Pacific Jules

29/02/16 - Back to You

Modern society (the feel-good name we use to describe the human zoo), has brought many helpful technological advances.  However, the cost of this is a living environment that constantly triggers our stress response - a response we're only meant to be in for 15 minutes. The mismatch between the environment we evolved for and the one we actually live in, now holds us in this state for decades.

The long term health effects are manifold.  One of the most insidious is that our brain becomes 'hypervigilant' to external stimuli (constantly looking for potential threats). Driving our attention outside of ourselves at the cost of regulating our internal function. Often causing a disconnection from our internal balance to the point where the nerve system creates pain just to get our attention back.

This process can be reversed and here's a painless way to start reducing chronic stress load and begin reclaiming your focus...

Walk down on the beach, until the water touches your toes. Put your right palm on your stomach, just below your ribs, then put your left palm over the right. Relax your shoulders and breathe into your hands.  Continue until the sound and feeling of the water lapping at your feet fades and is replaced by sound and feeling of your breath moving into your hands...  Welcome back to you.
-Andrew

 

Water clean but cloudy, smooth surface warm and a few sets to catch on the return. 
(click on photos to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

Kind Regards,
Andrew 'Magichands' Maher

Unique, gentle, Light Touch Chiropractic Manly - ask about our Bold & Beautiful VIP program 

  

Stats:
Swimmers  151
Newbies  5
Water temp  23.5⁰ C  

 

Remember - Red Feb is almost over.. hurry if you still want to make a donation!

REDFEB is Heart Research Australia's signature fundraising campaign. It promotes a heart healthy lifestyle and raises much needed funds for first-stage innovative research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Visit redfeb.com.au for further information. 

B&B will again be assisting this cause in 2016 by holding a fundraising race over the whole of February. The "Race" will be between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA. You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause.

Our fundraising effort will be highlighted on Saturday 13^th February when we will all exchange our pink caps for RED ones at 7 am as we have our own "RED FEB RACE". I think we know who will win the swimming race, but who will win the fundraising race? To help you choose who to support, here is a statement in support of each of the teams:

A-Team (currently @ $335)
The A-team comprises the elite swimmers in the Bold and Beautiful. Not only are they good looking, they are FAST. They like to compete and they like to WIN. While they are virtually assured of a win in the swimming race, they also want desperately to win the fundraising! Dave Panton, the quintessential A-Teamer says "Bring it on!" 

Team Omega (currently @ $1550)
The members of Team Omega are slow but steady. While they are normally found at the back of the pack, they are always persistent and never give up. No challenge is too great for these swimmers. Elizabeth X, the leader of Team Omega, and an experienced fundraiser, says she is quietly confident of a victory.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

Monthly Dinner Special Event – John Kelly’s Beer Tasting Dinner!
The next B&B monthly dinner is on Tuesday 8^th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. For this event a FREE beer tasting is included for B&B members and their friends. Local business, Dial a Drink, has collaborated with northern beaches craft brewer Nomad to give the B&B the opportunity to participate in an exclusive FREE Craft Beer tasting and learning session. Discover the unique range that local brewery Nomad offers, and learn more about craft beer, the ingredients, taste profiles and some of the best brews. You will have the opportunity to purchase your favourite beers from the tasting, with Dial a Drink delivering your order straight to your door following the dinner.

                   

 The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the beer tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). For those who are not partial to a cold beer, glasses of wine will also be available at the special price of only $5 each, so you can still come along and have a great time with all your B&B friends. Desserts will also be half price ($5 each). Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Pink Wednesdays at Whitewater Restaurant

From 2nd March, each and every Wednesday will be "PINK WEDNESDAY" at WHITEWATER RESTAURANT. B&B swimmers will receive a massive 50% discount on all food items when they present their "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD.

In order to get your "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD, which is only available for B&B members, send an E-mail to *Rebeka Zubac*, Functions & Event Coordinator at Whitewater Restaurant to *[email protected] <[email protected]>*. Please complete the form below and copy it into your email.

SUBJECT: PINK WEDNESDAY

First Name:

Last Name:

E-mail:

Mobile:

Gender:

Male Female

Date of Birth:

Month Of Anniversary:

 

Also remember, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

 

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.

