Pacific Jules

It’s Gonna Be …Sea Sand Salp and Saint Andrew

Happy St Andrew’s Day to all the Scots and descendants of Scots

A wee bit then about the famous Proclaimer Song

‘ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)

As Scottish as Irn Bru and deep fried pizzas. There can’t be too many souls in Scotland who don’t know all the words to this one. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) was released by Auchtermuchty duo The Proclaimers in 1988, and went on to score hits around the world. The song has appeared in countless movies and TV shows since it was written and has even been parodied by Family Guy and The Simpsons.’

We swam 1.00 miles today and what a beautiful swim it was. Not so clear but a meditative easy one to ease us into Wednesday. 
The scene that greeted us … meant it’s gonna be magic

Lovely Leah in front with surf board, temperature a mild 19.2C is what’s it’s gonna be 

A beautiful mermaid and Capless pose … 

The early 6.30 crew start coming in … blueys or no blueys what’s it gonna be 

Kiwi Corner Greg and Nicki talking about ‘fush’ they see other other thungs 

Lovely Doc Dave Bachmayer, our resident orthodontist, emerges with a lovely smile - what else a

The Men of the Door (MODS) Michael Brian Richard Bernard and Gunnah ( sp?) been swimming for 6 plus years together, glamourised by Nicki #MODcons
Stalwarts Henrietta and Bernhard welcome newbies

Adding glamour, Tay Jonny Dan Steve and Christy 

A bunch of lovelies, Ian, Robbie and extra lovely Kit hanging for a chat 

Fi Mac has her hair attended to by fellow WOW Amandakins while Georgina looks on amused. Fi is recovering from an accident on her bike and is strapped up making hair doing a bit of a challenge … lovely to have you back for coffee Fi 

My beautiful pooch Holly minds the wall

It’s wonderful to be back at the swim.
Wishing Derek a happy birthday for last week. Cake to celebrate next week. 
Go well or Hambe Kahle everyone. 
Di 

x

Management  message 

SUMMER BADGES

As the Summer swimming season approaches, we look forward to our Summer swim challenges. By popular demand, we have decided to retain the summer challenge and super swimmer badges which were both well-received last summer. This year we will have the following badges:

 

 

• Summer Challenge - swim 30 times over summer (1 Dec to 28 Feb), and swim in at least 7 different weeks
• Summer Super Swimmer - swim 50 times over summer

 

 Three long distance swims are also on offer, all of which earn a badge:

 

• A 6 km swim will be held every summer Saturday morning (depending on conditions) generally starting at 7 am. The first 6 km swim will be onSaturday 3rd December.
• There will be a 10 km swim once a month over summer also starting with the 7 am swim. Dates for these will be announced in the blog. The first 10 km swim will be on 10thDecember.
• If these swims are too long for you, you can try a Triple Manly to Shelly swim any day during Summer (distance 3.5 km) from 6.30 or 7 am.

 

If you are unsure of the routes and protocols for these swims, please ask at the desk before you swim. When swimming these longer distances, we request that, for safety reasons, you stay with the group. We also request that you do not swim in dangerous conditions. The quest for a little cloth badge is not worth putting your life at risk. Enjoy your swimming. In order to be eligible for any/all of these badges you must log your swims in i-Log. If you don’t have a log-in, please contact Ian ([email protected]) .

Tuesday 30/11/2022 - Magical Morning

An absolute stunner of a swim this morning! Our favourite corner was flat and calm, sun was out and water temp was up to 19.5! But more than that... it was clear and we were greeted by loads of Luderick, Blackfish, Stingarees and Gropers as we swam towards the point! I was lucky enough to suddenly see a big Banded Wobbegong before me too! It's such a treat to see a shark!

The Drinks Express at Shelly at 6.45am bathed in sunshine!

Some of the 'Merpeeps' heading in at 7!

I turned around just in time to avoid being pulled under by this 'Monster of the Deep' also known as Andre the Baker :-)

Fish were everywhere you looked around the point and before. Mullet close to the surface, Yellowtail below...

Groper and Luderick over the brilliant green sea grass...

The Crimson Morwong even seemed more brightly coloured today with improved viz and claity.

Happy Wows at the Point

More happy swimmers at Shelly!

And I was even happier to see a Wobbegong and a Blind Shark swimming back in to Manly!

Have a great day folks!

