Pacific Jules

You break me, then I break my rules

Don't mess with the Zohan! Trooper rants 'no dilly dallying around here' and pushes us all to our limits on another day on the sand and in the surf.

A standard dragon boat typically consists of 22 team members: 20 paddlers, 1 drummer and 1 steerer. Like a well oiled team our FFF all pulled together today, random souls joined at the sand drawn line.

Congrats to Caroline and Zig Zag for taking the NSW Dragon boat team to being National Champions. You've done us proud! We remind Caroline that there is no 'I' in Team, even though there is an 'I' in Caroline! :)

The ragtag of misfits is about the fastest creatures on the planet, Froggy, the Terminator, LOL and Kara prep for the morning's swim.

And Blocky and Trooper get excited about what is to come! Drinksy and Master Furniture Man still refuse to join us on the FFF wagon.

Now I'm sittin 'round, waiting for the world to end all day

'cause I couldn't leave you if I tried

You break me, then I break my rules

Trooper lines us up directly opposite the rip, easy out, but a little tougher coming in. A hidden agenda or ageing eyesight?

Our fearless leader Blocky cracks us into shape, laying down the ground rules. More of the Drinks Express here today, even the Spaniard sighted at the front of the pack. The A Team represented today, Pantson minus his usually impressive harem taught a few of the Express boys what surf swimming is all about.

'Cause I can't let go, it's chemical

Caroline still positive, even after losing Round 2 of the FFF playoffs with your's truly. I had time to touch the wall, grab the camera and still capture. Next time princess.

Jonny is the master of the waves. Last year in 13 foot surf I ran into him out back actually body surfing it. 

Pretty sure the following silhouette is our resident Ironman, Ian, prepping for the Hawaiian Ironman later this year by learning to tackle the surf. Second time into FFF and already belting us amateurs.

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

 

Rusty the Fish and Carolynebythebeach

and for you Chippo, some tunes for the boom box on your bike ride to town:

 

 

50 Shades of Lekker especially if you try something different

G’day 

Yesterday the spirit of the Anzacs was amongst us.  If you haven’t done the pre dawn (4.25) Manly service on the Corso, do yourself a favour and attend next year, it’s very moving. 

To see so many people attend the BnB service at 7 am was very ‘ lekker ‘ ( the wonderful Afrikaan word for nice/ pleasant. Apply it liberally to any sentence and event to enhance the description) 

I also tried the 6.30 FFF’s yesterday for the first time. I think it stands for Fun Fun Fun and a must try for a very lekker work out and camaraderie. A special shade of lekker. 
This taken by daughter Natalie as evidence her Rents were actually doing this ( me really :) 

Today Storchy’s crew were doing their booty camp as I arrived - an almost biblical shade of  lekker. 

The temperature was another shade of lekker at 21.7 C. Sarah and Jonathan who both recently swam across the heads for the first time, impressive and well done both. Happy bday Jonathan have a special and very lekker day. 

Some of the welcome team. Simone and Henrietta with Merrin jumping in. 

Lekker people, Hels, Lainey and Sue 

So lekker to have one of our kids join us. Clare hugs gorgeous Isobelle daughter of Amandakins 

More Shades of lekker glam pre swim Mel, Michelle and Suzanne 

A team of Bruce’s embrace their inner lekker as they walk to the water

The lekker sight of 7 am swimmers one never grows tired of followed by what lies ahead. We are super  lekker lucky

The especially lekker apre swim coffee and chats. Lots of  lekker ‘kakpraat’ ( talking rubbish) seen leading the field The General, Scott and Trooper. Happy the Frenchie in foreground. 

This picture encapsulates the lekker kakpraat feels 


Dr Maz misses her dog in the UK, Bindi obliges with a cuddle - both gorgeous shades of lekker 

Next blogs will be from on the road so I’m pasting the ‘gone fishing’ picture

So TTFN and Hambe Kahle 

Di

x

From management 

 

Tuesday Night Talk.

