Pacific Jules

11 October 2016- "Elbows Up" ...on the way out when its a bit chilly.

"Elbows Up" on the way out, when its a bit chilly. We all seem to do it, I don't know why, but it just feels right.

This is Jo with her elbows up...I know that I was also on "tippy toes"

It felt like the temp had dropped as well as the swell.

Looking back, lots of us had our elbows up.

Freddy the flathead watching us go past him at the point. He is quite a large fish.

I want to say dinner plate size, but I know that's politically incorrect.

One of Freddie's buddies. We are so lucky to see the wonderful life underneath when we swim.

Swimming out to the point. Nice style.

Look how calm it was today. Its amazing how the water changes so fast.

Steve on the way back in, and the biggest wave on the day.

Lots of lovely positive happy people ready to roll at 7am.

What? He doesn't want his photo taken.

 

Polly was happy to have her photo in the blog.

 

These are my "benchies" almost every morning they are the first people that I talk to. For those of us that live alone I'm sure this is a common theme. Its a lovely community that we are part of. I'm so grateful.

So, Another great start to a great day :)

Enjoy your afternoon, and I look forward to seeing many of you tonight, at our monthly dinner.

Jenny :)

Stats:
Swimmers: 150
Newbies: No idea
Water temp: 17.9

Staying safe - a timely reminder!
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 October Monthly Dinner
The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th October at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Di Westaway, one of our swimmers and head of Wild Women on Top (WWOT). Her talk is titled “NATURAL EXHILARATION design a life you love”. Di believes that Adventure is Fun. It motivates you to get off the couch and into action. Di will explain how natural exhilaration can transform your life. Doctors call it Lifestyle Medicine. WWOT call it natural adventure. But it’s not for everybody. It’s only for people who really want to get their sparkle back and flourish in a busy buzzy world.

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 http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html
Qantas

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

10/10/16 - Go Where You Grow

The facade of power is an insidious opportunist.  It feeds on our own inclination toward self disempowerment.  This exchange, the handing over of our power occurs through the need to feel comfortable.

Ever noticed that the times you felt really empowered, the times you grew, those moments of self evolution were preceded by embracing a little discomfort.  That's where the growth is, in the discomfort.  Go there...

(click photos to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BTW, It was my birthday today, and I brought a cake...

 

But no one showed up...

 

There was some discomfort involved, but I grew. 
...So did my piece of the cake. 

 

Kind Regards,
Andrew 'Magichands' Maher

Gentle, Light Touch Chiropractic Manly - for VIP Bold & Beautiful Swimmers 

Stats:
Swimmers:  78
Newbies:  No idea
Water temp:  ... A healthy amount of discomfort.

 

Staying safe - a timely reminder!
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 October Monthly Dinner
The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th October at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Di Westaway, one of our swimmers and head of Wild Women on Top (WWOT). Her talk is titled “NATURAL EXHILARATION design a life you love”. Di believes that Adventure is Fun. It motivates you to get off the couch and into action. Di will explain how natural exhilaration can transform your life. Doctors call it Lifestyle Medicine. WWOT call it natural adventure. But it’s not for everybody. It’s only for people who really want to get their sparkle back and flourish in a busy buzzy world.

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 http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

9/10/2016 - Hey Beardo!...sorry, Hey Banjo!

What a great day and I was only there for half of it! My brother has always maintained that punctuality is a virtue of the bored yet others are adamant that lateness is a virtue of the lazy – I still do not know which one is worse.

Upon arrival however, I realised I had missed a few minutes of this glory and going forth, will never be late again, unless its raining.

 

But as I arrived (by foot) at Shelley, I noticed a significant lack of swimmers for a Sunday and enquired from the wisest-looking man what was happening? I tried to do it in a way that I knew he would understand:

“Hey Beardo! Where all ‘dem’ people at?” 

 

Somewhere in the sunlight, his face lost all expression (and me, all credibility), his brow tensed up and he explained what had happened only 20 minutes earlier at South Steyne.

I was super surprised that he could not only name everyone (or at least he gave names to everyone) but also knew where many of them learnt to swim (or he made it up)!

And I quote:

 

There was movement at the clubhouse, for the word had got on through

That the Jimbles from out East were here to stay;

For they loved the warmer water – and today was a balmy eighteen point two,

So they split the swimmers in a different way.

