This series by photographer Vance Jacobs celebrates the “Old Goats” as they call themselves, who despite advancing age (or maybe because of it), swim in the frigid waters of the San Francisco Bay almost daily. The “Goats” are all members of the Dolphin Club in San Francisco and range in age from 65 to upwards of 90.
Jacobs is a triathlete who has swum in the bay before, but he can’t imagine swimming in 50-55 degree water without a wetsuit, let alone in the dead of winter or at that age. Jacobs says, “Having done a lot of athletics in my life and having been around a lot of elite athletes in different fields, I’m more impressed by longevity than being able to produce amazing numbers when you’re a teenager or in your early 20’s.” Let’s give them a round of applause.
These portraits of the elderly swimmers are so engaging. Their faces tell a lifetime of stories. I recently photographed my own grandparents, both in their late 90’s. Interesting niche to have in photography.