This month’s talk is titled SWIMMING WITH WHALES

Husband and wife team Alice and David Edgarare Manly locals with a love of marine mammals and whales in particular. Ten years ago they first started swimming with humpback whales in the warm waters of Tonga where David learned underwater photography with Alice honing her skills as an underwater freediving model. Their exploits have brought them all over the world and have seen their adventures published in National Geographic, CNN and international newspapers around the world. They now own a local business focussed on swimming with whales.

Come along to hear about their experiences and learn about:

 

• How you can swim/snorkel with humpback whales (no SCUBA required)

• Where is the best place in Tonga for close interactions with these amazing creatures

• What a typical day on the water looks like

• How you can have incredible encounters with whales in a safe and respectful way

 

DATE: Tuesday May 9 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-line at https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-monthly-talk.html

 

25/04/2023 - Even the Cuttlefish and Wobbegong came out for Anzac Day

What a beautiful morning we had for our day of remembrance and Anzac Day swim! Stunning sunrise, challenging surf  to go with the mood thinking about our soldiers... but clear waters, incredible fish and wonderful people :-)

Thank you to Ian, John, Peter and Bruce for organising a beautiful tribute before our swim. Fantastic to see a huge crowd again. Australia Day and Anzac Day we can get 5-600 swimmers or more. How many do you think swam today?

Here are 3 of the wonderful Shaffer family. They embody the spirit of the B&B and it wouldn't be the same without them.

Friday blogger and another B&B stalwart Elizabeth 

Dr Michele and Martin lead the way and get on the beach early before our readings from Peter Anthony and Bruce followed by  the bugler and Advance Australia Fair

It looks calm between the sets but there were some big waves!

Chrissy and Helsy at the point. What gorgeous smiles!

Simon and friend pointed out a huge Ornate Wobbie lying on a rock before Shelly!

It's so lovely when you see a Dad or Mum glowing with pride because one of their offspring has swam to Shelly for the first time. Here's Scotty with Stevie

You could see the bottom all the way to Shelly but coming back close to the rocks there was a lot more to see. This Banded Wobbegong was cruisin along

Then we saw this amazing Giant Cuttlefish that looked very interested in me or my camera and came very close!

Pri taking a pic. Can you see him camouflaged in the weed?

Lots of swimmers got to see this Cuttlefish which was great as they are such incredible creatures!

An interesting angle!

Dan and The Mermaids

Lastly...Happy Anzac Day from Gary the Groper!

love

Lainey

 

Monday 24th April 2023 - Badges, $15K, Farewell’s

Yesterday was B&B Summer Badge Day.

Badge Ceremony 
Ann.                      Henrietta.      Ian.            Gary.          Guy.

Congratulations to Shelley and all B&Bers who swam 20+ times last summer.



15 years of the B&B.

$15,000 - Yes B&B Swim Squad was pleased to donate $15,000 the Royal Far West.

Thanks to Alex the Pirate for many years of B&B BBQs

Farewell to Ali & her Pirate who are moving to Queensland.

I swam with Brett & Patrick@5:30am

Low tide strong rip going north

Milly

Training for mountain climbing in Alaska.

Boys@6:30

7am




Tomorrow 

Take care Enjoy!

Simon

 

///———///———-////————-////—————////———-

BOTB

SUMMER BADGES

Anne Edwards will have Summer Badges for sale at the Welcome Tree on Anzac Day from 6.30 am for those who missed out today.

 

 

 

 

Friday 21 April 2023 Highs and Lows

It was strong in the surf today. Occasional big waves coming in random directions. But it was less powerful than the last few days I understand. 

It was warm in the water and at first seemed free of stingers. But a jimble or two found me at the point, and also Suzie, on exiting. 

The flags were so close together that it was very precise swimming to get between the flags on exit and I did not manage it. I did lose my goggles but gfot out safely. With sand in my hair - right at the roots. Then just as I was telling a showering swimmer my tale of woe, another swimmer came out with my goggles that he had salvaged. Yay. 

