Pacific Jules

21/03/2023 - Fun Tuesday

Lovely atmosphere down at the swim today. Sally Stobo's birthday so a big turn out from 'The Mermaids'!

A beautiful swim with calmer conditions, avoidable Jellies and that nasty rip has gone!

It's still pretty dark at 6.30am... 22 degrees in the water and around 19 out. Pilates and Yoga sessions were in full force from 6-7am. How lucky are we to have volunteers like Lorraine and Sally providing these fantastic classes for free!

This was taken at 7am so still dark!

Helsy with Oosty and friend at Shelly

It was so clear stepping out from the beach close to the rocks! Wrong order sorry!

Sally was splashed and we sang Happy Birthday at Shelly :-)

Frenchies, Paul and Valerie after their swim

The Drinks Express and Mermaids get together for some birthday cake post-swim. Popular Sally had about 5 friends bake for her this morning. Jocelyn couldn't make the swim but still baked. She's one generous woman. The 6.30am crew are missing Baker Andre who is away in Papua NG for a few weeks

Eagle Ray with Maori wrasse

Beautiful tropical fish with a green Groper. I think its a Moon Wrasse

Dea and Jenny

Gloomy Octopus near Shelly a few days ago

Baby cephalopods probably Squid not Cutties

Gary the Groper has been out and about at The Bower lately. I've been visiting him every day!

 

I tried to do an arty Jelly/above water shot like Bibi's but it didnt work that well!

 

Remember birthday drinks for JK's birthday tonight at The Steyne. All swimmers welcome!

 

Lainey xx

Ripping good time

Howzit and Siyabona 

It’s been a while apologies for missing a few I’m sure you’ve missed the Safferisms :) 

This week has seen a strong rip in our corner. It wasn’t all a ripping good time as swimmers battled against it coming in. Another thanks to those who helped our dear Bin in when she got caught in the rip.  Shout out to Jon and Millie and all the others involved. What a community. 

Manus was my roving camera thank you Skattie (darling). 
The vibe, the temperature and the look. Our turf.

The swimmers loving a camera esp Mercedes Steve and lovely friend, below Simon our entertaining Monday blogger 

Driver Coatsey Suzie and Trooper. Lovely Coatsey just turned 50, happy birthday to you mate. Cakes on me. One day soon. 

Coatsey had  a party to celebrate, he can’t remember much it was that good 

Two stalwarts of the BNB. Jim and Oom (uncle) Justus. 

Gorgeous kind Kara 

The good folk of the bench Michael, Kirsty and Champ. Champ has just enjoyed a trip to Durban with Kirsty where he discovered the joys of a Bunny Chow. Ask him. 

This  is what he sent me. It’s a loaf of bread hollowed out and stuffed with curry. Every Durbanite raves on about these as a staple. The taste of home if you from  that neck of the woods. 

Happy Drinks Express posers :) 

Spare a thought for Oosty our fellow BnB swimmer currently  in New Hampshire who posted this pic today.Howzit Oosty. We miss you too. 


Take care, go kindly  and Hambe Kahle ( go well) 

Di 

x

Wednesday 8th March - International womens day - what women want!

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday 15th February - Life at dawn and safety first!!!!!

Wednesday 15th February - the day after the carnage & the power of mother nature & Posiedon is still on show. 

At 6am when I arrived for "Dolphins" clubbies board training (not really knowing whether we would be able to actually go in the water given the conditions of the last 2 days!) it was dark, the sky was full of moody clouds, painted shades of pre dawn magical purple with a pop of crimson as the sun attempted to send its warming rays our way...  we could hear the surf, but the breaking waves were blurs of white & grey in the pre dawn.  With safety of each other, care and respect for the ocean and its lessons we waited until light, and ran on the beach until then (the lesser of the two evils!).  

Water temperature: 22.0 degrees

air temperature at 6am: 19.3 degrees

conditions: messy, Gabrielle is not finished with us yet!

 Vibe: cautious, safety first

number of swimmers: low!   

