What a morning! A total of 220 swimmers, including 8 newbies, braved the wind chill and were rewarded with what has to be the best start to a Sunday. Well, to any day really..
Solstice Swim Report:
The morning kicked off at 6:20 with leg #2 of the Drinks Express solstice swim. Near perfect conditions for a nude swim really - superb visibility, ice cold water, and the odd jimble to keep things interesting.
Henrietta managed to capture the 6:20 nudies mid-flight on their way to Shelly Beach. If you zoom in closely, you can see Andrew's butt cheeks at the very front of the pack:
I arrived around 6:40, just in time to catch some of the brave solstice swimmers arriving back at the surf beach.
Some still a little bit camera shy..
Others less so..
Love these ladies - it's moments like these that remind me how lucky I'm to be a blogger..
Some of the nude swimmers later that morning - don't let their winter wardrobe fool you. They are still utterly nude underneath:
Andrew looking pleased with the morning:
For those of you who still contemplate joining one of the solstice swims, there will be one more chance around end of August. The solstice swims are strictly non-denominational and you don't have to be a practicing pagan to join.
I joined for the last one on 22nd June and loved it. In fact, if it wasn't for my blogging duty, I probably would have disrobed for today's installment too. I just couldn't figure out where to store the camera on the way over. Please submit suggestions in the comments section at the bottom of this blog.
The 7am Main Event:
With the nudies arriving back, the 7am regulars were getting ready..
Mark, Michael & Julie:
Lovely Lisa with daughter Georgie:
Legends Greg & Bill - the latter wearing his flesh-coloured undies in a show of support for the solstice swimmers:
Fiona was in top form today..
Best thing about winter swimming (apart from occasional nudity) - the 7am sunrise!
Michael thought it was hilarious to splash me with 16.7 degree water. From behind. From the safety of his wetsuit. What's wrong with people!
Dispiriting: The A-Team, once again, narrowly beating me to Shelly. I blame the wetsuits..
Capless Dave feeling the cold:
Now, I know a talented blog tart when I see one - Marco pulled out all the stops:
Fellow Sunday blogger and part-time magician Michael - wasn't sure who's turn it was to blog today. Note to self - really need to clean up that Sunday blogging roster..
Getting people to clown was a bit like pulling teeth today. I blame the cold water.
Ironically, experienced ocean swimmers know that excessive clowning is one of the best ways to maintain body temperature in cold water conditions..
..as is cuddling Michael Christie:
A textbook 'Let's Go!' executed by Julie Isbill:
Jason - always has time to stop for a friendly chat with the blogger:
Winter-swimming veterans Luca & Lexi:
Shower Scenes:
There are few things more pleasing to the eye than beautiful swimmers taking a shower. And I don't mean that in a creepy way.
In fact, I plan to dedicate a whole blog on post-swim showers in the not-so-distant future.
Two of today's favorites below:
Coffee Culture:
Apart from that, I love watching swimmers drink their post-swim coffee:
And the lovely people that make it all possible:
Another way to keep warm - grab a dog:
Margot from to Blue Mountains was back to take a break from the blizzards and catch up with her favorite swim group:
Public Safety Notice:
Warning - this is not Jill Rankin. Someone has hacked Jill's social media profile and is pretending to be her:
If you are approached by this woman, do not - under no circumstances - buy discounted Viagra or Ray-Ban sunglasses from her. She has been seen operating around the surf club toilet block earlier this morning.
BTOTD:
I leave you with another shot of Fiona, who, together with Marco, was competing for BTOTD ('Blog Tart of the Day')..
In the end, I had to call it a tie..
Have a great Sunday. If you haven't done so already, put some clothes on. Have a hot beverage. Hug someone.
Lips x
Manly Surf Club Season Opening Party
A season Opening Party for the Manly Surf Club will be held upstairs at the Steyne Hotel on Saturday 6th August. The event will feature the band Triple Shot, with a live auction also lined up! Tickets are $50 or 2 for $80, includes food and 3 free drinks. Follow the link to purchase tickets: http://manly-lsc.myshopify.com/products/tickets-mlsc-season-opener
The Stats
Regulars: 220
Newbies: 8
Temp: 16.7 degrees
Sunrise: 6.52am
Sunset: 5.10pm
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