Again there were loads of powerful swimmers in the FFF at 630. I could not hear the rant so I imagined it - I thought something worthy of ranting about for several minutes would be the misuse of semi colons for colons in a lot of formal writing I have recently seen. My eyes have barely recovered. There. I feel better. 

And look at the smiles!

Running in

Ian looking to catch a wave


Jon and another FFF bodysurfing. An elegant skill


Ready for the 630 start

630 exiting while early 7's entering

At the point

all the mermaids and merman joined up at the point. And Daniel is back

Mark

It is exciting to think that tomorrow there is a swim from South Head to Quarantine Beach which our Sarah Abbott will join in. They are leaving at 815 or so from the south of the harbour. Good luck! I will try to see them. Sarah is swimming that to celebrate her birthday. A super idea. 

For a super high - join the badge ceremony on Sunday

 

 

Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 23^rd April

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Summer Badge(s), so why not collect them personally with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster. Our Summer Badge Ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 23^rd April, at 8 am, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike. Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (credit cards will be accepted at this event). $5 will be donated to RFW for each badge collected at this event, so, if you can’t make it, get your friends to collect your badge for you. Or if you have previous badges you have forgotten to collect, now is the time to do it.

A $5 per person 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 NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2023-summer-badge-ceremony.html

Three more sleeps.... Thursday 20th April

Reminder:
2 important events coming up. Hoping you can join us at both.

1. The Badges have arrived.
   This coming Sunday 23rd April our summer badge ceremony will be held at 8am at Royal Far West. Enter via the gate on the S Steyne opposite the beach. Please let us know if you are coming for catering purposes. All details on the BnB website or our FB page.
2. Anzac Day:
   Tuesday 25th April. There will be a short ceremony beachside led by Bruce Baird. Assemble on the beach just before 7am.

This week has been a bit challenging and fun in the water with a southerly surge, high tides, strong currents, rips and a few stingers but things are looking up for swims across Cabbage Tree Bay for the weekend. Today the rip was still strong but the water had calmed down a lot across the Bay - our area largely protected from the southerlies. Swimmers mixed it up and swam to their own strengths either from Manly, halfway or from Shelly Beach and some like ...... and me enjoyed the view and a walk.

 Ewan, Simon and Suzie looking forward to their Manly swim

Ian and Peter checking out the conditions

Warm in today :)

Early swimmers taking the plunge

Julie and  Vanessa chatting to Ian about the rips near the point

LSA catches up with Amelia, Sarah, Josh and Rachel a fun loving bunch calling themselves

(the Mild and Mediocre crew)

7am crew take off from Shelly on their return to Manly

** A shout out to those who might like to blog occasionally or on a regular day/fortnight we would love to have you aboard.

Thursdays or some weekends are up for grabs. Help to fill in on other days most welcome. Contact Deanna Waters, Ian any morning or

myself-Pauline Forster via the BnB FB page.

Looking forward to a good swim tomorrow. 

HRH-Pauline

 

Wednesday 19th April - Calm, flat, clear, no jellies... (we wish!)

Actually, those were the conditions at the Domain Andrew Boy Charlton pool at dawn this morning, where I joined the "Vladswim" squad - due to having a bit on at work its a lot closer to home and work for me (and i definitely need to work on my technique!).  So this week the blog focuses on some of the B&B swimmers who also train here following the black line, and the coach!

Condition report at Manly:

water temp: 20.2 degrees

air temp: 13.3 degrees at 6 am

conditions: hammering, rippy, messy, swirling bouncy - fun if you need an arm/upper body workout! (thanks to Frangi for the report!), jimbles, waves of happiness (or fear?) 

vibe: hesitant, bold, in awe (and perhaps a little frustration, or "bring it on"?) at mother natures fury.

