Pacific Jules

Wednesday 31st May - Memorable may: Magic or madness?

Today is the last day of May - a memorable month of magic and madness. 

Magical magnificent swimming conditions thanks to magnanimous mother nature showing her midas touch with golden sunrises and like a magnified magnet, mesmerizing and manoeuvring us down the ramp into rays of liquid gold and our beautiful playground:  meditative, flat, calm, clear as a bell with LOTS of fish, cuttlefish and maddening jimbles to keep us on our toes (and fingers).   

Mother nature also delivered May madness with majestic swells, the biggest swells surfed recorded off Sydney on the dark side....   And whilst Sydney experienced mind blowing swell, I was in Portugal for a short visit to attend a family wedding, including a momentary visit to mystical Nazareh, home of the biggest wave recorded ever surfed = 115 feet or thereabouts (and the waiter at our port tasting was there to witness it!).   Of course the day I visited the conditions were magnificent for swimming and my gumby level of board skills, but melancholy for surfers.  

Today is also the day before the biggest decision of this winter - to winter without wetsuit or to keep the neoprene - and cheat shorts count as neoprene - sorry not sorry :) .. details at the end of the blog (so you must read through ha ha)..

Water temp:  17.7 degrees

air temp at 7am 8.4 degrees

conditions: merry and magnificent - soooo many fish sighted today!  

Vibe:  initial trepidation at stripping off woolly jumpers and ugg boots and entering the relative warmth of the water...

Magic:  Happy birthday blogger & magnificent photographer Caroline!

Magic: Natasha returning after a few weeks healing after a nasty foot injury!   So good to see you back swimming again and will be once again inspiring us all swimming without neoprene all winter!! 

Magic: Mermaids and manmaids infusing liquid golden energy

magic:  Kate & Sally warm up with magic hot water after their neoprene-assisted swim - they will not be removing the neoprene for winter!  

Magic and madness:  Nat (about to embark on a magnificent overseas adventure - we will miss you!), Merilee - won her age group for the brutal Balmoral burn last weekend in a mind blowing time of 2 min 35 seconds!; and Amanda who is a magic stalwart of the WOWs in so many adventurous ways!  and of course magical Bindi..

 Madness and magic adventure swims:  Manmaids Chris, Luke and Mermaid Tania swam from Avalon to Whale Beach on Sunday - they are regulars for "adventure swims" and for Chris and Luke, completed their mission to swim the Northern Beaches coastline .. (except for around North head - that would be madness!) - thankfully they all made it on sunday and apparently it was magic (wearing shark banz of course so the sharks stayed magically away!) - Chris and tania are non-negotiable neoprene, Luke must know that cheat shorts = neoprene ha ha...

magic: Liz and cathy - cathy has started "The swim set" - (https://theswimset.com.au/) a female led start up making wetsuits specifically for women.   Liz regularly swims sans wetsuit in the much colder waters of Balmoral beach!

Magic and madness:  Susanne (off to London), Shelly (returned from London) and Melissa rugged up - Susanne is joining our own Di Shaffer and others for the annual Henley Classic swim on 25th June - a 2.1km swim on the river Thames in the magic calm of dawn before the madness of the magnificent and famous Henley Royal Regatta - held since 1839 and considered one of the most prestigious events on the British social calendar, and of course pimms & champagne ...   swimmers in the rowing fraternity will be pleased to know that Australian rowing crews have, in the past, earned quite a bit of silverware at this regatta (I have been once - its certainly an experience!)

I hope you have all had a magnificent May with miracles of magic to counter the madness.. have a wonderful Wednesday, stay safe, stay kind, look out for and after each other!

See you in Joyous, Jolly, jovial, June - and you will feel jubilant as the temperature drops and you jive and jibe into the water and infuse ALL the benefits of cold water swimming!

Jocelyn

Announcement: 

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. If you don’t know how to log your swims, contact Ian ([email protected])

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 30th May - Terrific Conditions

To follow on from my English as a second Language class last night, where we talked about comparatives, it seemed appropriate to do the same this morning. The water was a little cooler than yesterday at 17.7C but as flat and clear as the last few days. Spectacular both in and out. It seemed a little quieter than usual on the wall, at the bench and surrounds, but I did see the massive cuttlefish as well as a second smaller one. 

On that same comparative note, is it just me or does the swim feel faster than it used to be, or perhaps I'm just getting slower. Entering at 7.01 you are likely to miss the "Let's Go" at the point and taking the time to look at the cuttlefish on my way over meant I didn't get to Shelley before everyone was heading back. Thankfully I was over the rocks so I didn't get ploughed down by the those keen to get back.