 

 

 

28/02/2016 - Technical Difficulties

Another big wave day in Manly. The attendance page is showing 104 swimmers. I bet there were more!

My  day started with technical difficulties. The blog camera decided to act up and display various error messages before fully giving up as I arrived at Shelly.. the moment beautifully captured by my lovely assistant Peta:

Let me apologize in advance if you thought you had scored the perfect blog photo this morning. I can assure you, you looked stunning. And that beautiful moment we had together, that chemistry between blogger and blog tart - it will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Now, I was able to retrieve some photos. Like this one, of JK discussing strategy:

Or this one of Brian giving me some straight talk:

Or this one of Alyson and Derek:

Manly Lifesaving Club getting ready for the Manly Inflatable Boat Race - I heard they won:

Here's one for those of you who appreciate a good bottom. Or three:

Yes, it was another morning for the Halfway Shuffle:

Shaun was hoping for a Sunday 10km, but his hopes were dashed:

He is negotiating with management for an additional 6km / 10km swim next Saturday:

"I told Management, I need this. Otherwise my 20 years of tapering and carb loading would have been for nothing!"

Here's another one taken by Peta - you can see, she is working with a much more expensive camera:

Lucy posing with random mums and babies now.. desperate..

Anne back from her 6:30 swim:

A short while later, Peta managed to get this stunning underwater photo:

Now, we are missing a few photos in the middle, but this is roughly what happened:

• We swam to shelly
• People discussed turtle sightings
• JK or Ian were making announcements of sorts
• Some swam straight back to Halfway
• Others swam to the point and then to Halfway
• A few swam to the point and doubled
• The real show-offs tripled

Speaking of Triples:

Dorset has quietly climbed the Pacific Challenge charts and is now holding the esteemed title of "Furthest Swum Last 30 Days":

The usual highbrow conversations at the benches were in full swing:

 

Midge and her mob:

If You Are The One.. Gareth is looking for a new flatmate. He's picky:

Lucy teaching Millie blog tarting basics - #1 The Duck Face:

The "Duck Face", also known as "Myspace Face", is a colloquial term for a facial expression made by pressing one's lips together into the shape of a duck's bill. Also defined as a two-lip pout.

In other news - Manly's Inflatable Boat Race was a success:

Finally, an update on Red Feb - Team Omega is killing it with a result of $1550 so far!

Remember - Red Feb is almost over.. hurry if you still want to make a donation!

REDFEB is Heart Research Australia's signature fundraising campaign. It promotes a heart healthy lifestyle and raises much needed funds for first-stage innovative research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Visit redfeb.com.au for further information. 

B&B will again be assisting this cause in 2016 by holding a fundraising race over the whole of February. The "Race" will be between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA. You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause.

Our fundraising effort will be highlighted on Saturday 13^th February when we will all exchange our pink caps for RED ones at 7 am as we have our own "RED FEB RACE". I think we know who will win the swimming race, but who will win the fundraising race? To help you choose who to support, here is a statement in support of each of the teams:

A-Team

The A-team comprises the elite swimmers in the Bold and Beautiful. Not only are they good looking, they are FAST. They like to compete and they like to WIN. While they are virtually assured of a win in the swimming race, they also want desperately to win the fundraising! Dave Panton, the quintessential A-Teamer says "Bring it on!" 

Team Omega

The members of Team Omega are slow but steady. While they are normally found at the back of the pack, they are always persistent and never give up. No challenge is too great for these swimmers. Elizabeth X, the leader of Team Omega, and an experienced fundraiser, says she is quietly confident of a victory.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

Monthly Dinner Special Event – John Kelly’s Beer Tasting Dinner!

The next B&B monthly dinner is on Tuesday 8^th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. For this event a FREE beer tasting is included for B&B members and their friends. Local business, Dial a Drink, has collaborated with northern beaches craft brewer Nomad to give the B&B the opportunity to participate in an exclusive FREE Craft Beer tasting and learning session. Discover the unique range that local brewery Nomad offers, and learn more about craft beer, the ingredients, taste profiles and some of the best brews. You will have the opportunity to purchase your favourite beers from the tasting, with Dial a Drink delivering your order straight to your door following the dinner.