SUMMER BADGES

As the Summer swimming season approaches, we look forward to our Summer swim challenges. By popular demand, we have decided to retain the summer challenge and super swimmer badges which were both well-received last summer. This year we will have the following badges:

 

• Summer Challenge - swim 30 times over summer (1 Dec to 28 Feb), and swim in at least 7 different weeks
• Summer Super Swimmer - swim 50 times over summer

 Three long distance swims are also on offer, all of which earn a badge:

• A 6 km swim will be held every summer Saturday morning (depending on conditions) generally starting at 7 am. The first 6 km swim will be on Saturday 3rd December.
• There will be a 10 km swim once a month over summer also starting with the 7 am swim. Dates for these will be announced in the blog. The first 10 km swim will be on 10th December.
• If these swims are too long for you, you can try a Triple Manly to Shelly swim any day during Summer (distance 3.5 km) from 6.30 or 7 am.

If you are unsure of the routes and protocols for these swims, please ask at the desk before you swim. When swimming these longer distances, we request that, for safety reasons, you stay with the group. We also request that you do not swim in dangerous conditions. The quest for a little cloth badge is not worth putting your life at risk. Enjoy your swimming. In order to be eligible for any/all of these badges you must log your swims in i-Log. If you don’t have a log-in, please contact Ian ([email protected]) .

Monday November 28, 2022 - Manly Icons - Temperature Jim

Wharf


Corso

Temperature team

Kenny to the Rescue

Swimming Legend Tilly - the other Monday blogger 

Kylie needs to swim 4kms/day to reach 1000 kms by NYE

Have a safe and enjoyable day

Simon

 

Christmas Party

The B&B Christmas Party is now fully booked. If you would like to put your name on the waitlist, can you please contact Ian ([email protected]). Similarly, if you have booked tickets that you can no longer use, can you also contact Ian. Thank you

 

Budgie Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgie Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for October is Marianne Gould. Marianne will receive a voucher for a new pair of Budgy Smugglers from the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running for Swimmer of the Month, all you have to do is log your swims. The winner is selected randomly from all those who have swum at least once during the month. The more times you swim the more chances you have to win the prize. So start logging now. If you don't know how, just email Ian, [email protected]

 

 

 

Sun 27th: Some Summer

SUMMER BADGES

As the Summer swimming season approaches, we look forward to our Summer swim challenges. By popular demand, we have decided to retain the summer challenge and super swimmer badges which were both well-received last summer. This year we will have the following badges:

 

• Summer Challenge - swim 30 times over summer (1 Dec to 28 Feb), and swim in at least 7 different weeks
• Summer Super Swimmer - swim 50 times over summer

Three long distance swims are also on offer, all of which earn a badge:

• A 6 km swim will be held every summer Saturday morning (depending on conditions) generally starting at 7 am. The first 6 km swim will be on Saturday 3rd December.
• There will be a 10 km swim once a month over summer also starting with the 7 am swim. Dates for these will be announced in the blog. The first 10 km swim will be on 10th December.
• If these swims are too long for you, you can try a Triple Manly to Shelly swim any day during Summer (distance 3.5 km) from 6.30 or 7 am.

If you are unsure of the routes and protocols for these swims, please ask at the desk before you swim. When swimming these longer distances, we request that, for safety reasons, you stay with the group. We also request that you do not swim in dangerous conditions. The quest for a little cloth badge is not worth putting your life at risk. Enjoy your swimming.

In order to be eligible for any/all of these badges you must log your swims in i-Log. If you don’t have a log-in, please contact Ian [email protected]

GUEST CHALKERS

Guy is on hols for a week.  Five-plus Apprentice Chalkers have been recruited, trained and issued with individual chalking kits. Stay tuned, for seven days of dust-off mayhem

Christmas Party

The B&B Christmas Party is now fully booked. If you would like to put your name on the waitlist, can you please contact Ian ([email protected]). Similarly, if you have booked tickets that you can no longer use, can you also contact Ian. Thank you

 

Budgie Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgie Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for October is Marianne Gould. Marianne will receive a voucher for a new pair of Budgy Smugglers from the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running for Swimmer of the Month, all you have to do is log your swims. The winner is selected randomly from all those who have swum at least once during the month. The more times you swim the more chances you have to win the prize. So start logging now. If you don't know how, just email Ian, [email protected]

The Tragically Hip

The Corso 6am and 2 girls push their silicon butts at an Instagram photo. The sky was dull, and hypothetical and falling one cloud at a time. It could have been the Willie Nelson, could have been the wine...

The 609 Drinks Rebel Express pass me on the ramp, flanking the Gladiator Madam Guillotine, Kylie Elbourne. Kylie is on track to 1000 kilometres for 2022. The boys are laying down a carpet of rose petals in front of her and chaperone her to the water.

6.31am and Trooper (aka Bevan McBevan) is frothing. He’s already had a 6am coffee and is ranting at the many FFF stragglers. 629 OTR means 6.29am on the ramp he reminds us.

