 2021 Red Blend (mostly Merlot) and is donating 5% of the proceeds of the wine to the It Gets Better Project and 5% to LGBTQ Connection.

Ginger’s, San Francisco’s only Financial District LGBTQ+ bar, is reopening June 28, just in time for Pride. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “Ginger’s will reopen in its home since 2017 at 86 Hardie Place. An opening celebration will include a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence drag group and a party hosted by Bay Area drag performers Miss Shugana and Madd-Dogg, with special guests Kylie Minono, MGM Grande, Laundra Tyme, and Helixir Jynder Byntwell.”

Kokak Chocolates: This queer-owned Castro chocolatier is offering several Pride specials, including: the Kokak Pride Combo: “Love is chocolate” organic t-shirt and the “Kokak Pride 2024 chocolate collection” (customers can use the code SFBAY15 at checkout to enjoy a discount for the combo). In addition, Kokak has a special Castro Pride chocolate collection with artisanal Pride designs for sale.

Bouchon Bakery, Yountville: Celebrate Pride with Bouchon Bakery’s “Rainbow Cake.” This deliciousness is six layers of almond cake, filled with alternating apricot and raspberry jams, and topped with a dark chocolate glaze and shimmering luster dust. Slices are available for the month of June. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hetrick Martin Institute to support LGBTQ+ youth.

Pride lasts all month long at St. Helena’s Clif Family Winery. Enjoy a “Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookie” from the Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck, where 100% of the proceeds from every cookie sold through June will be donated to LGBTQ Connection Napa. This organization is an initiative fueled by youth and other emerging leadership, and it fosters a healthier, more vibrantly diverse, and inclusive community in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Be Bubbly in Napa features its “Blush and Bubbly” dinner/drag show on June 28. Ava Lashay returns for an encore drag performance and brings her best Pride show to be bubbly. Colorful attire is encouraged.

The New Bar, San Francisco’s new nonalcoholic bar in the Marina, is popping up to support The Phoenix & The Castro Club for their “Sober Pride Party” at Hotel Yotel during the Pride Parade on June 30.

It’s not during June, but Opera Parallèle, in collaboration with The Transgender District, will help launch the first-ever statewide Transgender History Month in August with the third edition of Expansive, an enthusiastic showcase of transgender and nonbinary classical artists in two performances at 7.30 pm on Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9, at A.C.T.’s intimate Strand Theater.

Following Pride, Out in the Vineyard’s “Gay Wine Weekend” takes place this year at the Vintner’s Resort in Santa Rosa July 19–21. The weekend-long event is centered on LGBTQ+ community building while enjoying delicious food + wine, and benefits the local HIV/AIDS charity Face to Face.

This June, the Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of San Francisco, has planned several Pride events, including: a colorful Pride-themed afternoon tea with rainbow pastries, which benefits the SF LGBT Center; and a Pride hotel package in hotel rooms with guaranteed views of the June 30 SF Pride Parade. Guests who book this limited-time package will also receive a bottle of wine from VOON, a San Francisco based, LGBT-owned wine label focusing on low-intervention, small-production wines and a whimsical aesthetic. The package is valid for stays from June 28–30, using booking code: LVU.

Pomella in Oakland is once again offering its yearly tradition of house-made Pride Rainbow Cookies.

They’re only $8 for a four-pack, you can order online—and oh, they’re so yummy!

Summer Bar & Lounge in Oakland hosts a “Know Your Status” party beginning at 9 pm on June 29. In partnership with Sutter Health, they’re offering free HIV testing and same day Prep, all with free cover.

Launched in 2021, Suncliffe is a botanical gin company founded by business and life partners Ryan Lawrence and Thomas Giddings, in partnership with their Brooklyn-based friend, Clare Byrne. Together, the creative trio have crafted an aromatic gin that utilizes three local junipers, foraged in the high desert of Sedona. Suncliffe’s “Arizona Botanical” signature gin is perfect for mixing or sipping. 10% of Suncliffe sales during June—from online, retail, and restaurant accounts—will go to the ACLU’s LGBTQ rights initiative.