 The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the beer tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). For those who are not partial to a cold beer, glasses of wine will also be available at the special price of only $5 each, so you can still come along and have a great time with all your B&B friends. Desserts will also be half price ($5 each). Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Pink Wednesdays at Whitewater Restaurant

From 2nd March, each and every Wednesday will be "PINK WEDNESDAY" at WHITEWATER RESTAURANT. B&B swimmers will receive a massive 50% discount on all food items when they present their "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD.

In order to get your "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD, which is only available for B&B members, send an E-mail to *Rebeka Zubac*, Functions & Event Coordinator at Whitewater Restaurant to *[email protected] <[email protected]>*. Please complete the form below and copy it into your email.

SUBJECT: PINK WEDNESDAY

First Name:

Last Name:

E-mail:

Mobile:

Gender:

Male Female

Date of Birth:

Month Of Anniversary:

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.

 

Have a great day!
Lips x

The Stats

Regulars:  104 ticked

Newbies:   Some

Temp:         23.1 C

Sunrise:      6.41am

Sunset:       7.33pm

26 Feb 2016 – Gnarly Birthday

Have you noticed that it seemed a very long week?  Perhaps it was the full moon on Tuesday causing time to warp these past six days. Whatever the reason, it was with trepidation I approached our favourite corner – mostly because I had promised to do the 6km today, and then because I saw the surf!

Kerry and Rosemary said it was gnarly and full of rips. Not boding well for a chilled, gentle Saturday swim. . .

By the time I found Henrietta and Rusty the sad (?) news that the long swims were cancelled had filtered through the waiting hordes.

Then the most amazing thing happened. This really demonstrated how successful JK’s ventriloquist classes have been! First he called the crowd to attention.

Then a voice on high told us that the surf was dangerous – big waves, breaking on the rocks and full of rips – therefore all those pink caps are to go to half-way. Phew! Divine intervention had delivered me my perfect Saturday swim.

Almost Birthday Boy Bruce (it's really tomorrow) looked pretty happy. Elizabeth organised cake for the post swim celebration. Nothing like sharing your birthday with 210 of your dearest acquaintances!!

It has been a while since such I’ve seen such a long line of swimmers (about 210 of us), meander around to half-way. 

A very impressive sight to see the mass of swimmers swarm over the rocks and into the surf.

These boys need no introduction!

Bruce’s birthday was celebrated B&B style at Shelly.

A few people hung out at the point to watch the surf roll into shore while contemplating what a 6km and 10km might have been like.  Reports from the early morning group who swam to Queenscliff indicate that the break zone was not the place to be. Many of them were truly dumped, losing goggles in the swirling foam and facing the long swim back to half-way ‘cause Manly was closed because of the nasty waves.

Cake around the table with proper champagne indicated that the festival of Bruce was still happening.

Although Rainer chose to break bread at this table.

Don’t forget RED FEB!!  Just three days to go to support your favourite team. . .

Have a wonderful Saturday.

Mary

 

 

Monthly Dinner Special Event – John Kelly’s Beer Tasting Dinner!

The next B&B monthly dinner is on Tuesday 8^th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. For this event a FREE beer tasting is included for B&B members and their friends. Local business, Dial a Drink, has collaborated with northern beaches craft brewer Nomad to give the B&B the opportunity to participate in an exclusive FREE Craft Beer tasting and learning session. Discover the unique range that local brewery Nomad offers, and learn more about craft beer, the ingredients, taste profiles and some of the best brews. You will have the opportunity to purchase your favourite beers from the tasting, with Dial a Drink delivering your order straight to your door following the dinner.

 The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the beer tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). For those who are not partial to a cold beer, glasses of wine will also be available at the special price of only $5 each, so you can still come along and have a great time with all your B&B friends. Desserts will also be half price ($5 each). Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Pink Wednesdays at Whitewater Restaurant

From 2nd March, each and every Wednesday will be "PINK WEDNESDAY" at WHITEWATER RESTAURANT. B&B swimmers will receive a massive 50% discount on all food items when they present their "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD.

In order to get your "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD, which is only available for B&B members, send an E-mail to *Rebeka Zubac*, Functions & Event Coordinator at Whitewater Restaurant to *[email protected] <[email protected]>*. Please complete the form below and copy it into your email.