Gabrielle was still making her presence known, although at a lower intensity.  Mindful of yesterdays conditions and near misses, and respecting mother nature (and Gabrielle), Drinks gave the 630 crew a talking to, reminding them of the four key safety messages:

1) the lifeguards are not on duty, so they are not going to rescue you at 6:30 so swim to your ability

2)  if you swim out and feel uncomfortable, you can always swim back to the beach and go to the bower or shelly

3) dont talk anyone into doing something they are uncomfortable with

4) dont be talked into doing something you are uncomfortable with

I encourage you to watch the video Greg Cole and drinks put together - its on the B&B facebook page and contains some VERY important tips and reminders about ocean swimming & safety.  

Chris was the sole manmaid swimming, and made it safely back noting it was hard but not as tough as yesterday

Duncan, Reid, Drinks and Simon (3rd in his age group at the 2km Cole classic!) swam within their ability (which is good!) and after Drinks' safety message this morning.  

Isabel (Zig Zag - I know how she feels!), Nicola, Fiona and Ingrid swam within their abilities, from Manly or shelly as they felt comfortable

 

The General and the Terminator swam from manly - on a pipe-shelly - pipe return - well within their abilities - at 6:13 precisely

Driver, Shanny, Love Songs, the Doctor and Radox also swam within their abilities 

Welcome back lainey who swam from shelly and rescued a number plate covering (WTF?) which doubles as a picture frame? 

Ian (swam out from Manly, in at the bower) & sooo good to see Super - Manmaid David "DC" Collins who is VERY lucky to still be with us after Poseidon sent Gabrielle and Triton to create waves of torment yesterday.   

DC sustained horrific injuries whilst swimming out yesterday, and after hearing his first hand recount today, and that of others who witnessed it, the fact that DC was here today is remarkable & shows how resilient DC is.   After the wonderful TLC at Northern Beaches hospital, DC was discharged and despite everything he went through, still smiling.   We were so pleased to see him back at the beach today for a coffee; beaten and broken in body but not his sense of humour and tenacity.   DC -  the entire swimming community sends you loads of healing energy for a full recovery in mind and body, and hope to see you back in the water soon (until then we will buy you coffees!)!

and finally, canines oblivious to the conditions, waiting for their humans to return for ear rubs!

have a wonderful Wednesday, take care, look out for each other, look after each other, stay safe and follow your gut feel - its OK to feel uncomfortable in the surf and absolutely OK to swim from the bower or shelly if thats what you feel like - showing up is the first step and any infusion of vitamin sea is always going to be  good!

take care,

Jocelyn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life, be in it. Cole classic 2023

 

Wednesday 25th January - Burns night (day) - Oidhche na Taigeise, and fundraising for MND

Wednesday 25th January - and its Burns night (day) when Scottish all over the world celebrate Scotland's much loved Poet, Robert ("Rabbie") Burns.  Not to be confused with our very own manmaid Rob Burns!

Burns wrote about nature, and the sea is a key theme in many of his poems so its fitting that we celebrate him today with a swim.  On my part, i didn't appreciate poetry of any sort when forced to study it at school ( I loathed it and didnt see the point), however I have since found a new appreciation and one of my favourites from Mr Burns is "My Bonnie Bel".

Today we were fortunate to have Barry Gray from "Pipers of Distinction" (https://www.pipersofdistinction.com/ if you are interested in a piper at your next function!) piping the swimmers into the water.    Thank you Barry for supporting the Bold & Beautiful and for your beautiful piping!

We also had Alan Mitchell bravely swim with us today in Scottish Flag speedo's and a tartan bonnet raising money to support those suffering from and research into a treatment for the debilitating Motor Neurone Disease, which progressively damages the nervous system, eventually leading to paralysis.    Awareness has improved over the years, however, as yet, no cure.  MND has touched our community so any funds raised are welcome. 

Alan has joined a global fitness challenge, "Doddie aid" named after a Scottish Rugby international Doddie Weir, diagnosed in 2017 and recently passed away.  Alan's fundraising page, as part of a "Scots in Australia" team should you wish to support to find a cure, is

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-mitchell22?fbclid=IwAR1xCzgNYXgDzeXBcVwnvIfXJXUCV0M9elVbrITzgYukgGICm_BFGj-e35g

https://www.justgiving.com/team/scotsinoz

 

You might have seen Mike Tindall in the UK taking a dunk in his Australian Budget Smugglers in an English pond, all in the name of finding a cure for MND! - https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/20230103160838/mike-tindall-braves-dip-budgy-smugglers-doddie-aid/

And we were privileged to receive a message of support from none other than the Scottish Rugby team captain and Doodie aid founder Rob Wainwright!   A shout out from the Isle of Coll in Scotland, where the water temperature hovers around 7 degrees - winter without wetsuit would indeed be a challenge (by comparison, todays water temp a balmy 22.7 degrees!)! 

