Pacific Jules

31/01/2016 Here comes the sun!

Mornin' all. Inner Westies here. And what a gorgeous swim this morning. Sun and a cloudless sky after yesterday's storms. The water was pretty clear and so warm - 23.3. About 14 newbies and 215 swimmers.  Here are some announcements up front:  

The Monthly Dinner is back – Guest Speaker!

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be on Tuesday 9^th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker for the night will be our very own Michelle Sparkes. The title of her talk is “Illuminating Anorexia and other eating issues”. Michelle, who has published a book on eating disorders, will talk generally about the subject and will share her personal experiences.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW,

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

 

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

 

 NOW BACK TO THIS MORNING!

perfect beach

getting darker in the morning... (was summer solstice that long ago? )

Ian giving instructions to newbies

Morning Emily, Jackie and Olivia !

And Tom - two Sundays in a row. Surely there must be a badge somewhere for that...!

Morning Nakita

Laura tells me she's sleepy this morning - nothing like a BnB swim to wake up!

Fiona and Jason - g'day!

And first timer Tyler with Georgia in a gorgeous cosy - welcome

Hey Lauren and Steff !

My swimming buddy Marie

Pretty awesome swim today. No stingers in my lane (anyone get stung today?) , no rip and just a few waves to push us all back to the beach on the way home. 

Isn't it always a shock when we get back to the beach and find it covered with people! Where did they come from? 

Still plenty of room at Manly for us all!

Have a good week everyone. 

 

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

 

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

29/01/2016 - first time bloggers but long time B&B'ers

A virgin blog, written in Cammeray
published January 30th, a Saturday.
Manly was at her beautiful best,
filled with runners, paddlers and the rest.

Ian was there, John was too,
greeting the newbies, as they do.

Fifteen new recruits signed their name,
joining the Pacific Challenge Hall of Fame.
South African Quinton came for his first swim,
there's a photo below so you'll recognise him.

 

The six-thirty crew always know what to do;
they wait at the point, here's a pic of them too.

 

At seven am the crowd did swell
to around 200, its difficult to tell.
How about the dude with his leg in the air?
Takes some flexibility to get it there!

And check out the snapshot we got of them all
waiting for John to make the "lets go" call.

 

 

Manly we love you, Bold and Beautiful too

The best way to start the day, with this wonderful crew!

 

 

 

 

 

Stats

210 swimmers

15 newbies

22.5 degrees 

 

 

2016 Calendars !!

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian any day at the swim, or order online HERE.

They make a great Christmas gift for family and friends, here or overseas.

This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

 

STAYING SAFE

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  

Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company.

Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

 

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional

propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

 

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

Stats

210 swimmers

15 newbies

22.5 degrees 

 

 

2016 Calendars !!

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian any day at the swim, or order online HERE.

They make a great Christmas gift for family and friends, here or overseas.

This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

 

STAYING SAFE

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  

Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company.

Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

 

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional

propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

 

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

Friday 29 January 2016 - which is worse - waves or bluebottles?

A nice morning for a swim. i did not catch the 6.30 swimmers on their way in. Here are some of the 7 am swimmers getting ready to go in

Henrietta with a newbie. I had a blue bottle encounter which spilled her name from my memory but welcome

Some swimmers with a swimming spectator. I too like watching good swimming.

These good looking swimmers posed to stop me interviewing the guys behind about what has just happened

Here are Angela and Paul. She is going to work after her swim like the rest of us but he has just retired!!!! Congratulations and have a great retirement

Some lovely swimmers posed with Alan to show his new swim cap which is extra pink somehow

Ian announces that there are some blue bottles in the water. He does not explain where they come from. Yes, they come from the north east but what is in the north east that is generating them? The announcement has made a big impact on one swimmer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLINT (middle). I was lucky to meet this group of 6.30 swimmers on their way out of the water. Do the 6.30 swim group sing happy birthday at Shelly or is it all too fast?

the word on the ramp was that Max is having his last swim today and going to London (there is no BB swim there!) but despite best efforts, we could not find him

And then he arrived having swum in the waves a bit, by choice

Now facing the waves - these two swimmers are quite relaxed about the waves

And these swimmers are also relaxed - Shelly is showing how high the waves are while John is looking at the top of them

The swimmer in the middle said "it is not as bad as it looks" and I was glad to hear that but then made my own assessment in accordance with the BB Stay Safe Section below

Having taken a long time entering and then retreating through the waves I did not make it to Shelly while the big group was there. I did see some great swimming as they set off back to Manly

Peter and Tammy enjoyed the swim

Thanks to doublers and triplers I have some great swimmers to photograph

Thanks for the offer of going through the waves from this swimmer but it was not for me. 