SUBJECT: PINK WEDNESDAY

First Name:

Last Name:

E-mail:

Mobile:

Gender:

Male Female

Date of Birth:

Month Of Anniversary:

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.

The Stats

Regulars:   210 (or there about)

Newbies:   8

Temp:         22.9

Sunrise:      6.41am

Sunset:       7.35pm

Friday 26 February 2016. Life Be In it

Some of you may remember the ad campaign from the 70s featuring Norm, encouraging people to get up and so something. This morning again I was glad to arrive at Manly and see people surfing walking, swimming doing stuff with kettle balls. The talk of big waves did give me pause but I know there is always half way or Shelly beach so I was glad to drive in for the swim. It was great. There was strength in the water but I was glad to have a swim.

 

Here are some lovely swimmers who are persuaded to enjoy life. They are participating in the Manly Inflatable  race on Sunday. Guess their team name ;) They are calling for people to donate inflateable things to use to craft their vessel - inflatable thongs, boards, dolls etc. 

Life be in it - say this lot and also today, Martin's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. See also Shelly beach chot

Thomson group with their swim coach Emma

A rare photo of these two on land - marco and Nikki

More swimmers getting rady

Graham's first swim. Welcome. Did you enjoy it?

Lisa and Angela

Getting in early, advice from Max was that the swim was great today. Look at the post swim smile

More good advice

Inge finishing one swim before starting another. Jim said there were more 6.30am swimmers than 7. Is that now the norm?

 

Thanks Jim again for advice on getting out through the waves

Jeff at the point

At Shelly Beach

 

 

 

Niko and I forget.

Happy birthday Martin

Although Bernhard was not swimming, Monika was here today. Also a smile from Richard!The swimmers today were so good looking that there were competition cameras today! To see other shots and shots of duskies, look at the Bold and Beautiful facebook page. 

it was hard to get in today but here we are. I must say that I get excellent value for money from the life savers as they often ask me if I am ok. Also other swimemrs often ask too. Sometimes i am and sometimes I am not ok. But I always appreciate being asked. 

stats:

160 swimmers

3 newbies

22.4 degrees

 

LAST CHANCE FOR 6KM AND 10 KM SWIM THIS SATURDAY.  The badge ceremony will be next month I think. 

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

*PINK WEDNESDAYS AT WHITEWATER RESTAURANT*

From 2nd March, each and every Wednesday will be "PINK WEDNESDAY" at WHITEWATER RESTAURANT. B&B swimmers will receive a massive 50% discount on all food items when they present their "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD.

In order to get your "PINK WEDNESDAY" CARD, which is only available for B&B members, send an E-mail to *Rebeka Zubac*, Functions & Event Coordinator at Whitewater Restaurant to *[email protected] <[email protected]>*. Please complete the form below and copy it into your email.

*SUBJECT: PINK WEDNESDAY *

First Name:

Last Name:

E-mail:

Mobile:

Gender:

         Male Female

Date of Birth:

 

 

Lastly, this week I read a book "In the Shallows" by Favel Parrett. too sad a story. 

Have a great day!

25/02/16 ASK NOT .... Not, not, NOT an A-team blog

HIJACKED.

Yes, that's right readers the Thursday blog has been hijacked by a non-A-teamer.  "Alleluia" I hear the chorus sing.  In a stunning piece of philanthropic espionage a wily Team Omega rep has control of the keyboard under a certain local cleric's own sign-in. Oh the fun I could have, the trouble I could cause .... he he he .... but I think I might put my hacking skills to good use on this occasion.

What a swim !!! oh hang on - that sounds like a boring usual Thursday kind of thing to say. However it was a big swim. The swell was up again and is due to be bigger in the coming days. Someone told me this is the swell which originated from Cyclone Winston which decimated Fiji. I guess at least the waves will be good for the Aust Surfing Comp starting on Saturday in Manly. The water in our piece of paradise was a slightly cooler 23 degrees according to 007.  Management advised swimmers to go from half way due to the big swell and very strong rip but many ignored him .... again. The beach was open, unlike yesterday morning when it was closed, but again the visibility wasn't great.  If a picture can paint a thousand words then this pic could sum up this morning at CBT. Lucky that because its the only one of the pics I took with Management's camera that actually got captured (oops). Thanks to Bones for supplying some others.

