These Logs won't sink – Humor and a sense of community have been inspiring Tampere-based hobby group for decades
A cheerful group of men descend into the pool of the Tampere Swimming Centre early Friday morning. Despite the early wake-up call, the men's spirits are already high: their smiles are intact, and the humour that was already awakened in the locker room lobby is not dampened by the warm pool water.
This morning's "pool group" is just a smaller part of a larger recreational group. The group of about thirty men, called the Uppotukit (Underwater Logs), has been welded together over many decades. The first encounters between the men date back to 1963, and since the hobby group's inception, the group has grown steadily.
– For forty years, the hobby group has been going strong. We are very much united by sport, especially ball sports, says Harri Kanto from the middle of the waves.
Humour and working together is always on the agenda. The many years of sport and exercise have also brought different phases in life, which makes getting together and talking to others seem like a great tradition that will last for years. However, a diverse group has one rule that we try to stick to as much as possible.
– Such a rule is that only one acute physical disability is allowed when you come to train, Kanto continues with a grin on the corners of his mouth.
Drying off, coffee and "dry land"
After the pool, the swimmers move through the changing room to the swimming centre's café, where more of the same group have already gathered. After all, the day's activities are just beginning, and the morning swim was just the "start of the day". When asked about the number of exercise sessions, the men's exercise habits come to the fore.
– We see each other three times a week for exercise, and of course we participate according to our own fitness levels, says Seppo Asp.
The regular and long-term use of the pools has also contributed to the fact that the large Uppotukit group has become a familiar sight at Tampere Swimming Centre.
– People from the outside have been asking what this group of yours is all about. And we say that you can also join in, says Kimmo Leinonen, who has just sat down with a coffee.
In the café, some of the men have already had their morning coffee while others are still dripping the last drops of pool water from their ears. At the coffee table, the cheerful chatter of the hobby group starts to pick up again, but attention is also drawn to the black seasonal bracelets in the men's hands.
– We're always so early that some of us have taken season tickets to the swimming pool, even though on weekdays after 9 a.m. our peers can get in free of charge, says Kanto.
– On the other hand, the same ticket no longer gets you into the Outdoor Swimming Pool. We would like that back, say the gentlemen in unison.
Despite the pleasant coffee, the group is already looking forward to the next bell on the hour, when the next exercise session of the day, the so-called "dry land" gymnastics, begins.
– Let's move down there, a shout is heard in the café and a group of men move towards the stairs.
Big Boys on the decks
The men march towards the next round of gymnastics that awaits them in the group exercise room of the swimming centre. The "dry land" gymnastics session in question is booked under the name "Big Boys", an apt name considering the age of the men, although there is no official age limit for the group.
– The youngest participant is 62 and the oldest is 83. The pace is accordingly surprisingly brisk, says the man in the middle of a fitness warm-up.
Once the stations are ready, the music kicks in and the fitness circuit begins. Jumping balls and resistance bands are immediately set in motion, and the humour from the locker room is nowhere to be found.
– There's no competition here - except for a little, comes a loud whisper before the door to the group gym closes and the music volume is turned up.
