I was lucky enough to blog on the 1st of June to herald in the first day of winter so I feel especially grateful to be blogging today to farewell this incredible season. I thought it might be a good opportunity to recap on some of the highlights and occasions that made winter so special. First a few statistics:
We were treated to 92 glorious and unique sunrises.
We averaged 31 rainy days (not necessarily at swim time) the rest were sunny and bright.
Sea temps averaged 19 degrees. Easiest WWW badge yet!
The average low was 11 degrees at 7am (not taking into account wind chill).
We endured 1 mega storm and witnessed the destruction of parts of our normally tranquil bay, reminding us to always respect the power of the ocean.
We waded through maggot infested seewead porridge for too long but then were treated to returning stunning underwater clarity.
Babies were born, holidays were enjoyed, swimmers endured sickness and broken bones, cake stalls were supported, goggles and flippers were lost and occasionally found, birthdays were celebrated, monthly dinners enjoyed, friendships forged and relationships blossomed.
Jimble numbers and encounters were down (but still annoyingly painful), cuttle fish sightings were up.
337 completed their winter badge. Our swimming numbers went from a low of 60 and swelled up to 225 - you can guess which were rainy days.
Thousands of crossings of CTB were made, countless cups of coffee consumed, and innumerable post swim stories (often tall) were shared.
100% of winter swimmers started their day feeling invigorated and happy. All in all a very successful 3 months. You just have to love winter swimming you wouldn't miss it for quids.
There were many options today if you didn't want to brave the waves Mother Nature offered us.
You could stay rugged up under a blanket and support your dad Nick from the warm safe beach front, like Aria and her mum Ally
Or you could swim the pathway as Alison, Monica and Jane decided to do.
Mel decided a bike ride was a preferable option.
Some of the brave among us went in at half way, whilst others swam one way and thought it best to enjoy a walk back.
Others including me were easily convinced that staying dry and going for a coffee was a very sensible idea. Just over 30 7am swimmers made the return journey to Manly
At one point approaching Shelley Beach there were swimmers arriving, swimmers leaving and swimmers not exactly sure which way to head. It was a very different swim plan to our usual organised regular swim pattern. As usual everyone was very happy as they gathered at Shelley.
So as winter comes to a close and some contemplate giving up the wetsuit, be happy you have spent the coldest part of the year - a time when most hunker down in front of fires and radiators - doing something you love. I'm sure the memories of great swims, wonderful friends and not too chilly waters will entice you for winter swimming in 2017.
Have a lovely day
Lisa
Stats:
90 swimmers
1 newbie
18.1 degrees
2016 Winter Badge Ceremony
You’ve done the hard yards and got your Winter Badge (or even harder yards for a WWW), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster. Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 11th September, straight after the regular swim!
A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here for Badge Breakfast
All 2016 winter badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for your upcoming summer badge challenges...
B&B Merchandise
Now you have your badges, take this one off opportunity on the day of the badge ceremony to try on and purchase your hoodie or other B&B items. RFW will have a range of our own gear for sale on the day – cash or credit card accepted.
Copy and paste this into your browser, to sign up for the winter badge ceremony: http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2016-winter-badge-ceremony.html
(Sorry I couldn't work out how to sort the link out any other way)
The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 13th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Jude Furniss, Founder of Bommie Australia, and President of the Surfrider Foundation, Manly. Jude will present the film “MySaltwater Sanctuary” including footage from Cabbage Tree Bay, which was declared an Aquatic Reserve in 2002. We all witness daily the stunning success story of how protection over the last 10+ years has replenished the marine populations here. NSW currently only has 7 % of its coastline protected in 20 marine sanctuaries, so Surfrider has joined the Nature Conservation Council in the charge to lobby government to restore the 10 sanctuary zones still unprotected, and increase the % of marine park areas in NSW by establishing a Sydney Marine Park. The film “My Saltwater Sanctuary” by local film producers Bluebottle Films is a beautiful film about locals living alongside marine reserves and the difference every one of us can make in the protection of them. https://bluebottlefilms.com/portfolio/my-saltwater-sanctuary/ 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,
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