Pacific Jules

Tuesday 31st - Arctic blast not here yet!

It's the last day of autumn and I thought it was going to be very wintery after the winds on Monday, but it was a Sydney stunner.

 

Water temp is on the way down at 19.4c, although reports are that it's a lot colder at Shelley. Viz isn't greatbut the sunshine and calm seas help make up for it. Plenty of fish about but that was all that I spotted today.

The post swim relaxing on the benches and dog minding! Thanks Maddie and Derek for watching Pickle,  who is a new addition to the swim.

Robyn, Nicci and Pickle keeping the wall warm waiting for more WOW'S to return. 

Have a great, sunny day! Hopefully tomorrow is just as nice for the first winter swim!

Amanda

 

 

 

Winter swimming

The Winter swimming season is finally here! Although the water temperature may be a little colder than you might like, there are several advantages of swimming in winter, including flat seas, good visibility and no bluebottles. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you can also qualify for a WINTER BADGE by swimming a minimum of 20 times between 1st June and 31st August. You must also swim in at least 7 different weeks. If you manage to do all of your qualifying swims without a wetsuit (or other thermal enhancing equipment), you will also qualify for the coveted WWW badge (Winter without wetsuit). Start now, and don’t forget to log your swims to qualify.

Monday 29th May - Water 19.9 - Sunrise 6:50

Water 19.9 degrees

Bye Sarah

 

I swam to the Trident with the 5:30 crew.

Bootie

 Silhouettes.

Mick & Lee @5.32am.

6:16am.

 

Sunrise@6:50am.

 

Enjoy the day

Simon

 

Winter swimming

 

The Winter swimming season is finally here! Although the water temperature may be a little colder than you might like, there are several advantages of swimming in winter, including flat seas, good visibility and no bluebottles. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you can also qualify for a WINTER BADGE by swimming a minimum of 20 times between 1st June and 31st August. You must also swim in at least 7 different weeks. If you manage to do all of your qualifying swims without a wetsuit (or other thermal enhancing equipment), you will also qualify for the coveted WWW badge(Winter without wetsuit). Start now, and don’t forget to log your swims to qualify.

 

The Winter swimming season is finally here! Although the water temperature may be a ok by swimming a minimum of 20 times between 1st June and 31st August. You must also swim in at le

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Pitch Report

Jon from Sales talks up the fish. Roger exits before the crowds, before the dawn, snorkle in hand. A crisp 9 degrees out, a glorious 20 in. We swim to half way, then play in the waves. The sets are crisp and clean and rise like big banks from the horizon. A school of tailor jump around, we wonder if anything is chasing them, but it appears not. Bumpy over towards Shelley, with some bigger waves breaking on the Bower. We do a double FFF. Viz has improved dramatically. See the bottom for some video of our epic body surfing session.

Know it sounds funny. But I just can't stand the pain

Our keep cups are rolled out ready. We were shamed by Caroline for forgetting last week. A couple forget but I'm not naming anyone.

Chippo forgets his sluggos (and his keep cup), and resorts to the draw string shorts. Body surfing and pull up pants don't mix. He takes his flippers more for coverage than push. We plan an all male Keep Cup Calendar to launch on the Winter Solstice. Positioning discussions keep us amused for the coffee cool down.

Thanks for the swim and coffee Team. Enjoy your Sunday.

Rusty the Fish

Winter swimming

The Winter swimming season is finally here! Although the water temperature may be a little colder than you might like, there are several advantages of swimming in winter, including flat seas, good visibility and no bluebottles. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you can also qualify for a WINTER BADGE by swimming a minimum of 20 times between 1st June and 31st August. You must also swim in at least 7 different weeks. If you manage to do all of your qualifying swims without a wetsuit (or other thermal enhancing equipment), you will also qualify for the coveted WWW badge (Winter without wetsuit). Start now, and don’t forget to log your swims to qualify.

luckily Mel took some footage of our epic surf sess out at the Bower this morning....enjoy...

 

A Bakers Delight

Autumn blurs into Winter. The FFF head into their winter hibernation. Trooper says it's the cold sand. Lucy heads north with a farewell. A touch of winter swell lands, bumping us around today.

A sliver of Moon & Venus hold onto the night.

615 arrivals

The Terminator celebrates another lap around the sun. Happy Birthday Gary! Tried to take a picture of the cake ceremony but just imagine a chip thrown into a pack of seagulls. An Andre creation? LETS GO....

