Wednesday 8th March - a day to celebrate women, and what women want - and if you haven't seen the film of the same name, starring our own "Love Songs" - you should! Not only is it a brilliant movie with the necessary elements of a compelling story, laughter and tears and cringe moments; it amplifies "girl power" and intrigue to "I'm waiting for a [insert profession] to show up?"..
Women have differing needs: some like it hot, some like it cold; some like it big and powerful, some like it smooth & calm, and then there is the "in between" (I was talking about swimming and the water! what were YOU thinking!).
so todays conditions will definitely please someone!
water temp: 22.9
air temp: 19.5 degrees in Sydney at 7am (in Canberra it was 12.7 degrees!)
conditions: calm, only 2 jellies reported north, a smack of them between bower and shelly!
vibe: frustration at the overstaying of the jelly army "house pests" in the bay!
Today being international women's day, we celebrate ALL the women of the B&B community, and the men who encourage us. Its about showing up, enjoying the vitamin sea infusion and the camaraderie of friends, sharing joy and happiness and laughter, and supporting each other through challenges.
A few fun facts - look at the common factor!:
- swimmer who is top of the leader board: Sue Marrinan
- only 5 swimmers have achieved ALL the summer badges this year: Sue Marrinan, Elizabeth Stewart, Alana Abercrombie, Claudia Oliver, and me!
- President of Manly Life Saving Club: Victoria O'Halloran
- biggest mover over 30 days: Millie Hosie
- 50% of the 6km badges (logged) were earned by women - fabulous to see the equality
Each and every member of the B&B inspires - whether they are completing their first swim, or their umpteenth, whether they started ocean swimming recently or have been a regular all their lives. Whether they are regulars on the podium, or simply show up to complete an ocean swim event for a personal challenge and sense of achievement... Everyone has a story. Unfortunately the blog isnt conducive to tell everyone's story, so I thought I would avoid controversy and go back to the "OG" - Julie Isbill, and ask her a few questions:
1) B&B was started by women - when did the first man join, and how did he fit in with all the women?
JI: There was a man on the first day; one of the original’s husband who accompanied near by on a board. Michael joined in a couple of days later. I Don’t think there was any complaints about being surrounded by amazing women! (Edit: who would complain, really?)
2) many articles have been written on the camaraderie of ocean swimming, and groups, and nearly all have been contributed to by women (although acknowledging that many groups of ocean swimming men, and indeed mixed, exist!) - why do you think ocean swimming in particular is attractive to women?
JI: The connection with like minded people, some exercise and the thrill after every swim. Who wouldn’t love it. Being at one with nature, being supported by the ocean and social connection. Everyone is equal in a pair of bathers! (Ed: too true! and what a colourful bunch we are, expressing individuality via swimwear !?)
3) There are so many inspirational women in the B&B community - who inspired or continues to inspire you (its ok if you don't single anyone out!)
JI: Everyone is an inspiration in different ways. One thing you soon realise is everyone has a story… (Ed: stories inspire!)
4) what can the ocean swim/B&B community do to support more women into ocean swimming?
JI: Ensure a welcoming environment, Inclusivity, Not about competition, but rather participation (Ed: encouragement, Complete not compete is a fabulous mantra!)
5) im going to be controversial - many women have commented that they wouldn't have taken a leap (whether work or personal) if it weren't for the encouragement of men - what is your take on that ?
JI: Maybe it’s more about who was on the right place at the right time (Ed: nothing but support from the entire BB community whether male or female!)
6) How do you feel the B&B community scores with respect to inclusiveness and equality generally? what more could the community do to to ensure inclusivity and equality?
JI: Very highly. Remain insightful, ensure that as we continue to grow we remember how important the personal, friendly, welcoming introduction was to us, and make a conscious effort to ensure it remains moving forward. I don’t think many of my answers above would be too different for men or women. To me it’s really about community and being inclusive of everyone! (Ed: well said, and a good reminder to us all!)
I'm actually in Canberra for a conference, and spent the early morning (6am!) joining friends in their swim squad at Dickson Aquatic centre. with an autumn chill in the air (12.7 degrees) as the sun rose and the full moon set - They were super fast and a swim, even in the dark before the sun rose in much cooler weather is a fabulous way to start the day!
As always, have a wonderful Wednesday, celebrate the women in your life and with gratitude for our wonderful, inclusive, supportive, encouraging community. Stay safe, stay sane, look out for and after each other, support each other no matter how far or how or where they swim.
take care,
Jocelyn
Public service announcement:
Tuesday night dinners are moving.
A change of night and a change of venue.
This month’s talk, ARE THERE MONSTERS DOWN THERE?
Dr Penny Berents, Senior Fellow at the Australian Museum (and B&B swimmer) recently spent six weeks on a research voyage in remote parts of the Indian Ocean. Scientists probed 5,000 metres below the surface to study the weird animals that inhabit this little-known hostile part of our planet. Penny will speak about what they discovered as well as life on board a research ship.
DATE: Monday March 13 at 6:30 PM
VENUE: Upstairs at Manly Surf Club. A Licensed bar will be open.
FOOD: Bring a plate. If you can, coordinate with some others so we don’t end up with 35 cheese plates.
COST: $10 per head. Donating to Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Numbers are limited so book early on the website HERE. It will not only be informative but an excuse to have fun on a Monday night.
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