I finished up with some tentacles wrapped around my underarms near the bower. Because this is the BB Blog and not the Most Embarrassing Bodies show, I will not post a photo but it hurts. I did not even see the blue bottle on the surface. Sneaky things. 

I presume everyone is clamouring to hear what I am currently reading. I got the Lake House for Christmas. I will finish it but it is a bit ordinary. I am also reading Islam and the future of Tolerance. Thought provoking. Let me know what is good to read. 

SIGN IN IF YOU SWIM. IT IS GREAT TO SEE THE FACE AND PHOTO AND WHY NOT DO IT!! LOTS OF SWIMMERS SWIM AND DO NOT LOG IN. WHY IS IT SO?

There is a 6km swim every Saturday and on 13 February there is a 10 km swim. There is a badge for these. 

If you want to do a VERY slow 10 km swim, join me on 13th Feb. Tell me. I will be at the back of the swim group.

 

Stats

150 swimmers

7 newbies

22.8 degrees (I think)

 

 

2016 Calendars !!

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian any day at the swim, or order online HERE. They make a great Christmas gift for family and friends, here or overseas. This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

 

STAYING SAFE

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

 

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

 

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

Thursday, 28 January 2016 Warning, strong currents!

Yet another day of strong currents and miserable weather, which meant only the hard cores ventured into the water this morning.  A group did venture over to harbourside while everyone else contemplated what to do.

 

Management advised swimmers that an entry from half way would be a sensible approach - "none of the 6.30's have made it back in safely as yet" JK told the expectant crowd.

But still some took to the waves full the full journey.

But for most it was a stride of pride and entry at half way. 

 

Toughen up Princess Jeff with a J…It’s not that cold!

 

John Bond showing off his chest again.                                                                                        

 

 

Greg and Sue Marinan, just retired from teaching, new swimmers. Greg’s 1st day hasn’t been on 1st day of school in around 53 years!

 

 

Only saw Vince come back through the waves for most others half way seemed the safer option.

Meanwhile we say goodbye to a B&B regular, Jennifer Wilson, who flies off to Bali then Fiji tomorrow for a break before relocating to the Bahama's.  We wish her well, but I'm sure we'll see her back from time to time.

 

Despite the conditions the water was quite nice although there were a couple of reports of bluebottle stings near half way.

Till next time

Dee from Team Zee  (we're the ones at the back of the pack taking in the views)

 

 

10k swims..

February and March 2015/16. The first 10km swim was on Saturday 12 December. Watch the blog for details of the second 10km swim, to be held in February. I think 13th Feb is the day for the next 10km. Book it in

Our new badge, the Shelly Triple, involves a triple lap of Cabbage Tree Bay (i.e. swim to Shelly Beach and back to The Point three times - total 3.5 km). This swim can be completed any day and should be logged on the i-log system. Since this is designed for those who are unable (or unwilling) to do the longer swims, this badge is only available to those who haven't completed a 6 km or 10 km swim during the season. Management says the rule about no triple badge if you get a 6km badge is set in stone. 

2016 Calendars !!

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian any day at the swim, or order online HERE. They make a great gift for family and friends, here or overseas. This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

Fun, Friends, Fins, Fish, Bluey's & Fast Flowing currents !

 Sorry quickie blog today, very busy !

 

 

Not sure it was announced yesterday, but apparently we had 70 Newbies yesterday,

That's got to be an all time high !

 

Is it the camaraderie of the B&Bers & wanting to be on the blog 

but just whip a camera out, and within a few seconds they are in a group photo !

Sans Rainer

Ian led a very small pack of swimmers today after the announcement

of a rather large shark spotted off the point ( the place where John Kelly wants us to wait at)

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

Gayle chose the pool at halfway.