Message here (hope it plays Ok!)

Download 326587184_6014095521980009_7090512048247967818_n  

Management getting into the Scottish spirit!

Traditional celebrations for Burns night should you wish to take note today or for the future, include:

• Piping guests into your celebration (today, our swim)
• Addressing the Haggis whilst reciting Robert Burns poem of the same name (for those not in the know, haggis is a type of black pudding - because I am squeamish I shall not recite the ingredients, suggest you consult good old Google for that one!) - as a child of Scottish heritage, I was exposed - so to speak - to Haggis; suffice to say I will not be partaking.   
• supper of Scotch broth, cock-a-leekie soup or Cullen skink, haggis & Cranachan for dessert (kind of like an Eton Mess - so I would definitely love it)
• singing (including Auld Lang Syne), dancing and poetry
• The ‘toast to the lassies’ - not really PC these days; men make fun of the women, and women reply similarly making fun of the men. 
• a whisky toast (some of us may have partaken this morning!) Slàinte Mhath!  whilst our own Rob Burns recited his namesakes poem "scotch drink"

A few other fun things perhaps you may not have known about Robert "Rabbie" Burns:

• he inspired American writer John Steinbeck (through his poem "To a mouse") and singer-songwriter Bob Dylan (through his song "A red, red rose"
• he was fond of supernatural stories, and wanted to move to Jamaica! 
• he was known as a "ladies’ man" - at 15 he wrote his first song, ‘O Once I Lov’d (A Bonnie Lass)’ to impress a girl called Nellie. Three years later he took dance classes to impress another lass. He fathered 12 children with four different lasses during his lifetime, including nine to his wife Jean.   He died at 37 a few days before his last child was born :(

and as for our own Rob Burns?   common traits shared with his namesake are limited to a love of whisky & the ocean, and here are a few more fun facts!:

• Fave Burns poem ‘Macphersons farewell'
• Have been swimming since I was 8 years old…. I broke my shoulder and my orthopaedic surgeon recommended swimming as a remedial exercise until I finished growing…. My father interpreted that as being Full Time Training which lead to 9 times per week (edit: and it shows with his constant quest to "win" the race back to the point every day!)
• Most interesting place I have swam is the Nanda Blue Hole in Vanuatu - the water was so clear and the viability limitless…. It was like swimming in lead crystal
• I never thought I could live in Sydney but I think I could spend the rest of my life in Manly

Apparently there is a Scottish swim group, the "Scottish turtles" who are fans of Burns' poetry, especially "up in the morning early" so its fitting that the Turtle was spotted today between the point and the Shed!

I hope you all enjoyed being piped into the water and reciting a few poems & celebrating Burns day!

Have a wonderful Wednesday - stay safe, stay kind, look out for one another!

Jocelyn

PS - remember 7am Australia day swim tomorrow and the 2022 Swimmer of the year will be announced! And, importantly the cake stall to raise money for lifeline!  

 

Wed 18-01-23: 22.7 degrees or 5 degrees 😳? You pick!

Have you heard of the Abersoch Dunkers? No, it's not a German International basketball team or an Irish Hip Hop band, it's a group of 25 regular swimmers who, like us, swim all year round in a popular, tiny, seaside resort of Abersoch, Wales!  Today, while we enjoy 22.7 degree water with the sun shining, they traipse through snow before jumping into 5 degrees! 😳  Anyone want to complain about our bath water now?  😆

 How do we know about Abersoch Dunkers? Meet Kath and Steve:

Kath and Steve are from the UK. They are in Sydney visiting their son, Daniel. They usually spend 6 months of the year in Abersoch where Kath dons the neoprene gloves and booties and jumps in with the rest of them! In winter their numbers drop to about 7 regulars. They dunk for 1 minute for every degree of water temp and then walk for half an hour to warm up! Kath says "If you don't do the walk, then you don't warm up all day! " 😳 

This is their first BnB swim. They are already hooked. They were most complimentary of their coffee being served in keep cups. They commented that the coffee shop must have a large supply and are very trusting that cups will be returned. We didn't want to shatter their impression of the BnB but had to break the news that they had most likely collected someone else's coffee order!  😂 I think it was Charl's order! Sorry Charl! 