Water viz not so good. Counted 8 divers on my swim. And a Dusky!

Well I told you once and I told you twice. That someone will have to pay the price

But here's a chance to change your mind. 'Cause I'll be gone a long, long time

Well I told you once and I told you twice. But you never listen to my advice

RIP Vangelis and Henry Hill this past week. The FFF did their best Harold Abraham's impersonation to celebrate. Sarge meditates and joins after 1 lap.

And Will is back, birthday done. Still short of breath. Long or still recovering from the surprise Burlesque show?

Thanks for the swim and coffee Team. Don't let your true love run cold!

Rusty the Fish, Carolinebythebeach and the idea generation machine Guy 'Dunny' Dunstan

 

 

Flying the BnB flag high

Bok from Croatia 

Reports of the bay suggest great viz from time to time, cuttlefish and other fab fish back, water temperature above 20 C and Michelle’s baby Arnie being babysat by the lads from the Drinks Express. The latter bit being the only vaguely  alarming bit of news. 

We are on the last week of our sailing vac in the Croatian islands. The gift that keeps on giving. 

I have been swimming each day. Water is around 16-18C. In training for WWW. 

The captain Manus has been kayaking madly each day in prep for the mighty Molokai kayak race in Hawaii in June from Molokai island to Oahu - this stretch of water also reputed to be one of the worlds most dangerous swims on account of the sharks. 

On a small island on the Hvar archipelago we visited a hidden gem of a restaurant again (it’s always a stop for us) where the lovely owners Perina and Thorkild grow their own produce, pickle their own capers, make their own wine and serve the best fresh fish. 

Perina is an ocean swimmer as it turns out. I have promised to send her a BnB cap. Induct her into the BnB hall of fame.  

A few more snaps 

The traditional dish is a ‘peka’ akin to a Kiwi Hangi type thing slow cooked with coals all around. A first for me to order a peka :) 
Lamb peka pictured. 

Flying the BnB flag 

Enough holiday spam we are on the home straights. See you all soon. 

and Dave Capless we know you been asking Nat ‘when are your horrible parents back’ - love you Capless ! Sweet. Not. 

 Hambe Kahle everyone

Di

x

 

Management message : 

 Lisa Boyle is our lucky B&B Budgy Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for April. Lisa receives a voucher for a pair of Budgy Smugglers from the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running just swim at least once in the month and log your swim.

Thanks,

Ian

 

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 14^th June 2022

 

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday June 14th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Dr Caroline West. Caroline, one of Australia’s best-known doctors, will explore the science behind memory improvement and what we can do to keep the brain young - simple steps that may really surprise you. Caroline is well known for her extensive medical media work in print and TV which includes reporting and producing for Ask the Doctor, Catalyst, Beyond 2000, Good Medicineand 60 minutes. Most recently she has been posted in Broken Hill working with the Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Service as well the Flying Doctor Service.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

24/05/2022 -

 

Grey Nurse shark was around yesterday. Today it wasn't so calm or clear but was still a lovely swim after the rain!

The visibility has been fantastic the last week and it's been exciting hearing reports of Turtle, Cuttlefish and Grey Nurse sightings. Some people even saw Cow Nose Rays a few days ago. Just a quick blog today with photos I loaded in advance which I've taken over the last few days.

The Today Show news crew were down today to get a bit of footage of the B&B swimmers during the weather report!

Mermaids and some of A Team collide

Baby Arnie is the most chilled baby ever! He's even happy with this bunch of hooligans whilst his mum Michelle enjoys a swim!

A few waves today

Back to underwater pics as I'm off to work! Moorish Idols on moon like rocks near the pool.

Cuttlefish showing off!

Two Cuttlefish here. Probably 2 males again. It's great when they change white before your eyes!

Eagle Ray

This is the hunchback Groper. He lives near the pool.

Pomfred

Another one of the beautiful Grey Nurse I saw yesterday out from the shed.

Karen and 2 Cuttlefish on Saturday

Ingrid and Sue with a Cuttlefish

Nice to get a face on pic!

 

A few things happening you might be interested in!

Our very own JK aka John Kelly is speaking at Story Room on June 7th. Tickets are selling fast!

Ray Hodgson has swum with us in the past and is speaking at Sea Eagles club on 31/6

and now a word from Management:

Lisa Boyle is our lucky B&B Budgy Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for April. Lisa receives a voucher for a pair of Budgy Smugglers from the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running just swim at least once in the month and log your swim.