JK would have been proud ! they waited even before they got to the point

(and stayed that way all the way to Shelly) something about a shark sighting keeps people together !!

Shanes always up for a cuddle with these gorgeous ladies.

Michelle Sparkles who has the most gorgeous mum Audrey

gives her best impression of a shark.... pretty scary stuff.

Swimmers - 20

Temp - 23.5

Newbies - None

The next 10km swim is on the 13th of Feb.

Lainey Loo & Tedley poo had a great swim

Drinksy & lets go man JK didn't swim today.

Bluey's seemed to be mostly on the shore, but I hear a couple of people got stung !

 including Les-Bubbles who was hoping for some trout pout lips but it didn't happen ;-(

Patrick Coleman (Who is a wonderful guy) was about the last of the swimmers to get out today !

Greeted by his 2 gorgeous children.

 10k swims..

February and March 2015/16. The first 10 km swim was on Saturday 12 December. Watch the blog for details of the second 10 km swim, to be held in February. I think 13th Feb is the day for the next 10km. Book it in

 Our new badge, the Shelly Triple, involves a triple lap of Cabbage Tree Bay (i.e. swim to Shelly Beach and back to The Point three times - total 3.5 km). This swim can be completed any day and should be logged on the i-log system. Since this is designed for those who are unable (or unwilling) to do the longer swims, this badge is only available to those who haven't completed a 6 km or 10 km swim during the season. Management says the rule about no triple badge if you get a 6km badge is set in stone. 

2016 Calendars !!

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian any day at the swim, or order onlineHERE. They make a great Christmas gift for family and friends, here or overseas. This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

I like it when you smile, but I love it when I’m the reason

Have a great day ! Mine started out great !!!

Love you all ! !

Shelly Xo xo xo

 

 

26/01/2016 - What Better Way to celebrate Australia Day than a swim to a Toilet Roll?Yay!!!

Happy Australia Day everyone! Apologies if I'm in too many photos today. We were missing a blogger as poor old Brian was up half the night on SES duty. It was a magnificent photo taking opportunity day anyway so I didn't mind blogging. (Lots of people insisted I get in photos as I was dressed up in Aussie style!) SO many people turned up today including 70 newbies! Such a shame that our favourite corner was full of bluebottles so the decision was made to swim to the Toilet Roll! And we did just that! (The 'Toilet Roll' is the cylindrical shaped building 900 metres from shore). Over 400 of us swam there in calm, warm and slightly murky water clocking up an impressive 1.8 km swim!

Beautiful sky at 6.30am by the way.

Before walking to 'the other side', in Bold and Beautiful tradition we had a gathering on the beach. Mike Baird gave the shortest speech in political history and reminded us we lived in the best place on earth and 'Happy Australia Day', Greg McDonaugh and Cathie led us all in an amazing rendition of 'Advance Australia Fair'!

and good old Jim carried the flag.

The best possible way to start Australia Day with a B&B swim. Congratulations new swimmers!

Thank you Bruce for getting your son down to speak to us. He was too busy to swim with us today as he had around 7 engagements. He did swim with us last year though so he owes us one now!

It was quite exciting swimming in the harbour for a change. Even mutterings of Bull Sharks, oil from boats and other stuff didn't put us off!

Most people managed to get to 'The Toilet Roll'. I was quite happy to check on struggling swimmers and look to see if there was any marine life and not quite swim all the way. (It seemed a bloomin long way compared to Shelly). Ian F did come to the aid of a swimmer at the side struggling for breath. Well done Ian and all the others who looked out, to check on any swimmers in difficulty,

The worst underwater photo I've ever taken! You can just about make out a Goatfish, Mados and Bream though!

We were dodging boats closer to the shore but I haven't heard of anyone colliding with one as yet. (Feel free to comment at end of the blog if you have anything to report).

Australia Day brings out the young, like 11 year old Alex above...

...to the more mature. Here is our inspirational Wilf who should be 81 very soon!

 

Hmmm...Not our average swimmer but we do take everyone! 

Even these quirky characters, Sue, Kat and Steve.

and even quirkier Michael,John and Greg!

and even more quirky Lainey, Ian, Gail and Lyndall ;-)

To be inclusive I thought I'd post a screenshot of Pirate Alex's account of his Aussie Day swim!