Left to right we see Rainer, Miss Milly's pram, David and Damian on the ramp, Peter about to take a pic of them, supporters on the wall, swimmers returning from half-way and the big surf in the background.

Damian has just arrived from Canada for David's wedding to his sister which happens this Saturday at the sandstone edifice on the hill. Peter is David's Dad. Peter said to me that he thought the pink caps was great and he "had seen 200 of the best looking guys". "oh, are you here for Mardi Gras ?" I asked him. No he responded, he is a local gynaecologist !!!! go figure !!! David hopes to get all the groomsmen down for a swim on Saturday before the ceremony.

The next pic I failed to capture was one of David, Damian and Peter all together with an epic photobomb by Lips, Lucy and Miss Milly - drat.

NOT an A-team blog. Because Team Omega have hijacked this blog there will not be a single image or name of any of those 'Year 6 boys' who self-appointed themselves as our alpha males. How is that for a change. Who won the race back from the 7 am swim this morning ? Who cares ? There were 180 intrepid exercisers who faced the ocean this morning, not just 6 or so. In fact there were 6 newbies who faced the crossing (or half crossing) of CBT for the first time. Far more noteworthy. Welcome to you all.

NOT an unequal representation blog.  The prominence that mob of funsters have managed to grab, especially on a Thursday is way, way out of proportion to their number.  Less than ten of them have had one in 7 blogs fully devoted to them for the 18+ months I have been swimming. Even the fantastically inclusive Driftwood blogs, among others, have featured them ! This inequality is right up there with the 63 richest people in the world having as much money as the bottom 50% ie 3.5 billion people !!!  (yep ! that's what the recent Oxfam report found) I have elsewhere seen reported that the richest 85 own more than the bottom 85%. 

NOT a fan of the A-team? or their overexposure ? well you know what to do. Stick it to them by showing your support against them in the Red Feb challenge. Go on, I know some of you want to. I have heard the odd complaint about the bias in the Thursday blogs. Well here is your chance Richard to put your money where your mouth is and vote with your pocket for the non A-team. Just to remind them that the ten or so who claim to be A-teamers are less than .0009 of those who have donned a pink cap. You can support the non A-team in Red Feb by following this link:

Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

NOT just a swim. Of course our mornings at B&B central, in CBT, and apres swim at the wall, tree, benches or in various Manly cafes are not just about the swim. There is SO much more to the B&B.

We are a community that feels like a family. How gorgeous of Jenny (above right) and the first few to allow the extra 11,000+ of us to join their swim. No exclusivity, all welcome. But please, especially on mornings like today, don't swim beyond your ability. The family extends of course to our wider families. I told Miss Milly (above having brekky with Mum Lucy) this morning that I loved her before she was born. Its true. We all watched Lucy bloom as Milly's arrival approached and couldn't wait to welcome her and all the new bubs that arrive. We also mourn when we lose loved Members: Will, Billy, Laiea, Pete's Mum, or when loved ones face sickness or trials.  Denise, seen below, is one of numerous Pink Cappers who have recently joined the group of grandparents. I know - hard to believe, she must have had her kids when she was 10 !!

NOT an homogenous mob. One of the great features and strengths of the B&B is the diversity amongst us. Lots of people from all walks of life and all over the world. Below we have Smurf, one of the states most senior fireys with Jackson who is undertaking a law degree amongst his many adventures.

And then there in between them is your humble scribe. Sporting the cap of the month in an attempt at remaining somewhat incognito.  Management asked two of us to head up teams to try and invigorate some energy in to Red Feb month this year.  It hasn't worked so well thus far. Even though one team is the at times controversial group who many love to comment about.  Last year in the whole month of Feb our group raised less than $2000 and this year its only about half that with only 4 days to go. Yikes! we all need to get a wriggle on.

ASK NOT ........

As JFK famously posed....

Ask not what the B&B does or can do for you, ask what you can do for the B&B ?

We all have such a magnificent time in such a beautiful place and its available for FREE every day of the year and has been for years. You even get free caps along with IT log ins, tracking of your swims and totals and the ability to check on others. There are superb friendships, camaraderie, support and yes, love and health benefits and SO MUCH more to boot.