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 14^th June 2022

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday June 14th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Dr Caroline West. Caroline, one of Australia’s best-known doctors, will explore the science behind memory improvement and what we can do to keep the brain young - simple steps that may really surprise you. Caroline is well known for her extensive medical media work in print and TV which includes reporting and producing for Ask the Doctor, Catalyst, Beyond 2000, Good Medicine and 60 minutes. Most recently she has been posted in Broken Hill working with the Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Service as well the Flying Doctor Service.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Have a great day

Lainey xx

Monday 23rd May 2022 - A warm 21.6 degrees in the water!

Mauricio’s close encounters.

“Rio” no, Nth Steyne.

Finals today & Tuesday.

Stay safe, enjoy

Simon 

 

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 10^th May 2022 

 

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday May 10th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Ranya Alkadamani. Ranya, whose career as a political media adviser involved traveling the world with a former foreign minister, will take us behind the scenes of the dark art of political electioneering. These advisors, professional guns for hire who sell their skills to the highest bidder, are a strong determinant on who we vote for. Sometimes more Yes Prime Minister than West Wing, this insight into the secrets of political manoeuvring will be totally enlightening and entertaining. So, forget about the Federal election, open your mind and park your politics at the door.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

 

 

 

 

Recovering from last night

Underneath the city lights, there is a world few know about. Where rules don't apply. We emerge from our rabbit holes, a grey dark sky. But knowing that under water, clarity will come. 

The night before keeps echoing back. A little bit of naughty is a little bit nice. Felecity tells of erotic bubbles at the bower. We head there.

Pitch Report:

Dark, but deliciously warm. Feels like winter. Swanbourne Sam heads north for a Baldy. A smaller Drinks Express, some still out at St Peter's Mosh Pit. A touch of swell, a bit of bump. Lots still heading down the scenic route. Everybody just come to life, under the spot light. A return from Hawaii, applause for Rowan's rough water swim. I pushed off for a return lap, some magnificent cuttlefish down the back straight, awaiting the girls return. The bower rocks were warm and frothy, back to the shed, the yoga studio and an awaiting coffee. Don't be turned off by the grey, underneath it is amazing.

and some flash backs start to emerge .....

Happy birthday Will (50?). Hit it up, get it up. Won't let you rest. Hit it up, get it up, this is not a test...

and then it goes downhill......

Thanks for the swim and (double shot) coffee Team.. Don't let your true love run cold.

Rusty the Fish

Photo credits to Gary Brits, Roger Harvey and Tony Faahan Smith

and now a word from Management:

Lisa Boyle is our lucky B&B Budgy Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for April. Lisa receives a voucher for a pair of Budgy Smugglers from the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running just swim at least once in the month and log your swim.

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 14^th June 2022

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday June 14th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Dr Caroline West. Caroline, one of Australia’s best-known doctors, will explore the science behind memory improvement and what we can do to keep the brain young - simple steps that may really surprise you. Caroline is well known for her extensive medical media work in print and TV which includes reporting and producing for Ask the Doctor, Catalyst, Beyond 2000, Good Medicine and 60 minutes. Most recently she has been posted in Broken Hill working with the Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Service as well the Flying Doctor Service.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Today was the wrong day to stay in bed....

Someone told me long ago. There's a calm before the storm. I know. Today I know. 20m+ viz. A plethora of marine life. Multiple turtles. A French accent off the shed points us towards 4 cuttlefish. Daphne is bragging about a horse size Cephalopoda. Andy laments that he didn't actually see anything, never does.

It's a happening thing, and it's happening to you. Full moon and thunder, ribbons of blue.

It's my direction, It's my proposal, It's so hard, It's leading me astray

Steady stream of breakaways from 618 onwards. Is it broken clock that has given a reason to sidestep tradition and “wander in whenever”?

Pitch Report:

Chilly morning out. Guy is contemplating one glove (white?) to help steady the chalk hand. No surf again, not a good place for a WSL surf comp. Heavy cloud cover. Is it any wonder, the streets are dark. Is it any wonder, we fall apart. The sales team note the the tropical like conditions, warm, with staggering visibility. Grey nurses, wobbegongs, yellow tail, cuttlefish, frickening amazing (excuse my french). The clear winter waters have arrived. 

6.30/7 cross over

A light rain hit after 7. Wish I didn't have to go to work. A golden glow settles across the beach. We discuss the various uses of winch handles, and listen to various boasts of the sights seen underwater today. Should have brought the Go Pro down Caroline.