Guess the B&B Aussie Day chest!

Congratulations Suzie potgieter on becoming an Aussie today!

 

Have a wonderful day folks and if you haven't been invited to an Aussie Day bbq (like me and Ted) come and join some friendly B&Bers down The Skiff Club later on for a few bevvies!

Signing off

Lainey Loo aka Elaine (It's 5 years today since I did the best thing I've ever done, A B&B swim!)

 

 

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

SIGNATURE

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

Monday 25th January 2016 - Blogging from The Boat House @ Shelly Beach

 Today we swam from Shelly because of the Nipper national Carnival and to avoid the IRB traffic.

Stats: 170+ swimmers, 6 Newbies, Temp 23.6 degres C

N.B. 

1. Tomorrow is Australia Day so please arrive early and wait on the beach before the swim to avoid congestion on the promenade.

2. Bring a gold coin to donate to the Royal Far West Children

 6.30 Drinks express

B&B HQ relocated to Shelly  

 These Whale Beach Lifeguards from PLC, said their last B&B swim was at  B&B's 1st Australia Day in 2009

Newbies Sarah & Imogen

Lesbubbles brought two Newbies -  her son Alex and his dad Andy 

An Ian's eye view of Alex before receiving his free pink cap

Joy on the boat before the swim

Ian's pre - 7am speech

Pre-swim crowd

Stingray tattoo

Milly stole the show again

Post-swim indulgence -  Capless Dave showered with Drinky

Milly chose the Boat House for coffee

Tim reported he was beaten / thrashed by a 14 year old
 

After the post swim chatter I blogged with this view

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bottom of the blog:

AUSTRALIA DAY

As usual, Australia Day will be massive. We will be meeting back at the surf club as normal. Please try to arrive early and wait on the beach if possible to avoid congestion on the walkway. This year, we are encouraging everyone to wear our national colours/flags or other paraphernalia. It should be an impressive sight.

 

More importantly, we are using the occasion to raise money for our favourite charity, Royal Far West Children’s Home. We ask everyone to bring along a gold coin donation to say thank you to RFW, who manage all of our merchandise for us. If you are planning to bring new swimmers along, can you please make sure you arrive in plenty of time to get them registered. Please make sure they bring a gold coin as well.

 

 

 Have a great week ahead

Simon

(with Leila 6 & Max 4 & Matilda now 2!)

 

 

24/01/2016 Surf's up

Mornin' all. Inner Westies here. Surf was up today.  Choppy waves and a big rip. Lots of us walked to the steps. Before I launch into today, announcements first. 

AUSTRALIA DAY SWIM NOTICE

Could all experienced BnBers swimming on Tuesday please swim wide to help reign in any outliers expected in the big crowd... JK can't do it all on his own  ! And don't forget to bring coins .... (keep reading)

C’mon Aussie c’mon, c’mon! C’mon Aussie, c’mon!

This Australia Day lets support our Friends at Royal Far West. We swim on their doorstep every morning and have been supporters of them for years. Royal Far West also help stock and distribute all Bold and Beautiful’s merchandise.

But helping country kids is what they do best – giving access to health services desperately needed by Aussie kids who live in rural and remote areas. So please bring along some extra money on Tuesday morning and give generously to their volunteers – you will help our country kids be the best they can be! 

Back to this mornin'

Ian's stats

• 190 swimmers
• 20 newbies
• hot water - 23.7 degrees!

Reckon that's enough photos to see why lots of us walked to the steps. 

Newbies Sarah and Mieke - welcome!

 

Justus, g'day. 

11 year old Caoimhe and mum Paula - great to have you with us. 

Tom and family - welcome! 

Great cosy from Christina

Oodles of post swim discussion - did you swim? did you walk? how was the rip? 

About an hour later, the surf was really high - check out the surfers at the point

Sign says it all

 See you all next week !

Emma, Fi1, Fi2 and Mickey

B&B Swim School

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean as they teach you the fundamentals of the underwater phase of your freestyle stroke.

This one hour session in the water will help understand the technique in easy to follow steps, bringing it all together to allow you to feel additional propulsion, power and speed.