Condition report at the ABC pool:

water temp:  27 degrees (well, it felt like it)

conditions: clear, calm, no jellies, a few hair ties & bandaids 🤢

vibe:  happy, grimacing at the constant speed/fatigue sets, inspired

This morning whilst waiting for the pool to open (a delayed opening due to a technical matter...- personally i was relieved the squad session was reduced to an hour - it was intense!), I decided to "interview" Vlad Mravec, one of Australia’s premier open water swim coaches, and some of the inspiring ocean swimmers who regularly train with Vlad. Some of those inspiring swimmers also regularly join the Bold & Beautiful swim squad.  

First of all, Vlad.   Vlad is the head coach of "Vladswim" - some of you may be familiar with or join his sessions during summer at the ABC pool in the Domain, Saturday ocean swims and winter squads at Victoria park pool next to Sydney uni.   Pool sessions focus on speed & technique which are applied to the open water. 

with over 25 years swim coaching, starting with coaching kids in pools and with 5 years of university study in physical education focusing on swimming,  over 10 years ago Vlad started coaching open water swimming, describing it as a "bug";  setting bigger goals becomes addictive.  Vlad is motivated with everyone's ("our") "why";  our stories, our journeys - learning about ourselves, our commitment, never giving up on goals even if we don't succeed the first time (and in open water swimming, achievement of an open water goal sometimes takes a few attempts as mother nature is in charge!), perseverance, resilience, discipline in training and then our success.    That is Vlads "why" - and its contagious!

Its also about the community:  Vlad has created an inspiring, supportive community of open water (and pool) swimmers - sharing joy in success in the pool or the ocean, supporting each other for the longer swims, and nothing but encouragement for newbies like me, the slowest in lane 1, to continue to reach further, and not just in terms of technique!  That said, Vlad is VERY technique focused (reduced effort, more distance, faster! - makes so much sense doesn't it?) and the words "reach further" "more power" "downhill" and many more mantras can be heard above the splashes at the ABC pool.

A few fast facts:

• Louis Stephenson was Vlad's first open water marathon swimmer, who swam the English Channel in 2010 (louis also swam Rottnest in 2010, 11, 12 winning her division and once overall 6th)!.
• Since 2010, Vlad has coached 66 swimmers to swim the Channel, some of them more than once!    He says that 66 channel swimmers are "66 stories" - all different, and all inspiring. 
• add to that 13 triple crown swimmers (English Channel, Catalina Channel and Manhattan island) and hopefully a 14th when B&B swimmer Brendan Maher attempts Manhattan this July!
• Vlad coached our very own founder and wonder woman Julie Isbill for her first channel swim, and since she was based in Perth, rather than joining his squads, Vlad prepared her program remotely she could follow in Perth.
• many “vlad” swimmers are currently aiming for the "7 oceans" swims : Cook Strait (NZ - 26km), Molokai channel (Hawaii - 44 km), Gibraltar (16 km), North Channel (between Ireland and Scotland - 34km), English Channel (34km), Catalina Channel (USA - 32 km) & the Tsugaru Strait - Japan between Honshu and Hokkaido - great ski destinations BTW -  20 km.   Dean Somers is tantalisingly close, and will hopefully be the first of Vlads swimmers to complete this amazing feat with an attempt to swim the Tsugaru Channel later this year - hopefully 3rd time lucky

...And some of the inspiring swim squad:

there are 15 English channel solo swimmers (and a few Manly LSC life savers!) in this photo!  WOW!

Dean Somers (pictured below with John: English Channel, Rottnest, Derwent, first to swim from the Bowen Bridge to Bruny island!) aims to complete the 7 oceans with the Tsugaru Strait in July, THEN a 100km swim from Newcastle to Sydney!  Dean's "Why" is always having a goal, and the inspiring community of swimmers, and inspiring and supporting others to achieve theirs.

Eva Buzo (below) aims to swim from Italy to Albania -  Eva's "why" - her grandfather is Albanian and she aims to be the first person to swim the Eltano strait! 

Brendan Maher (familiar to all of you!) - aims to complete the triple crown with the Manhattan Island swim in July, pictured with Grant Campbell who has recently completed the Port to Pub in WA with Lizzie Crowhurst (both swam individually, in tandem), swam around Great Keppel last year (and hopes to repeat this August) and has swum the English Channel in a relay.  Grant & Lizzy, both regulars at Manly, are active fundraisers for Can-too - their "why".