The Academy SF is hosting a “Pretty in Pink” garden party on June 29. According to the social club, guests can “step into a kaleidoscope of love and liberation while indulging in signature cocktails, uplifting beats, and dazzling go-go’s, all amidst a lush garden backdrop. Embrace your own shade of pink, and let your true colors shine as we come together.”

Throughout June, restaurant recommendation site The Infatuation will be partnering with LGBTQ+ and ally bakeries in San Francisco and elsewhere to make one-of-a-kind treats to celebrate Pride. The Infatuation will grant the Queer Food Foundation (QFF) a donation of $50,000 as a part of this campaign. QFF is a collective of queer individuals who work at all intersections of the food system—from food justice, culinary to community organizing, media, hospitality, and more. San Francisco bakeries (all queer-owned or outspoken allies!) selling a bake sale-exclusive Pride-themed treat include: Kokak Chocolates, Chadwick’s, and Dynamo Donut and Coffee.

Nob Hill’s The Summer Place is featuring several Pride-themed cocktails during June. The special drinks include the San Francisco, a frozen drink with Astral tequila, hibiscus, cucumber, rose water, and sparkling rosé; the Key West, with Tito’s vodka, elderflower, dolin blanc, citrus, sparkling wine, and mint; and the Provincetown, with Botanist gin, creme de violet, citrus, and maraschino liqueur. All drinks are created to represent three proud cities, which have a large presence that supports the LGBTQ+ community.

And finally, 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani has teamed up with long-time San Francisco drag queen (and my fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist) Donna Sachet to create limited-edition Rainbow Bagels to celebrate Pride month. Baked daily, the technicolored bagels will be available at Tony’s Dago Bagel in North Beach and for delivery via DoorDash Thursday through Sunday throughout the month of June. Bagels are plain or patrons can order it “Sachet Style,” which comes toasted and topped with sweet confetti cream cheese. All proceeds from the bagels will benefit the Rainbow Honor Walk, which is supported by Donna.

One Market Restaurant:
https://onemarket.com/
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation:
https://bit.ly/3zshiA7
The Madrigal:
https://www.themadrigalsf.com/
The Ferry Building, San Francisco:
https://bit.ly/3XG3mgg
Humphry Slocombe:
https://humphryslocombe.com/
Acme Bread Company:
https://acmebread.com/
Early To Rise:
https://www.earlytorisesf.com/
Alora:
https://visitalora.com/
Charmaine’s:
https://tinyurl.com/yuhwaejm
The Phoenix Hotel:
https://bit.ly/4cBwNEd
Barrio:
https://www.barriosf.com/
The Beacon Grand Hotel:
https://www.beacongrand.com/
Drag Me Downtown:
https://bit.ly/4eGmj8k
Gentleman Farmer Wines:
https://gentlemanfarmerwines.com/
Ginger’s:
https://www.gingers.bar/
Kokak Chocolates:
https://www.kokakchocolates.com/
Bouchon Bakery:
https://bit.ly/3RIVfvt
Clif Family Winery:
https://www.cliffamily.com/
Be Bubbly:
https://www.bebubblynapa.com/
The New Bar:
https://thenewbar.com/
Opera Parallele:
https://operaparallele.org/
Out in the Vineyard, Gay Wine Weekend:
https://tinyurl.com/3dhcmc8z
The Palace Hotel:
https://tinyurl.com/2xmvw8tn
Pomella:
https://www.pomellaoakland.com/
Summer Bar & Lounge:
https://www.thebarsummer.com/
Starlite:
https://tinyurl.com/w7w2vhjv
Suncliffe Gin:
https://www.suncliffegin.com/
The Academy San Francisco:
https://www.academy-sf.com/
The Infatuation:
https://bit.ly/4eDovgY
The Summer Place:
https://thesummerplacesf.com/
Dago Bagel:
https://dagobagel.com/
440 Castro:
http://www.the440.com/

David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

The Gay Gourmet
Published on June 27, 2024

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