When : Saturday 6 Feb 8-9am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

Please email [email protected] for more information or to reserve your place. 

Manly Open Carnival - 23/01/16 - Thalassophiles

Manly is where it's at today, with the Manly Open Carnival on from 8am-5pm. Get on down here and watch these amazing people in action.  Due to the Carnival, the Bold and Beautiful started at Shelly Beach and swam to the point and back.  (we like to mix it up)

Here is a pic of Pauline with her family who are here from Melbourne to compete in the Open Carnival.

My name is Nat.  My loves, not in any particular order are: talking, smiling, eating really yummy food, my husband and 5 boys,  my extended family, my friends, CrossFit, Church and studying to be a primary teacher.

I began swimming about a year ago when my Chiropractor thought it would benefit my body.   So as a good patient I started at the local pool.   Over the years I have seen these crazy people with fluro pink caps swim from Manly to Shelly whilst doing my morning walk.   Last year I made the goal to get involved with these crazy people with fluro caps and break all stereotypes.  (being Asian, swimming in the sea)  I found out they had a name: "Bold and Beautiful" and in September 2015 I achieved my goal.   It is seriously the best thing I have done for myself.   This is where I met Zoe and our journey/friendship began.

Hi, my name is Zoe.   My loves, not in any particular order are: Jimmy my fiancé, chocolate, Nat, dancing, photography, the ocean, travelling, giggling, meeting new people, being creative with a cordless saw, friends and family, diving and learning to surf.  I am a Dive Master and have been around the ocean for over 10 years being in the yachting industry.  I have been coming back to Australia on and off for 7.   Each time I returned, I was envious of these crazy, pink cap wearing people and thought to myself "I want to be one of them".  So in September last year, I joined the squad.

We met on my first swim and on Nat's 4th.  It wasn't love at first sight as I was too preoccupied having forgotten my goggles, but the second time we met, we realised we were separated at birth!

 

Today we asked our subjects the following: "Why did you start swimming with the Bold & Beautiful, and what does the squad mean to you". 

The Bold and Beautiful is a wonderful way in which to meet fellow THALASSOPHILE'S.

We feel the ocean swim makes us feel rejuvenated, relaxed, free, joyous and ALIVE.  BnB is like an episode of ''Cheers'' where everybody knows your name.  It brings people together, keeps us active and gives us a little something to look forward to every day.  It's definitely the best way to start your day!

We both fell in love with Ian and John, (see pic below) who are the best swimming organisers/guardians we have ever met. (mind you, they're only ones we have ever met) (& I use the word "guardians" because they keep us all safe) 

John Kelly: "I started swimming here with Ian about 4 years ago and one day Ian didn't show, so I decided to swim with the Bold and Beautiful and the rest is history."

Ian said: "Pauline started swimming because she couldn't let me have all this fun without her, hahaha".  When we asked him what the BnB means to him, he answered, "lifestyle and camaraderie".  (not the Bold and Beautiful MAFIA as their children have often said)

Andrew who leads the 6:30 crew "The Drinkies", said: "I started swimming because this is a beautiful part of the world."

James Bond: "I was looking for an ocean swimming club and I found it a year after Bold and Beautiful started.  I used to do the ocean swims, run by surf clubs and train in the pools.  I love the social aspect of the Bold and Beautiful". (John Bond is the official BnB water temperature tester - here you can see him in action!) 

Shaun: "I saw these people swimming when I walked.  Then one day I decided to swim but I collided with them all coming the other direction - I decided I might as well join them.  The collision was in November 2011 and I joined the squad that Christmas." 
What does it mean to you?
"Everything in life, plus giving Rainer some stick."

(Pic of Shaun and his better half Vina.....they are todays "IT" couple whom we have named "Shvina")

Pip is due with her first baby in July and is super, duper fit and loving the Bold and Beautiful swim which she started last year.  "I wanted to do ocean swimming regularly with people and I found the Bold and Beautiful.   I think it's a perfect way to start the day.  Everyone down here have smiling faces.  It's awesome."

 

Here is Zoe with Danny: (man of many words)  He started swimming because of "friends"and he thinks it's "fun". 