 

All the suited pros and gutsy paddlers from all corners of the beaches,

Fearing not those Jimbles swam on South,

While those with hot dates on, who best avoid the dirty leeches,

Went north to miss a sting worse than on the mouth.

 

There was one who looked rather flash, so brightly dressed with shiny locks,

Compared to saltwater, had never tried a finer tea,

And from his early years in deep swell, laughed off Jimbles, junks and crocs,

Such is learnt when in the perilous South China Sea!

 

 The three striking sisters stood out well - miles past the main line,

And he who bombed the photo pressed out his chest

Which lead the sisters all to utter, in perfect pitch and time,

‘Today Jimbles are the second biggest pest!’

 

 Both wearing grins an ocean wide, so fit - they matched each other stroke for stroke

Hard to meet a finer pair than Jim and Jan,

But more familiar with box jellyfish - they thought Jimbles were a joke!

For both were water-born, in our Northern Land.

 

Then some blokes in Budgies, on first glance you’d think be more cautious;

And at any minute, they might just pull away;

But never chance that second glance - or you will soon feel so nauseas,

But they’re overdressed! Compared to what they wore as kids in the Bengal Bay!

 

These Swedish gave me quite a shock, my assumptions were in shreds!

For I’d never seen so many Swedes don so many clothes;

Cos’ from the chalet sauna to Midsummer - who’s got time for threads?

But it worked - the Jimbles only got them on their toes.

 

The crowd all saw Peter and Sir-Brian, so quick to dismiss the worry,

They’d been up against the Jimbles twice before;

But in County Cork they learnt a trick with Guinness, that made the Jimbles flurry

A pint on your breath, and they’re out the door!

 

 But this lass proved the wisest, with a master plan in play,

A trick I thought I would’ve learnt by now.

Her red orange flippers were indeed the best card dealt that day,

But I was shocked and had to know what was done, and how?

With her Pauline Hanson coloured fins, the bludgers parted on her side,

This awful correlation was the trick;

For she learnt in her home waters of the Tasman - even mono-cells have pride,

And a loud and abrasive image makes them sick.

 

But I predict the north and south will come together as one team

For all 200 enjoyed the day, whichever route they take,

And with such tricks now on hand, next time – worried, none will seem;

And all will head south, without an ache.

 

Thanks Beardo! That was wonderful!

 

Back on dry land there were the usual trouble makers around the shower – sort of like the Bold and Beautiful version of the water cooler. Some talk about their jobs while others try tricks with their stomachs.

 

And the Jimbles did not seem to ruin anyone’s day!

 

Some were so happy they pretended to be Rainer!

 

And the ones behind the magic

 

And the most amazing thing – Emma did not make it into the blog...more than once.

 

 

And sorry if the delay of the blog ruined your Sunday, but it may help your Monday - or make it worse.

If however, you are a bit bored, I would love some help to brainstorm what actually should come after the greeting ‘Hey Beardo!...’

Please add your comments below – crude comments are not tolerated, they are expected.

 

All the best for a good week ,

 

Gino

 

Sat 8th: Jimbles curdling in the Heat

Hakan's latest cafe - Manly Lodge, Vic Pde

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Air:           First summery night - no lower than 22º
Ambience:  Positively balmy
Surface:   Flat
Waves:    Nil
Water:     18.7º (highest yet, post-winter … but it feels cold due to warm air)
Sunup:     I’m still confused about daylight saving!!
Mgmt A:   Marrakesh
Mgmt B:   Onsite

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6.04:  "Where shall we swim?" 

"Fifi will know."

"But where is she ... oh dear."

Kenny's new white tracker watch reveals that he can't swim very straight

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6.08:  Relative newcomer Luke about to accidentally fall in with Ken and Danny's coastal Satnav mob ...

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Pat pretending to be sick so he doesn't have to go to tonight's party at Balgowlah Heights Bowling Club

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Prefer home-based hairdressing?  Here's Charmaine (owns that bulldog and green parrot).  She's down in Victoria Parade too ... One-on-one fussing and cheaper.

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Oops.  I used the wrong Hakan photo.  Here he is; sitting like a piano player and plying his hot milk.  See how he spills it?

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Tomas the toyman

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Several swimmers have joined surf club; achieved Bronze Medallions, and are active volunteer patrollers - congrats to all

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What to do when Caps' two most notorious photobombers turn up at the same time?

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This trio is discussing excess hand-splashing/thrashing/bashing.  They say Kenny swims like a full-torrent fire hose ... and Dale - well he hammers the surface like a boxer.  They are advocating for seamless hand-entry on each stroke ... with a badge to be designed

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Englishman Graham ponders how to have a Golden Gay Time ...