Management have asked us to support Red Feb.  Its actually an incredibly worthwhile cause.  Heart disease/attacks is the number one cause of deaths in Australia. We even lost one of our own amidst us. We all know people, including loved ones who have been affected and many of us face heart health issues ourselves or will one day.  The research Red Feb supports is life changing, for instance Australian researchers funded by it pioneered the stents that are now used in heart health maintenance all around the world.

The B&B asks for very little, especially compared to what we all benefit from it.  There have been thousands of swims this February by those wearing a pink cap.  If we each gave just $1 for every swim we had done this February we would easily surpass $2000.  Please consider making a donation by the web link (above, below or on other days blogs) or into the boxes at the sign on table over the next few days.

And finally, about those fun, feisty, fit fellas who are not featured today.  Good on them for adding a bit of spice and fun to their swim and our blogs.  If you get to know them you will find they are quite good company.  Many a stressed or ailing soul has been soothed and amused (if not abused) listening to their fun, harmless banter of a morning post the swim.  In fact some of them are, imho, really fine human beings.  Its easy to diss on those you don't really know. Get to know them and you might just appreciate them. But hey, if you don't want to that's fine. Just vote against them. Here is the link again:

Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

over and out, Zig-zagging Zedder Zab on behalf of Team Omega and Red Feb

PS  I know, I know, I know, sorry I am a bit late posting this, technology was a major challenge this am

BOTTOM OF THE BLOG

One of our favourite elder statesmen ie BB is celebrating his birthday on Saturday. PLEASE, EVERYONE you are welcome to join us at the benches to help him celebrate

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

The crash test dummies as I like to think of them (The 6.30 swimmers, The Drinks Express !)

They test the water for us ! they report back to us 7 O'clockers Rips, Stingers , Blueys etc ....

Today's report was strong rip at the point.

 Duskies all around. but I'm sorry I never got a shot of one, to slow on the draw for me.

I saw about 3 but a lot reported of about 10.

 

The gorgeous & talented Arabella  joined us again today, she has been a very busy young girl.

She has a business coaching people to be  CONFIDENT LEADERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

To go to her web site click below....

Resonate Communications Coaching

 

 

All the Booty campers were flat today.

Ed,Derek, Sparkles, Lainey, Ros with Lesbubbles the photo bomb hand model in the back ground.

 

 

 

 

Halfway today, thanks to our 6.30ers for the heads up.

 

A helping hand is great when the waves a swirling around

The mob at Shelly all ready to go .

This is whats left once all the people who have to go to work have gone < the last minute chats

Some people just like to watch, it must be a site seeing all the pink caps zooming off.

Cath has buggered her hand so she'll be off for a while, speedy recovery !

Former Beach club person has seen the light and joins us for a regular swim now.

All the action was at the point, with some caught in the rip.

Everyone made it okay, but remember its okay to get out at halfway !

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.

 

Taking the pi$$ out of Cath

Steve & Greg relatively newbies are loving swimming down here.

The lads are missing "Tim the Bishop" as he has family duties.

Well, they are still smiling so maybe not so much.

The Bluewater crew are all smiles too !

REDFEB is Heart Research Australia's signature fundraising campaign. It promotes a heart healthy lifestyle and raises much needed funds for first-stage innovative research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Visit redfeb.com.au for further information. 

B&B will again be assisting this cause in 2016 by holding a fundraising race over the whole of February. The "Race" will be between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA. You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause.

Our fundraising effort will be highlighted on Saturday 13^th February when we will all exchange our pink caps for RED ones at 7 am as we have our own "RED FEB RACE". I think we know who will win the swimming race, but who will win the fundraising race? To help you choose who to support, here is a statement in support of each of the teams:

A-Team

The A-team comprises the elite swimmers in the Bold and Beautiful. Not only are they good looking, they are FAST. They like to compete and they like to WIN. While they are virtually assured of a win in the swimming race, they also want desperately to win the fundraising! Dave Panton, the quintessential A-Teamer says "Bring it on!" 