Georgina, Ro, Henrietta and Lainey having an almost mandatory pre swim chat (I need to arrive earlier so I don't miss that important ritual!)

Loving the sunrises we get at this time of year.

The regular bench crew enjoying the sunshine.

Tatchi, Lainey and Pri - the Brazilians in their bright towels and Lainey with her new fancy cozzie.

Ian and Caroline showing us the size of the massive ray that they saw.

All in all, a great swim with some post swim sunshine on the wall, what a life!

Enjoy! 

Amanda

Monday 29 May - What a beautiful sun rise

Hey guys

 

Happy Monday! It was a lovely morning this morning, and it was a beautiful sun rise. 

Water was cold at 17.7, but the visibility was pretty perfect. Nothing exciting was spotted during my swim, but I nearly swam into a turtle last week so I’m still pretty happy about that!! ☺️ I don’t know about anyone else, but there seem to be a lot of lice in the water at the moment so I’ve got a few bites on me. Perhaps it’s time to get the wetsuit out?!! Maybe when it goes to 16!! 

Stunning 😍 

 

Wow!! 🤩

Dr Stu posing 

 

Ghost & Dan 

 

Beautiful couple - Lou & Ryan

 

Paul & I post swim 

 

The always smiley MDP 

 

Alex, MDP & Tim 

 

Alex & his smiley friend 

 

Ok, that’s all from me today! Have a lovely week guys. I’ll see you tomorrow… I’ll be the one looking miserable because I’m freezing but too stubborn to wear a wetsuit 🤪

 

See you tomorrow

Tilly xx 

26/05/2023 Friday Farewell FFF

 

“HARK! I hear the cannons roar!”

Trooper shouts, gathering the FFF.

 

 

Today is the final act.

The last rush into the surf. The ultimate dash to the wall.

The final curtain call.

 

 

Closing remarks? Adios arrivederci au revoir auf wiedersehen farewell

...Don’t worry! FFF will be back in October.

 

 

Do not attempt to leave the dancefloor just yet – The FFF learn the Nutbush.

 

 

18.3C in the water, the air is not as chilly as it has been. Feel like I’ve put on one too many layers on.

 

 

Strike a pose! Mr March and Mr April swimmers of the month Allister and Craig show off their budgies! How vogue!

 

 

At least 3 times Ian said he almost beat Drinks Express’ own Terminator Gary and Dancing Dan all the way to shore... sure they were thrilled with the feet tapping.

 

 

Conditions report

Water is moving around the point, the middle of the bay is calm.

Drinks Express represent again, a mad exit from Shelly of flailing arms and floundering legs.

Loads of fish, visibility is getting better. A few jimbles about.

Looks like the stunning winter swimming are coming!

Go on and get in!

 

Caroline(bythebeach) xoxo

 

23/05/2023 - The Rock Star of Ocean Swims

In a newspaper article recently our swim was referred to as 'The Rock Star of Ocean Swims'... Whatever that means we know our swim is pretty special...
For the last couple of weeks conditions have been pretty much perfect! We've had  sunny days, still warmish water temps, relatively calm seas and loads of fish. The fact that over 2o,000 people have swam with us since Julie Isbill started this amazing group in 2008 is huge!Around 100 today on this stunning morning. Sunrise at 6.45am with air temp 11 and rising! Water temp was 18.4

It's another quicky blog for me as off to teach very soon so a bit of this blog has been rehashed from a blog of mine 3 years ago yesterday, if you can tell!

Some of the activity just before 7am. We're all missing the clock on the wall. Come on Manly Council!

I happen to catch Councillor Dave Walton about to swim. He's on to it I'm sure.

In the same article calling us "the rock star of ocean swims' we were referred to as a 'community of souls appreciating nature and a small adventure'. That's a great description. I've been swimming since 2011, blogging since 2012 and every day seems to bring a 'moment of awe'...

Sometimes it can be a chat and laugh with a friend or the chance to see an awesome creature like the Giant Cuttlefish in first photo. Here are some of The Wows before the swim.

 

The Yellowtail were forming a perfect circle today over the rocks

and there were schools of Silver sweep

Unfortunately there were a few Jimbles and lovely Eleni on the right next to Mike, got one caught in her cozzie. Here she is bravely posing for a photo before realising how badly she'd been stung.