We hope to see them here for a few more swims before they head back to UK! So great to meet you guys!

Management Anne, Ian and Henrietta, kindly helped Kath and Steve sign up this morning and gave them a swim cap each. They did, however, forget to mention that it is BYO keep cup! 

Fellow Wednesday blogger, Di, celebrated 2 milestones today! Firstly reaching 1,000kms. Secondly, taking 10 years to reach it! Congratulations Di! Slow and steady wins the race. And after all, it's not even a race! 😆

 

Tylney, Amanda, Clare, Robyn and photo bomber, Ro were all smiles today. Clare and Tylney are just back from a road trip down south where they fell in love with Narooma and surrounds and Robyn back from hiking the Old Ghost Road, NZ with John. 

 

Martin and Gunner were gunning to get into the water today! The 22.7 degree water that is!

 

Michael looked on top of the world this morning! It's great being greeted by a warm, welcoming, happy face!

Happy 2023 and have a great week everyone!

Lucy

 

 

 

 

 

Sitting in the Dock of the Bay

Siyabona ( I see you)

This week has felt a bit like Otis Redding’s lovely song, warm mornings apre swim I could just hear these lyrics…

Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes
Watching the ships roll in
Then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watchin' the tide roll away, ooh
I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

Arguably it’s never a waste of time or at least it’s a fine waste of time. 

The scene today. Flat blue and smooth with a hint of sea lice at a balmy 22.4C ( thanks Guy your daily read is fabulous) 

Some of the WWWOWS (Welcoming Warm Women Of the Wall) with Bruce before the swim. From Left Carolyn, Nicci, Bruce, Emma and Hels

Always one photobombing but today there were two. Sooz, Anne and Shaun drop in 

Always a helping hand at the swim. Lisa helps Penny. Cole Classic advertising behind FYI and to join the fun, get the cozzie. 

Nicky and Sharon add glamour 

Welcome Team Lou Henrietta and Anne … and a sly photobomb by Shaun 

When you hear Afrikaans being spoken on the ramp it’s time to say howzit. Lovely couple Rihan and Kyla visiting from Somerset West in South Africa with friends PF and Aynslee who live in Manly. Lekker by die see ( nice at the beach) 

Long legged beauties Fi and Em 

Trooper, Tony (?) and Mackenzie’s Dad post swim 

Insert your own captions, the benches deliver on the wastin’time theme

The 6.30 group includes Coatsy  Simon, Manus, Squirrel, Shanny, Andre just wastin’ time after the swim 

More fabulous WOWs with Carolyn, Cheryl, Ali, Lou and Jan - more  wastin’ time 

The benches again and an array of young gazelles standin or sitting’ on the bench of the bay wastin’time 

Shaun, Greg, Shane - sittin’

Ian, Peter, Ian - standin’

Karen and Cheryl with lovely lifesaver Mitch who cheerfully stopped to have this pic taken. Onya Mitch and move over Bondi Rescue 

Enjoy your days of summer guys, wastin’ time and looking out to sea. We are so lucky to have this daily fix. 

Hambe Kahle ( go well) and lekker reis (safe travels) to those travelling soon. 

Di

x

Wednesday 4th January - Shark Bands, shark rescues and harbourside holiday hangouts

Four days into 2023 and what a change from the last few days - the sun (aka the greek god apollo) seems to have decided to take a holiday and Posiedon has sent Aegaeus, the god of stormy seas seems to visit, waiting for Triton to sound his conch shell to calm the seas so we can swim freely again.

Todays conditions:

temperature: 19.9 degrees

conditions: wild & messy, beach closed

vibe:  swimmers swam from shelly or bravely the bower, or harbourside like we did.  

Arriving at the beach at 9:30 to meet the mermaids & manmaids who like me are on holidays this week and dont have to be up early (for me, this week is a much needed energy recharge - making the most of it before early starts again next week!)...  the swell was huge, the waves were messy and the beach was closed  - lifeguards telling potential swimmers to swim elswehere!  with reports of the bay not being enticing either (huge thanks to all who post condition reports on the B&B facebook page) we decided to regroup at the old acquarium harbourside for a little swim adventure to fairlight - my first !