Team Omega

The members of Team Omega are slow but steady. While they are normally found at the back of the pack, they are always persistent and never give up. No challenge is too great for these swimmers. Elizabeth X, the leader of Team Omega, and an experienced fundraiser, says she is quietly confident of a victory.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

Our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

 

Yesterdays Pics.....

Bill MacCaffiene posing yesterday in the sun for me with his mono snorkle.

      

Gayle powers on a week after her 10K swim.

Ian & Ted post swim ... Photo by Derek

Tedley catches a few waves.

if you see rubbish floating in the water pick it up & stuff in your cosies till you get out.

Ed also caught a few waves getting out yesterday

Pick up the rubbish & keep it clean.

Emma Grose always wears a Frangipani at Booty camp, she lost this one.

                                                                                                                         

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

 

 

Carcharhinus obscurus et Audax et Pulchra - Tuesday, February 2016

 A sensational start to what is forecast to be another warm one. Today though just a relaxing 1/2 meter of swell from the East on a long period of 13 seconds with just a zephyr of warm wind from the NNE at 7 knots. 

However enjoy it now is the call with a building swell between now and Saturday potentially getting up towards the 2m mark. Should make for some fast turns at the point as the Easterly swell should hit square and stop the rip unlike our southerly swells. I expect Lyndal will be quivering with delight at the thought of some serious waves at last. With her recent graduation to Dolphin master of the underwater swell she is relishing every opportunity.

6:50 and already the Sun is turning. 

Winter is coming, but not before a couple of these sparklers sneak in.

A big early crew today swimming out of the Sun.

For those looking for temperature validation - note.... 24.7

And for those unaware Patrick has been swimming with a couple of broken ribs for a few weeks now due to relentless coercion from Steve. Keep it up matey.

And of course Steves coercive efforts would mean nothing without the relentless reminders from Terry the hard man Mcjannett. I dont think 2 tickly broken ribs even registers as a hindrance on Terry's scale.

As the C team readies the tunnel of slaps for the last man, the anticipation in the Pink caps is palpable.

And we're off.

Ordinary visibility for the  start.

Hardly time for a chat today, it was Lets go. I suspect John was in a hurry.

Lots of fish at the boulders.

In fact everywhere

Fishy city

Quite a bit of red algae starting to form in the warmth. Time for a winter swell to cool it down.

Most of us (Audax et Pulchra) swum quite wide today and missed a dollup of Dusky's (Carcharhinus obscurus)

I counted 7 though they were darting around a lot hard to know if I doubled up but the were very close to the path and in the shallow water there wasnt a lot of space for the evasive rolls.

A generalist apex predator, the dusky shark can be found from the coast to the outer continental shelf and adjacent pelagic waters, and has been recorded from a depth of 400 m (1,300 ft). Populations migrate seasonally towards the poles in the summer and towards the equator in the winter, traveling hundreds to thousands of kilometers. One of the largest members of its genus, the dusky shark reaches 4.2 m (14 ft) in length and 347 kg (765 lb) in weight. It has a slender, streamlined body and can be identified by its short round snout, long sickle-shaped pectoral fins, ridge between the first and second dorsal fins, and faintly marked fins.

So if the previous pics were a little cloudy, this is what it would look like on a clear day. Pretty amazing really. Because of its slow reproductive rate, the dusky shark is very vulnerable to human-caused population depletion. This species is highly valued by commercial fisheries for its fins, used in shark fin soup, and for its meat, skin, and liver oil. It is also esteemed by recreational fishers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed this species as Near Threatened worldwide and Vulnerable off the eastern United States, where populations have dropped to 15–20% of 1970s levels.

Quite relaxed at the beach really given the swarm of Apex predators looking on.

Needless to say, we all made it back in 1 piece.  Not sure if it was the Finned friends but Ed Selby hit a PB this morning that will take some breaking. He is setting some serious benchmarks which are well worthy of serious admiration. I missed a photo opp under steam. Just a blur.

Now onto something else of importance, a certain group of Uke players is looking for someone with some Rockbox capability. if you know someone interested and can patter out a beat I understand there is an opening and the group are assessing suitors.

Have a great week.

Brian

Bottom of the Blog

  

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:

A Team = $335

Team Omega = $708

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

  

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher. 