Some of the 'rock stars' of our swim! Frangi aka Jon Howard is playing at the Surf Club on the 9th June. Get your tickets!

 

And below a few pics from recent swims  of the amazing creatures we come across in this amazing Marine Reserve, Cabbage Tree Bay

 He hangs about between the pool and Shelley. I followed him  watching him change colour and texture. Amazing!  Check this video out https://click herewww.facebook.com/elaine.dejager/videos/10211812348338106/

There are still a few Duskies around. What is the greatest amount you've seen in one swim? Comment in blog comments.

This is a lucky close up photo of a Crimson Banded Wrasse which we often see. Love seeing that glimpse of orange and red especially near the bright green sea grass.

This Catfish was pretty close to me the other day too. They aren't my favourite but look at those eyes!

In the same area I saw the Moray Eel too. Another scary looking one!

and to finish... lovely Lucy above. Not in the sky with diamonds but...in the ocean with Yellowtail!

Hope you all enjoyed your swim today and post and pre swim chats! MSLC are starting up Friday nights drinks with a band again and all B&B ers are welcome to attend starting from Friday week, 2nd June from 5pm. Come along!

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. If you don’t know how to log your swims, contact Ian ([email protected])

 

Signing off

Lainey

In a newspaper article recently our swim was referred to as 'The Rock Star of Ocean Swims'... Whatever that means we know our swim is pretty special...
For the last couple of weeks conditions have been pretty much perfect! We've had  sunny days, still warmish water temps, relatively calm seas and loads of fish. The fact that over 2o,000 people have swam with us since Julie Isbill started this amazing group in 2008 is huge!Around 100 today on this stunning morning. Sunrise at 6.45am with air temp 11 and rising! Water temp was 18.4

It's another quicky blog for me as off to teach very soon so a bit of this blog has been rehashed from a blog of mine 3 years ago yesterday, if you can tell!

Some of the activity just before 7am. We're all missing the clock on the wall. Come on Manly Council!

I happen to catch Councillor Dave Walton about to swim. He's on to it I'm sure.

In the same article calling us "the rock star of ocean swims' we were referred to as a 'community of souls appreciating nature and a small adventure'. That's a great description. I've been swimming since 2011, blogging since 2012 and every day seems to bring a 'moment of awe'...

Sometimes it can be a chat and laugh with a friend or the chance to see an awesome creature like the Giant Cuttlefish in first photo. Here are some of The Wows before the swim.

 

The Yellowtail were forming a perfect circle today over the rocks

and there were schools of Silver sweep

Unfortunately there were a few Jimbles and lovely Eleni on the right next to Mike, got one caught in her cozzie. Here she is bravely posing for a photo before realising how badly she'd been stung.

Some of the 'rock stars' of our swim! Frangi aka Jon Howard is playing at the Surf Club on the 9th June. Get your tickets!

 

And below a few pics from recent swims  of the amazing creatures we come across in this amazing Marine Reserve, Cabbage Tree Bay

 He hangs about between the pool and Shelley. I followed him  watching him change colour and texture. Amazing!  Check this video out https://click herewww.facebook.com/elaine.dejager/videos/10211812348338106/

There are still a few Duskies around. What is the greatest amount you've seen in one swim? Comment in blog comments.

This is a lucky close up photo of a Crimson Banded Wrasse which we often see. Love seeing that glimpse of orange and red especially near the bright green sea grass.

This Catfish was pretty close to me the other day too. They aren't my favourite but look at those eyes!

In the same area I saw the Moray Eel too. Another scary looking one!

and to finish... lovely Lucy above. Not in the sky with diamonds but...in the ocean with Yellowtail!

Hope you all enjoyed your swim today and post and pre swim chats! MSLC are starting up Friday nights drinks with a band again and all B&B ers are welcome to attend starting from Friday week, 2nd June from 5pm. Come along!

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. If you don’t know how to log your swims, contact Ian ([email protected])

 

Signing off

Lainey

Monday 22 May 2023 - Clair said, “this one first”

Clair & Camilla 

5:42am


Cool

I swam at 6 with this crew + Hasko

…but it felt warmer

Mick & Geoff


6:29 …suck it in…


Matt Jo Robbie Victoria

Dorset & Alan - buddies since school.