Vlads tips for swimmers who may be thinking about challenging themselves with open water swimming (or any goal really) are:

• know your "why" - that gives you momentum which keeps you reaching for your goals.   
• dont lose momentum - this fuels the fire in your heart, your "why"
• everything is possible, even for those of us in lane 1!  
• fitness and training is the "hard" part - the actual swim, most leave everything at the end, whether it be the French beach or wherever, and enjoy the swim experience!

So, LOTS of inspiration  this morning (look them up on instagram to follow their progress!) - if you have a goal, or even a spark in your heart (whether swimming rates or not) consider giving it a red hot go as you never know if you don't!

As always, have a wonderful Wednesday, stay safe, be kind, look out for and after each other,

Jocelyn

 

And please remember the badge ceremony this Sunday!  Inspire and be inspired!

2023 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 23^rd April

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Summer Badge(s), so why not collect them personally with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster. Our Summer Badge Ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 23^rd April, at 8 am, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike. Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (credit cards will be accepted at this event). $5 will be donated to RFW for each badge collected at this event, so, if you can’t make it, get your friends to collect your badge for you. Or if you have previous badges you have forgotten to collect, now is the time to do it.

A $5 per person 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 NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2023-summer-badge-ceremony.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 18/04/2023 - Rippy, Bumpy, Rough but Exciting!

Our little corner of the world can be flat and calm one day and rough and rippy the next. Today was a swim 'not for the faint-hearted' as someone said as they came out after being bowled over by waves! There were still lots of smiles though but it was a challenging swim!

Dr John and his lovely partner visited us today. I first met Dr John when he swam with us in 2012 and it's been so great to catch up again. Here they are with Matt.

Jon Howard aka Frangi has been doing a great job of reporting on conditions early. This was 6.28am and water temp 20.4.

We're SO lucky to have the choice of free yoga or Pilates on Tuesday morning 6-7am before our swim!

Emma, who does such a good job of welcoming new swimmers is off to England for a couple of weeks leaving Ian to lose weight as 'he'll only eat salads"! Andre had better feed him up on cakes post-swim!

On May 1st it's our lovely Little Sarah aka Sarah from Sales 70th birthday. Make sure you make a fuss of her. She's one kind and amazing woman as is the one she's hugging, Merrilee :-)

Always inspiring to see Peter swimming almost every morning. Say Hello to his wife Lenore who sits on the bench!

Some of The Mermaids who weren't put off by the big surf. Good on you guys!

Monday blogger Simon in front of the camera for a change

Dr John, baby James and Kate with Ian who is soon off on his hols I hear :-)

Carolyn and friends battled the waves

as did Victoria and Melissa

Christine is visiting from Melbourne where she does a lot of body surfing. She did the full swim today though in the wild and wooly conditions.

Beautiful early morning light at 7am before lots of sunshine in our corner

Brian is missing his swim buddies Guy and Richard :-(

Melissa, Pete, Mike and Bruce after the big work out swim today!

Fi and Amanda (fellow Tuesday blogger) soaking up that sunshine!

 

Some photos above taken over last few days. Not today though as viz not the best.

Have a great day everyone.

Remember the Badge Ceremony on Sunday at Royal Far West. Come for a bbq sausage and to pick up a badge or congratulate fellow swimmers!

Lainey

 

Mon 17th: We're All At Sea Without a Clock

CONDITIONS (For Tilly’s blog)

Air                  14º

Water             20.4º

Ocean            Stupendous

Clock              Still Broken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 16th: North Steyne SLSC Ocean Swim

The sea turned rough this morning. A few of our folks entered the North Steyne Swim.  Its bigger swim was a longer than usual 2.8, and return cans were out front of Manly Club’s beach front.  There will be a few stories about today’s event ... from surviving competitors.  Don’t forget Summer Badges next Sunday morning