Two fifty for a high ball, and buck and half for a beer, Happy hour, happy hour, happy hours here

Guy reveals that 4 times this Spring we have hit 18.9 degrees. Despite this a couple of wayward Sophies don the rubber. Dr Will the mathematician doesn’t believe Guy’s reading and rugs up also.

Pitch Report:

Visibility better than yesterday. Across the sandbanks of the FFF very clear. Less milky at Shelly. Sophie and Fi float at the point, surrounded by fish. Chuffed they were mistaken for the first of the Drinks Express. Excited about the temp. Caroline hung on 1 min to the front of the bus. Cracking swim.

Bourbon blues on the street, loose and complete
Under skies, so smokey blue green

I saw the constellations, reveal themselves one star at a time

The Baker attempted Passage Rock...

Now back to Folk songs by the Fonz… I'm going to drive a Big Yellow Taxi all the way home..

Avanti! Viva la Drinks Express! The baker shows off his Italiano skills 

Parko and his double swimming crew:

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

Rusty the Fish & Carolinebythebeach

 

And now for a loved up Chippo I have a song, crank up the Sonos mate and enjoy:

 

 

Wednesday 23rd November - Irish Eyes, Lots of "Aye's"

Wednesday 23rd November - is it the luck of the Irish and the return to the fold of Irish mermaid Ciara Gaffney that Mother Nature brought us (almost) fabulous swimming conditions today?    Even the Palmie surf boat chose our beautiful bay to train in the golden morning light ! 

The tumult of the last few days has disappeared (but for how long?).  The westerly onslaught has kept the ocean flat, the wind is now but a whisper, the weed seems to be making its way back out to sea and the "coastal upwelling" has cooled down the water, bringing back ALL the cold water benefits (and lots of neoprene!).

Water temp: 16.5 degrees

air temp: "felt like" 6.7 degrees at 6am

conditions: Flat, almost perfect, bit murky

vibe: generally happy - lots of smiles on wonderful wednesday!

Coastal upwelling is why we have been seeing a return to "winter swimming" water temperatures and the return of neoprene en masse the last few days.....  as strong gusty westerly & south westerly winds literally straight across the Bite from Antarctica push the warmer surface water out to sea, and cooler deeper water happily takes its place.  

Lots of "Aye's" this week:  Sue Marrinan 7000 km (wow!), Manmaid Rob and Pri said "Aye do", and the Irish eyes of mermaid Ciara Gaffney (below with mermaids!) returned to the fold.

 

Given we have water temperatures more akin to Ireland than manly at the moment, I thought Ciara could give the BB swimmers an insight as to what its like to swim in Ireland!!  

Ciara started sea swimming at 17 in Tramore (meaning "big beach") in county waterford (yes, THAT crystal), in South East Ireland.   The water temperature hovers around a balmy 14-19 degrees in summer, and 8-10 degrees in winter.  So, Ciara felt right at home when she started swimming with Bold & Beautiful in 2020 with the Mermaids and Manmaids and the Lunchtime swimmers.   She felt the same fear as most of us on our first time swimming in the open Aussie ocean, and she also felt the warm camaraderie, encouragement, friendship and embrace of the B&B community and learned to channel her fear into awe and wonder.    

Last year, Ciara returned to Ireland.  However, her love for swimming remained and she found places to swim, buddies to swim with and some awesome events like the Great Fjord swim in Galway, the 40 foot in Dublin, Salthill in Galway, Bray in Wicklow, Vico in Dalkey (for U2 fans - near Bono's house!) and the Aran Islands (yep Aran of THOSE knitted jumpers). 

Ciara describes Irish sea swimming as a "daily free wim hof" experience (and no sharks!  ask her about the time she swam so fast back to shore after a beach announcement in manly!).  Despite the water being so much colder, necessitating a wetsuit, under that wetsuit Ciara always proudly wears her B&B swimmers or other Budgy Smugglers as a reminder of magical Manly  and the friends & camaraderie of the B&B she misses, and we miss her too!  if you are travelling to Ireland and in need of a swimming adventure Ciara will be a wealth of information! 

The Great Fjord swim in Galway, Ireland is 9/9/2023 if you are interested!  Linky thing here:  https://gaelforceevents.com/en/the-great-fjord-swim-info - from Ironman (3.9km) to an enticer 750m there is something for everyone!   Thats an "Aye" from me one day!

And, lastly, today, Chance Aye'd off coffee as usual......

  

As always - stay safe as the dreaded "virus which cannot be named" once again infiltrates our beautiful city, stay sane, look out for each other, be kind and have a wonderful Wednesday! 