Well done to Peter Ley the double shot champ with 1000th doubles under his belt today.

Nothing stops the indefatigable, the persistent, the tireless FFF, relentless in their passion to get to the back of the waves. Pretty easy today Trooper, more ripples on my Mum's goldfish pond.

Our local Calgary Flames fan is excited to be let out. Faahany had a great swim but why the wetsuit. Stealthy was rumoured to be having an operation to change something, so no show.

Chippo got confused (he started to think)

See you tomorrow!

Thanks for the swim and coffee Team. Don't let your true love run cold!

Rusty the Fish, Carolinebythebeach, with special guest appearance by Chippo Scaramanga.

 

 

 

Wednesday 18th May - wonderful windless waveless Wednesday & Cuttlefish choreography

Wednesday 18th may 

What a wildly wonderfully windless waveless Wednesday!  Great for swimming , not so much for the surf comp at north Steyne today …  the silence, calm & serenity as we entered the water moments after “drinks express” , watching the sun rise and the moon set was breathtakingly beautiful…  today felt like Mother Nature was giving us a huge hug … 

Water temperature: 20.5 

air temperature at 6:30am : 13.3 degrees 

conditions:  to quote MasterChef judge melissa: “smooth and silly”… sarah from sales seemingly taking a break letting people immerse in the moment… clear & calm 

the "vibe":  a bit of awe & wonder today  … full of gratitude for perfect conditions & excited to maybe see the fever of cow nose rays, and of course our cuttlefish friends 

creatures spotted: fish, rays (sadly no cow nose by the time I left the beach), cuttlefish, wobbygongs & flitters of sapphire blue bioluminescence aka baby jellies waiting to grow 

2 birthdays today… the amazing Linda Goodwin who has coached & helped so many b&b swimmers to build confidence… 

And happy birthday to the wonderful effervescent kate full of infectious energy & happiness …. Iron woman triathlete, lifesaver & all around fabulous friend!

the swim across the bay as the sun rose was beautiful … sun on water like diamonds

 Paddle boarders & skis out in force 

Cuttlefish seem to be the talk of the bay this week - they are back, performing their little dances to attract other cuttlefish as its mating season ...  winter is near although the water temperature seems to be resisting the temptation to drop.... its about 2-3 degrees higher than the same time last year so make of that what you will.   We are not complaining and deferring the inevitable breathless squeals as that first wave engulfs your otherwise dry body and you become one with the sea..

a few Cuttlefish fun facts (Thanks National Geographic!):

• They are invertebrates like octopus and Squid, the cephalopod (greek or "hefad/foot") family with 8 arms and 2 long tentacles attached to their head rather than their body 
• they have three hearts (capable of LOTS of love)
• their favourite foods are fish (refer Laineys famous photo of a cuttle eating a grouper), crabs and shrimp 
• they are very intelligent and although colour blind, are adept at changing colour and texture to camoflage, to hunt or avoid being hunted or to attract mates
• they have "W" shaped pupils and can see behind them and switch between peripheral and forward vision
• they cleverly control their buoyancy via the "cuttlebone" (the white bone that canarys like, and that is found in the bay at the end of "cuttlefish season") which contains tiny holes into which the cuttlefish adds liquids and gases to swim up or down, and using jet propulsion to propel forwards and backwards
• they have the largest brain to size ratio of all invertebrates, and being so intelligent, can count & remember where, what and when they last ate... a memory trait shared with humans.  
• i'll leave the biology lessons on mating rituals to Lainey for another blog - suffice to say, males have been known to resort to trickery (and camoflage) to attract females, who in turn leave the males wondering which one was lucky enough to father her offfspring!

swimmers today displayed the cuttlefish interpretative choreography

Luke & speedy chris 

DC

And some new canine b&b friends:

thembile (pronounced temby) - an angelic halo surrounds her in this photo - not long after she broke away to chase seagulls on to the beach … lifesaver and Manmaid dan to the rescue !  

Napoleon 

Mer dog chance 

Fish parties are back: old wives 

Yellowtail 

& little ones 

And todays parting shot… if only all days were like today .. .. it was hard to get out of bed pre dawn when it was freezing cold but I’m so glad I did … 

Have a wonderful day, stay safe, look out for each other, stay kind & enjoy the beauty Mother Nature has provided us,

Jocelyn