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Triathlon sensation Wilf ran the beach instead, today.  Margot will head back to the Mountains shortly ...

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8.45 a.m. and the Change whistles in .... brrrrr

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For sale: my 2010 Yaris.  Manual.  70,000 kms. $7800.

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* A party for us swimmers *

See you tonight - all welcome

Live band ... expecting 140 pax

(Don't worry about RSVP from now on)

7 pm    $10 entry

Buy your own drinks and pizzas

Balgowlah Heights Bowling Club - Bareena Drive (above tennis courts)

 

Friday 7 October 2016. Overnight success takes years

 Today I met a lot of swimmers who are doing triathlons. What a great goal and impressive to work towards and achieve. It reminded me that we all have our own measures of success. It also reminded me that success requires persistent effort.

Kerry and Tim were moving around helping swimmers including newbies - lots starting to pour in

The temp of the water is pretty good

  

There are still wet suits about. Imagine this swim and consider then how warm Manly is:

Chris getting ready for a smashing swim

Helen

WOW: Paloma, Georgia, Lisa, Rosemary, Jane, Susan, Keith, Cheryl (who is researching underwater cameras for a bit longer - if you have some helpful comments)

Annie and Richard

Carter, Linda Glenn

The Hills triathletes are back! Georgia, Abbey, Olivia, Ethan (who can dive deep in a wetsuit) and Emily. 

Kahlea, Philipa

George

 

Cliff

 

The elusive Jake. He has been swimming for a long while but first blog photo! Jake is training up (with a calf injury. ouch. for a triathlon in Wanaka NZ. Pretty cool water there I imagine)

 

ENCOUNTERS WITH THE EARLY SWIMMERS

 

Roger

 

Early swimmer reports are - lots of jimbles in the middle. Thanks as always

Passing the information on - early swimmers to 7 am swimmers

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR YESTERDAY CHRIS

I don't know if a sand bank is involved in the height difference here

 

There was an emergency at the point. I was enjoying a chat with Edwina when I realised that had not set off early enough to ensure that there would be Shelly beach photos. To the rescue, Emma! the following photos are courtesy of that kind swimmer:

 

Is this a 2 finger salute to the blog?

The magnificent Emma!!

something other worldly about this shot

These two are swimming after a 40km bike ride this morning and don't they look fresh. They are training for a triathlon too. 

You always encounter lovely people on a double - do it tomorrow

I encountered this swimmer at the point after a jimble ambush. Good luck on your next lap and stick to the rocks

John is preparing for the Callala Bay triathlon in December. Good way to train. Good way to start the day - he comes from Putney for this swim. bobbin Head for cycling practice. Sydney is great

a shot of some of the jimble stings. Some on my face. Lucky for me I have read and blotchy skin otherwise the sting on my nose and cheek would look awful

 What I am reading

I paused the Ghost Empire by Richard Fidler which is really excellent to read the latest book by Karin Slaughter, a crime fiction book. I am looking forward to Michael Connelly's new book with Harry Bosch in November. I wish he could write as fast as I can read.

Bottom of the blog

Stats

Lots and lots of swimmers

some newbies

 

 

B & B October Monthly Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th October at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Di Westaway, one of our swimmers and head of Wild Women on Top (WWOT). Her talk is titled “NATURAL EXHILARATION design a life you love”. Di believes that Adventure is Fun. It motivates you to get off the couch and into action. Di will explain how natural exhilaration can transform your life. Doctors call it Lifestyle Medicine. WWOT call it natural adventure. But it’s not for everybody. It’s only for people who really want to get their sparkle back and flourish in a busy buzzy world.

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 http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html


 

Thursday, 6 October 2016: Another morning in paradise

It was another spectacular start to the day in our little piece of paradise at Manly this morning with pond like water conditions a bit warmer than yesterday which I'm led to believe was a little bit chilly.

The sunrise was spectacular for the 6am crew to head out.

Michelle and Martin were up for an early swim at 6.30

As were Sue and Greg.

Stirling and TJ were also there bright and early.

The 6.30 crew had a beautiful backdrop with this sunrise for their swim.

While the yogi's were doing their regular Thursday poses.

Henrietta was explaining her new badge for kickstart funding of a CSIRO project she is involved with.