Sharknado - Monday 22 February 2016

I swam at 6am in the light of the morning star with a group of 10 early risers including:

 

Rob & Lee (who complained that the water was TOO WARM)

 Kendelle and (Clair who swam in the pool today but came to the beach for coffee) 

 

Mauricio

Ali (cuddling Drinky and sister Clair) + Jo & another  guy in a wetsuit (they escaped before I could take a photo) 

At 6.30 the beach was crowded with clubbers and the Drinks express

and my namesake Simon and Bro Peter

At 6.45 I caught up with blogging sisters Nat &  Zoe while they finished their pre-swim  breakfast

Finally after 1 hr 24 mins in the water my 6am buddies Fifi and Smurf came out of the water.

Their word of the day was "Sharknado" as they had spent ages circling a swirling "Shiver of Duskies" 

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

Stats: 

Water temp: 24.7 degrees C, Swimmers: 100++,  Newbies: 3+

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

 Have a great week ahead

Simon

 

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

Bottom of the Blog

  

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $568

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

  

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher. 

 

 

21/2/2016 Stormy Sunday

Mornin' all. Inner Westies here. Fi1, Fi2 and Mickey are doing a triathlon down at Husky so it's Emma and international photographer John reporting live from Manly today! Some important notices upfront first.

 

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $568

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

 

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher. 

 

BACK TO THE SWIM!

0 jimbles. 0 blue bottles. 0 large grey fish....15 newbies, lots of regulars, water 24.7.

Pretty stormy coming over the bridge

Getting darker heading down Military Road...

Butchers Cafe Fairlight just waking up

Made it to the beach

Let's meet some people. 

Hi Nick and Miranda

 

Welcome back Emer and Rick (Rainer just can't help himself can he ?!?)

Hi Thomas !

Lovely ladies

More lovely ladies!

Good friends

 

The visionary struttin' his stuff

Let's get in. 

 

 

 

Great swim today. No stingers and water just warm and lovely. Nice waves to push us back home again!

Short and sweet today - so many truly outstanding blogs this week - great work from the collective bloggin' team!

See you all next weekend. 

Saturday 20 February 2016. I'm glad I swam today

It is getting darker in the morning and a little bit harder to get up way over in Lane Cove for the swim. But as usual, I am glad I got there. You see great people and enjoy a chat about conditions and swims

All the spots where people usually go to get ready

Russell and Patricia (and Nick, absent) getting ready for 6km - against the southern swell. Big effort

Small swimmer instructing tall swimmer on how to use the swim cap properly. He has not quite got it

I usually only see this lot on their 5th or 6th lap so it is good to see that they do sometimes go on land

It is always nice to see John

Here is Shaun explaining the swim to a newbie. Welcome. 

Here is Shaun with Gayle at Queenscliff last week on the 10km that was attacked in a concerted campaign by a lot of blue bottles. Next week 27 Feb there will be the last chance for a 10km badge!! Dont tell 'blue bottle HQ

 

A new swimmer in this group - I hope she will comment on how she enjoyed it

Superman with friend checking ahead for kryptonite, no doubt

these swimmers have been persuaded by Elaine to swim today. Good idea

Rob on his bench

Special treat - John not at Shelly beach 

Ian and John - always generously helping other, less capable  swimmers. me. Thanks

Early swimmer hand over. They swim so fast and so smooth, they barely leave a ripple. Now over to me!

7 am swimmers going in 

matching swimmers

at the point

special colour changing cap

A bumpy trip to Shelly today

Special photo - 3 for the price of 2

thanks to this group for waiting while I made my way to take the photo. But still smiling

It was lovely to see Sylvia and also get a photo. 

I tried to get Reg ...

And after spending a bit of time in the waves trying to enjoy them, I got back to see lots of people who were glad they had come to swim today

Reading a fairly low brow crime novel this week set in north of England, I noted the dead body had attracted "blue bottles" which I eventually found out was a reference to a type of fly. I wonder if sometime someone in north of England heard about a lot of blue bottles at the beach in Australia and wondered briefly what so many flies were doing there. 

Here is a photo of Gayle and me after our 10km swim.  Feeling pretty happy to have done it

HAVE A GREAT DAY

 

Temp today 24.5

Lots of people swam including some newbies

 

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $568

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.