Brian Marco Ian

Niamh & Jon - visiting from Dublin

Jessie & Tilly



LOL

Sweet Caroline 

Shane Lainey Ted
Kylie

Jim Rochelle Geoff


Bri 

Brett Ali Clair Camilla

Stay safe,  enjoy

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. If you don’t know how to log your swims, contact Ian ([email protected])

Friday 19 May An Insufficiency of Superlatives

I think there are no regulation collective nouns. It seems the collective noun for swim days like today should be an 
Insufficiency of Superlatives. Exceptional day to swim; superb etc.

Hi Chad - the last time I saw him he was doing swim/run crawl from Shelly pool to North Curl Curl and back. 

The one that got me

 

Funny how the drone looks like a nudibranch

The FFFs set off at 630 as usual. What could they say about how good it was? "Waves on" It was a day that had excellent body surfing opportunities and the FFS did a great job

Suzette and her tribe - Elaine made sure they spilled the beans - the "ME time" tribe which delightfully contains a word play - Me time (which everyone should have) and also ME like Manly Express time. 

I also came across Brooke and the Penguins, not previously sighted ensemble. Delightful. 

 

 

Budgy Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgy Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for March is Allister Lugsdin and for April is Craig Mellis. Allister and Craig will both 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 need 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 16th May - Milky waters

There's certainly a chill in the air and the winter gear is reappearing but it seems to be turning into a gorgeous day.

Temperature is still OK but it's the cold air when you bring your arms out of the water that cools you down. Viz still isn't great, with that milky feel so didn't see a lot, though we did spot the big cuttlefish out from Shelley (thanks Edwina, spotting and photo).

Few waves going in and out, dodging board riders and kayakers, smooth swim across the bay but then the splash back coming into Shelley made for a bumpy ride. Dangerous current sign went up after we got back.

Hels, Ro, Edwina and Sharon pre swim, Hels wearing her "nuff" t-shirt (supports mental health organisation Batyr, youranuff.com if you want more info!)

Ian manning the board as always, having a chat with Caroline.

Lindsay and Kim happy to be swimming. 

Our favourite bench warming crew enjoying the sunshine.

Ro giving Cath a welcome hug as she's briefly in Sydney to do a couple of nursing shifts before heading back to Alice and her trip around Oz, which is sounding fabulous but unsurprisingly she is missing our special part of the world. Enjoy your swims, Cath.

Another regular, Bud, enjoying himself too!

That's it from me today, have a great day.

Amanda

 

 

Away from the Bay

Siyabona 

Apologies the next few blogs from me will be from pastures afresh.

A few pics of our Saffer trip which we absolutely loved especially seeing my family and old friends. 
First the call of the wild and wonderful Kruger ( I can’t seem to right some of these images ) 

Bush babies in 2 nd image … the best kind of cute

This is a praying mantis egg … 

The magnificent Drakensberg mountains ( a range that virtually runs the length of the country ) - one of my favourite hiking spots 

A beautiful bush Buck 


An icy swim had my family perplexed … what on earth has Aus done to my head. My cousin came to bear witness to the madness

The road home 

Cape Town splendour 

Our grandson Seth meets a giant tortoise called Thomas 

Grandpa and Seth with numerous  Nemo’s 

Today we arrived in the UK and this greeted us at Heathrow 

I applaud everyone’s courage this winter … tomorrow I will hope to join the Woking Blue Tits in the Wey river for an early am swoosh. Said to be a balmy 12C.  Courage is what is needed. 

Hambe Kahle, we miss our bay and all of you. In case you think I make it up …this was as we left our resort in the Drakensberg 

Di 

x

Management Message 

Budgy Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgy Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for March is Allister Lugsdin and for April is Craig Mellis. Allister and Craig will both receive a voucher for a new pair of Budgy Smugglersfrom the Budgy Smuggler shop. To be in the running for Swimmer of the Month, all you need 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].

Monday 15 May - Happy Monday

Hey guys 

 

Happy Monday! 

 

While the air was fresh, the sun was out so it was a beautiful way to start the week! The water was 19.6, but definitely felt colder as the temp starts to drop.  The water was a little sharky, and while I saw some fish & got a few lice bites, it was a fairly uneventful swim this morning. Except for my little wave I caught on the way back in!! That was good fun ☺️

 

The sun rising at about 6.50am 

Dr Stu, James (aka Diesel) & Ghost finishing the 6.30am swim 

 

My beautiful girls - Genevieve & Lou 

 

Pre swim poses & my crazy hair 🤪 - me, Genevieve & Lou 

 

The delightful Simon - who always makes fun of the “Prancers” 

 

That’s all from me today!! Sorry I’m a little late with blog. See you all tomorrow.

Tilly xxx