Linda (below right) also went for an early swim.  Tim and her are kindly putting together next year's calendar for us so if anyone has any great photos from their swim around the bay they should forward them to her at [email protected].au.  Photos must be at least 300dpi.

The 6.30 swimmers had to find their way back to shore amongst the paddlers from the surf lifesaving club.

Before the 7.30ers made their migration from the surf club to the water.

We are a spectacular sight for walkers and joggers on the Manly to Shelly run.

Bruce and his mates always have a great time at Shelly.

Adrian is travelling up the coast and writing a blog about his journey.  So glad you could join us today Adrian.

Sparkles and Inge are the life of the party at Shelly.

While lovely Lisa always has a smile on her face.

Chris got the birthday treatment at Shelly Beach and got to do the Let's Go.

Here's the birthday boy again before his swim back to Manly.

Lesley and Ted got up to some underwater fun with a Jellyfish while Lisa and gang said they were spoilt by spotting the Eagle Ray near the point.

Finally best of luck to large contingent of Warringah Tri Club members competing at the World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii this weekend.  For those not familiar with Ironman racing it is a mere 3.8km swim, 180km cycle, followed by a 42.2km run.  Members of the Tri club are regular swimmers with us, particularly on Friday's which is their cake day.  Those competing for Warringah include Isabell Beck, Graham Bruce, Mel Brunker, Laurent Doyen, Phoebe Fear, Rob Howitt, Emily Kempson, Jared Medhurst, John Moore, Geoff Thorsen and Jacinta Worland while Bev Thorsen is one of the key organisers of the large contingent of volunteers. The race starts at about 3.30am Sunday morning (AEST time) and will be live streamed at www.ironman.com.

Have a great day everyone and seeing you swimming soon.

D from the Z's

Stats:

Following on from Lisa yesterday the only figure below to be relied upon is the temperature which was much more palatable than yesterday - never fear summer is just around the corner.

Swimmers: 130
Newbies: Have no idea
Water temp: 17.6
Perfection scale: Even more extreme than yesterday!

Emma Grose is starring in the Qantas Pathfinders Revue. Tickets are selling fast but there are still seats available for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Prepare for an evening of laughter and fun entertainment!

B & B October Monthly Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th October at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Di Westaway, one of our swimmers and head of Wild Women on Top (WWOT). Her talk is titled “NATURAL EXHILARATION design a life you love”. Di believes that Adventure is Fun. It motivates you to get off the couch and into action. Di will explain how natural exhilaration can transform your life. Doctors call it Lifestyle Medicine. WWOT call it natural adventure. But it’s not for everybody. It’s only for people who really want to get their sparkle back and flourish in a busy buzzy world.

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 http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

Wednesday 5th October 2016 Perfectly Perfect!

After the recent high winds I mistakenly thought we might be in for some rough seas. Instead we were welcomed by the most spectacular conditions - Clear skies, pond-like ocean, clear and blue, with no hint of  a breeze. Perfectly Perfect!!

The 6am swimmers, all 20 of them, strode out to the point to greet the sunrise before dipping into the chilly waters.

Fiona was wondering why the group was so big!

 

They all look very keen to enjoy the perfect conditions

In Ian's absence, Huw was put in charge of the oh so important whiteboard,

As the morning continued to unfold the 6.30's prepared to jump in.

 

All 30 of them!

And back at Party Central the 7 o'clockers started gathering

Dorsett ensured we all saw the extreme drop in water temperature and was suitably pleased with everyone's reactions. The look of horror and consternation was very obvious, especially on the faces of those who have already packed away their winter wetsuits! 

Some sound advice and encouraging words from our fearless leader gladdened our hearts somewhat as he told us it would warm up at the point! But to look out for jimbles. 

With only slight trepidation and just the occasional squeal we headed in to the welcoming but positively chilly waters

 

Some were a little less enthusiastic!

Once in, of course we all realised we were back in Paradise.

The swim across the Bay was sensational. The relative clarity and absence of jimbles added to the smooth crossing and helped everyone forget about the temperature. So there was a lot of celebrating at Shelley.

On the way back we were on the lookout and Jane spotted this flathead

Back at Manly, Melise looked radiant after her energising swim

There were a lot of energised swimmers!

And others enjoyed the close bond of mateship

Sam had her first swim with us today. Welcome Sam! She is preparing for  the swim leg of the Noosa triathlon. Good luck! 

The warming sunshine capped off a perfect morning swim. There were so many happy groups milling about at the wall.