 Nat in action:

At the point:

Our marker man at the point:

 

 

 

 Nat in action:

7am today at Shelly:

Early birdies at Shelly:

Nat posting on facebook:

Nat, Zoe and Laney:

Swimmers - lots.

Temp - 23.5

Newbies - I have no idea, but we did meet Glen.

The next 10km swim is on the 13th of Feb.

 

 

Yesterday in Manly before 6am: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Swimmers in action:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 22 January 2016 - Grateful for an end to several hot days

I am worried when I see board riders at the beach when I arrive. I like board riders and marvel at their skill BUT it means waves and I may not be able to get in at the beach. The waves were ok but I was worried about diving under them because of all the seaweed!. here are some others who were grateful to have the chance to swim today

and Paul (long time swimmer but blog newbie - thanks for featuring in mine!) and Kathryn from Canada

 

Martin with some ladies getting ready to try out the waves

Swimmers are so photogenic:

these swimmers having a rest before a vigorous swim

 

I am always glad to see Jim and Anne

Here are Alan and John. Alan is always so helpful in his endless attempts to improve my wave technique. The slow improvement progress is not his fault

Pauline and her relatives who are here for the weekend activities - see below

Some early swimmers. It only takes them a few minutes to swim to Shelly and back and their hair is not even ruffled. 

Now i am getting on with my swim which is what I am here for. The returning early swimmers give a report. "Quite bumpy" said this swimmer. I have worked this out to mean that it is not like pool swimming today

After my harrowing efforts to get to the point, I was lucky to get guidance by the super Crosby family for whom the conditions were no trouble at all. After all, they brought their own water safety official.

Distant shot of Shelly in case I did not make it in time

Ian is holding everyone back so I can get some photos

 

Howard posing with Vas who had his first swim today. He is hooked

There was a lot of leaf litter and rubbish today. There was a lot less after the BB went through. If we each pick up one thing, it makes a big difference to the sea life and our enjoyment of the swim. 

 

Surf Carnival swim change for 23 and 25 January. It's that time of year again when our corner is over run. The Manly Surf Lifesaving Open Carnival will be held on 23 January and the Nipper Nats on 25 January 2016 (Saturday and Monday). On both days there will be a very high level of IRB activity in the Southern corner in front of the surf club and the ramp, particularly in the early mornings starting from about 5.30am. On these occasions, we revert to starting from Shelly, swimming to inside the point and then back to Shelly. It is important that we all co operate as the likelihood of head clashes or being run over by IRB's are increased on these two days. Thank you for your co operation.

Summer Badges

There are now three badges available for those swimming in summer:

# 1: Saturday 5 December kicked off the 6 km summer badge swims. These are on everySaturday during summer but not this Saturday - see above.

# 2: There is one 10 km swim in December, February and March 2015/16. The first 10 km swim was on Saturday 12 December. Watch the blog for details of the second 10 km swim, to be held in February. I think 13th Feb is the day for the next 10km. Book it in

# 3: Our new badge, the Shelly Triple, involves a triple lap of Cabbage Tree Bay (i.e. swim to Shelly Beach and back to The Point three times - total 3.5 km). This swim can be completed any day and should be logged on the i-log system. Since this is designed for those who are unable (or unwilling) to do the longer swims, this badge is only available to those who haven't completed a 6 km or 10 km swim during the season. Management says the rule about no triple badge if you get a 6km badge is set in stone. 

 

Staying safe

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

 

Summer Badges

There are now three badges available for those swimming in summer:

# 1: Saturday 5 December kicked off the 6 km summer badge swims. These are on everySaturday during summer but not this Saturday - see above.

# 2: There is one 10 km swim in December, February and March 2015/16. The first 10 km swim was on Saturday 12 December. Watch the blog for details of the second 10 km swim, to be held in February. I think 13th Feb is the day for the next 10km. Book it in

# 3: Our new badge, the Shelly Triple, involves a triple lap of Cabbage Tree Bay (i.e. swim to Shelly Beach and back to The Point three times - total 3.5 km). This swim can be completed any day and should be logged on the i-log system. Since this is designed for those who are unable (or unwilling) to do the longer swims, this badge is only available to those who haven't completed a 6 km or 10 km swim during the season. Management says the rule about no triple badge if you get a 6km badge is set in stone. 

 

Staying safe

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.