Jocelyn

now for the public service announcements:

Christmas Party

The B&B Christmas Party is now fully booked. If you would like to put your name on the waitlist, can you please contact Ian ([email protected]). Similarly, if you have booked tickets that you can no longer use, can you also contact Ian. Thank you.

 

Budgie Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgie Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for October is Marianne Gould. Marianne will receive a voucher for a new pair of Budgy Smugglers from the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running for Swimmer of the Month, all you have to do is log your swims. The winner is selected randomly from all those who have swum at least once during the month. The more times you swim the more chances you have to win the prize. So start logging now. If you don't know how, just email Ian, [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Tuesday 22nd Nov - 7 miles from Sydney, 7000km from care

Today Sue Marinan hit her 7000km swim. Not surprisingly, she's in the number 1 spot and seems like she must spend more time in the water than out to achieve that. Congratulations and well done! Almost perfect conditions for it.

Greg and Sue preparing for the celebration tunnel.

Michael, Al, JK and Ian welcoming new swimmers.

Nicci reading the notes on what to do in a rip (always at your own risk!), provided by JK but thankfully not needed today. 

In pictures it was a glorious morning. Clear blue skies, flat seas and an improved viz.

The reality was a 2C drop in temp from yesterday! The air temp was also way down with the wind still blowing.

Paloma and Paul came prepared with their wet-suits, while I froze.

All in all, always a great swim and slowly I warmed up in the sun enjoying our special corner of the world.

Have a great, sunny day.

Amanda

 

Christmas Party

The B&B Christmas Party is now fully booked. If you would like to put your name on the waitlist, can you please contact Ian ([email protected]). Similarly, if you have booked tickets that you can no longer use, can you also contact Ian. Thank you.

 

Budgie Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgie Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for October is Marianne Gould. Matt will receive a voucher for a new pair of Budgy Smugglers from the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running for Swimmer of the Month, all you have to do is log your swims. The winner is selected randomly from all those who have swum at least once during the month. The more times you swim the more chances you have to win the prize. So start logging now. If you don't know how, just email Ian, [email protected].

Reasons To Be Cheerful

It's a beautiful day and the water is warming up, what's not to like?

Happy faces all around and quite a few newbies, also happy. And dogs.

Rainer is especially cheerful today, even more so that usual because he has notched up 3000 kilometres of swimming across the Bay. This is a Big Deal.

Good morning, Angels. Good morning, Rainer.

Visibility was ordinary but on such a beautiful day, who really cares?

Twins!!!

This newbie was looking for his friend with help from Clare 

Freddy and Oscar

Sadly, the tunnel was a photographic fail

Today's blogger priority was getting to Shelly and back, none of my usual marine safari stuff, but here's a couple I prepared earlier this month

Have a lovely weekend!

B&B 2022 Christmas Party

B&B Christmas Party is back again this year !!
The Party will be held on Monday 12th December at 6.30 pm at Bucketty's Brewing Co, 26 Orchard Rd, Brookvale.
All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately).
The theme remains simply “Christmas”, so come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia.
The music this year will again be provided by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, which plays two types of music, Rock and Roll!
The cost is $20 per head, with all proceeds above the cost of hosting the evening to be donated to RFW
Food and drink available at bar prices.
Don't miss out on this fun event, as numbers are limited.
Click here to book now !

What am I listening to?

I am going to see this band in 2 weeks' time. Just a little bit excited.

 

Friday 18 November 2022 - [Em]bracing swim

The water was hot - 17.3 degreees but the air was 14 and made entry to the swim feel very bracing. But it was worth the effort.

Enjoying the sights as we plunge in

Gorgeous swim

What a smile

ALMOST SOLD OUT

B&B 2022 Christmas Party

B&B Christmas Party is back again this year !!
The Party will be held on Monday 12th December at 6.30 pm at Bucketty's Brewing Co, 26 Orchard Rd, Brookvale.
All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately).
The theme remains simply “Christmas”, so come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia.
The music this year will again be provided by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, which plays two types of music, Rock and Roll!
The cost is $20 per head, with all proceeds above the cost of hosting the evening to be donated to RFW
Food and drink available at bar prices.
Don't miss out on this fun event, as numbers are limited.
Click here to book now !

Calm but murky 17.1 on 17 Nov

A bit chilly today, with calm seas and a little swell.

In true B&B spirit Petra looks after her fellow swimmers and the ocean, Petra removed this plastic from the shallows.

Earlier this week I found this ray? shark? decomposing.  Fish were feeding on it, the circle of life.

2 weekends ago I was lucky to swim with Brownie, so beautiful!