Inga and Shelley were happy with their perfect swim as they went North for a Bolderdash and loved it!

A happy photo of the triplers! It was Ian's first triple ever! Anne and Caroline's first triple of the season and Cheryl's first triple of the day! And this was done in 15.8 degrees! Well done 

Margie, Jen and Brian are all especially happy today as they are enjoying a mid week swim in the school holidays and a break from their teaching responsibilities

And I couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

I hope your perfect day continues

Lisa

Stats:

As Ian is away, they have been completely fabricated

Swimmers: 180

Newbies: at least one

Water temp: 15.8

Perfection scale: Extreme!

 

A few important notes to follow:

Fiona Logan came home from the swim on  Sunday morning minus a small clear sandwich bag containing money, coffee cards and a very sentimental ring. The ring is a wide silver band with mottled surface.

She's not fussed about the cash, but very keen to get the ring back!!

If you found it could you please let Fiona, or Management know.

 

Our very own Emma Grose is starring in the Qantas Pathfinders Revue. Tickets are selling fast but there are still seats available for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Prepare for an evening of laughter and fun entertainment!

 

 

B & B October Monthly Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th October at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Di Westaway, one of our swimmers and head of Wild Women on Top (WWOT). Her talk is titled “NATURAL EXHILARATION design a life you love”. Di believes that Adventure is Fun. It motivates you to get off the couch and into action. Di will explain how natural exhilaration can transform your life. Doctors call it Lifestyle Medicine. WWOT call it natural adventure. But it’s not for everybody. It’s only for people who really want to get their sparkle back and flourish in a busy buzzy world.

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 http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

Tuesday October 4 - A Sheet of Glass

As I watched the fuse being lit this morning, I realised it was one of the few when it was hard to work out any swell direction because there was none. Even the wind was hard to gauge. 

By the time I hit the beach I could make out the faintest of a southerly wind which should see some waves build again by Thursday and should also bring up the temperature.

With so many taking the early 6 or 6:30 am option these days the 7am session was likely 70 strong today.

And the important details.....

Lots of rubber today with a brisk 2 degree drop to 17.

But the hardy propped up by the sensible are sporting the new summer brief.

The shaded walk to the point and 17 degrees made for some tentative wading

Except for these two cherubs leading the way

No idea what causes the B&B spots on the photo, something to do with the lens and refraction I believe.

Quite a sight as the flotilla crossed the deep belt.

No halfway takers today.

Hardly a ripple

And they are off

A lot of splashing at the jump

And Sparkles giving everyone a head start.

Low tide in the pool

And the bluest of skies

The home run

As you can see a very mellow affair today. I would say about 130 with half swimming the earlier time slots.

Truly a cracker of a day and the glassiest in a long time.

 

Have a great week people.

Brian(standing in for Jenny who is on hols)

 

 

B & B October Monthly Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th October at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Di Westaway, one of our swimmers and head of Wild Women on Top (WWOT). Her talk is titled “NATURAL EXHILARATION design a life you love”. Di believes that Adventure is Fun. It motivates you to get off the couch and into action. Di will explain how natural exhilaration can transform your life. Doctors call it Lifestyle Medicine. WWOT call it natural adventure. But it’s not for everybody. It’s only for people who really want to get their sparkle back and flourish in a busy buzzy world.

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.

Monday 3 October 2016. Labour Day - Work/Schmerk

I do not have to go to work today because it is a public holiday. This day notes the making of an 8 hour work day some time ago. What a lasting achievement - in many an office in Sydney, everyone is reluctant to leave after just 8 hours so as not to appear slack! Lucky today could be started with a swim and no shenanigans about early meetings etc having to be moved. What a treat (even though I have not yet adjusted to daylight savings - which gives me a feeling of jet lag without getting to go anywhere).

And what a day to swim. The temp was ok at 18.8 

250 swimmers

6 newbies

Lots of people getting to the swim. Some having waited for winter to end (but it is the BEST time of year to swim, I think). Some for to work toward goals. Whatever the reason, it is a great thing to do and a great place to swim. 

Kevin Gavin kindly posed in front of the clock on the club - it is REALLY 545am

Don McLean in a rare photo opp out of Shelly Beach, contemplating the waves

What an excellent sportsperson: Sterling was swimming today even though the Triple Crown is already decided! Murray the Kid already won by taking out Saturday and Sunday. But like the state of origin which still has a game even when Qld has already won it, there will still be A team swimmers spending a good few minutes zipping off to Shelly and back. Well done Murray. Enjoy the victory

These are nice shoes

Nathan was keen to get going

Today we were all lucky to be joined by these triathletes who usually train at Seven Hills. Maddie, Ethan, Abbey and Georgia. I think they hopped on their bikes and rode quickly in for an ocean swim before no doubt running home. What fabulous young people! I saw them flitting about in the ocean quickly getting to Shelly. It was a bit of work today for me but they managed it all with a smile. Including one of them diving to the bottom at the point!  

This group from Baulkham Hills were considering how many laps today

Daniel may have been experimenting with the idea of swimming in shoes and socks to save time getting ready at the other end

John Bryan and Sam

Kevin is now ready for the swim

Annie having her first swim since winter

Murray the victor. Kindly posing for my "Encounters with early swimmers"chapter

Dave

Early swimmers report jimble sightings. Waves and jimbles

In the reports about Shark fans preparing for the grand final yesterday, there was an ocean swimming connection. There is a swim group - who were looking forward to a rugby game - but doing it with an ocean swim. Their group is called the Harold Holt swim club. Nice.

Here is the Baulkham Hills group on their first landfall at Shelly. How happy do they look (range of happiness shown)!

 

Great smile and a Vlad swim cap in the background. 

Cole Classic caps - the 5km swim which was a great event this year except the timing chips did not work. The Cole Classic was in 2007 my introduction to actual ocean swimming so it is very dear to me. 

This ocean swimmer has no immediate plans to leave the water but will keep swimming. Good role model

Here is a family of swimmers. I was pleased that both grand finals on the weekends were won by the underdogs. One sports writer commented that the fan base for the Western Dogs and the Cronulla Sharks displayed intergenerational connectivity (his word) by following a team which had not won for a very long while - or in the case of the Sharks, ever before. I must say I very much enjoyed the headlines prompted by the match between the Sharks and the Storm - how many references to Sharknado are enough?

Everyone has set off for the waves at the beach but I managed to capture the bold and beautiful swimmers here

Enda and Sean decided to start training for the Cole Classic 5km today but did not join the BB and made it to Shelly just minutes after the pack set off - a bit more excitement than they were expecting. At least the badge swims are not as turbulent as that

I am doing a bit extra these days because I am preparing for the badge swims in summer. It was quite hard to get in so I went back to half way to exit and although I stubbed my toe, I am so glad that happened: I got to see some whales just off the Bower - see spout

Peter and Ines were watching along with loads of others. Very pleasing that the whales are out there

Captured another spout. Please note these are my best photos and many others ended up deleted because they showed less. 

I am adding this photo because I am hoping the sun light is deterring (or, truthfully, incinerating) the jimbles. So many stings today. So many.

Have a very excellent day. 

Elizabeth Stewart

 

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.

http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/safety-in-the-surf

B & B October Monthly Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th October at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Di Westaway, one of our swimmers and head of Wild Women on Top (WWOT). Her talk is titled “NATURAL EXHILARATION design a life you love”. Di believes that Adventure is Fun. It motivates you to get off the couch and into action. Di will explain how natural exhilaration can transform your life. Doctors call it Lifestyle Medicine. WWOT call it natural adventure. But it’s not for everybody. It’s only for people who really want to get their sparkle back and flourish in a busy buzzy world.

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.

 

2/10/2016 Daylight savings and all that jazz!!

Mornin' all. Inner Westies here. Been a while. Great swim, lovely morning. Jazz festival weekend. 

Stats up front: 17.6 degrees water, 200 swimmers, 6 newbies. 

 Management rolling in (nearly slept in!)

Morning Alex!

Hi Robyn

Hi Stew, Maya and Tamar

Nicky and Kevin from Maine - welcome!

My buddy Fi2

My other buddy Fi1

Newbie Alison (and birthday girl!!) with MaryAnne

 

Let's get swimming!!!

My attempt at swimming shots

 

Got to Shelly - and birthday celebration for newbie Alison

No blog isn't a blog without Rainer!

Gorgeous girls at Shelly

 

Saw lots of these sea urchins at the point - have they always been there? 

And isn't Manly gorgeous. Great to head off to breakfast !

And welcome to Keith from Young. He's one of those wonderful cherry growers and has also been a shearer. But he forgot his swimmers today!.... He's in town for a look around. Horrified at the prices of land (aren't we all).  

See you all next week.