It also presented a great opportunity to try out our "Sharkbanz" in bull shark territory!

We swam to Delwood beach first, and i was amazed at the abundance of fish, and their size!    Then onto fairlight beach near the pool - again teeming with fish of all sizes.

Clearly the abundance of large fish means this is a prime fishing spot, as we saw when we swam into a discarded fishing line between Fairlight and Delwood, the end of which was a hook in the mouth of a little blind shark.   Operation free the hook commenced.  Bibiana immediately free dived to see if she could free the hook, whilst Simone swam back to delwood beach to see if the picnickers we had seen earlier had a knife. 

In the meantime several dives were made by Bibi and Luke ,attempting to dislodge seaweed which was also caught in the line and holding the poor shark down.  Our thinking was that if we could get the little shark and the seaweed clump in which it was entangled nearer the surface, we could either free the hook or cut the line so it could swim freely.   The fishing line had proved too strong to break by hand in the water...  

On reaching the surface it was apparent that the little shark had swallowed the hook, presumably for the bait.  Time was of the essence to maximise the little sharks chances of survival so we kept the shark in water whilst Luke set about cutting the line as close to the little sharks mouth as possible. 

Using oyster shells on the rocks whilst keeping the little shark in water, Luke managed to cut the line, just as Simone returned with a knife.   The shark was free of the line and the seaweed. 

The shark immediately swam away under a rock ledge - the hook still in its mouth but at least it could swim freely.   

The happiness we all felt was contagious - we dont know if the little shark will survive but thanks to Bibi, Luke, simone, maria, edwina, patricia, London and the team, the little shark is given its best chance!  

The fishing line was about 30 metres long - this little shark was lucky however countless others are not  - a stark reminder when fishing (legally) to be careful & take all rubbish & broken lines with you, and a reminder that fishing is prohibited in protected marine areas!    linky thing to the protected marine reserves:  https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas

If you do see illegal fishing activity, contact the Department of Primary Industries via Service NSW on line, or by phone: linky thing: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/report-illegal-fishing

And did the Sharkbanz work?   Well, none of us saw any bull sharks (Chris even ventured way out into the harbour to test that theory) so I guess they worked keeping the bull sharks away!   Thankfully!    The Sharkbanz do provide some peace of mind, even if we havent had to really test them yet!  

Have a wonderful wednesday, stay safe, look out for each other & be kind to each other and our marine creatures,

Jocelyn

 

A few announcements!  

Budgie Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgie Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for November is Meredith Gee. Meredith 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 (and logged) 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, ugoboyo@gmail.com.

 

Summer badges:

A reminder about the summer badges on offer this year - challenge yourself and remember to log your swims!!

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 (ugoboyo@gmail.com) .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20/12/2022 - Smiley Swimmers, Scones and Saffers

Swimmers love scones! A busy morning down at the swim today until the rain came although it didn't last long. It's holiday time so lots of us aren't working now and what better way to start our day than a swim with the B&B!

Andre is sure to bake something for us to share over the Christmas period... hopefully! Remember we usually wear a bit of Christmas attire coming down to the swim and especially on Christmas day bring a plate of treats to share!

Bruce will be in Fiji so he won't be around...Have a great holiday with the family, Bruce!

Tim is going up to Kyogle and Jeff has just come back from that neck of the woods :-)

So many South Africans love our swim. Here's one of our faves Di with a new swimmer, Natalia.

There's sure to be lots of 'Mermaids' around. Here are Helen, Tracey and Jocelyn

Lucy and I (along with Lisa P) are off to the Woodford Festival on Boxing Day. Here's Lucy with fellow 'Wows' Clare, Natalie and Alex

Ironman Ian is recovering from his huge Ironman event in NZ last week so won't be going far. He's in with a chance for the World Champs. Well done Ian!

Michael will be on patrol down at Manly on Christmas Day. Good on ya Michael.Take him and Derek a mince pie!

Sheena gave a little dance as she ran out of the water. She was so happy as she saw a turtle! It's always so magical seeing a turtle! Andre had mentioned a big Ray and I was lucky to have this huge Eagle Ray swim beneath me around halfway.

The water was a bit cloudier at Shelly but there is usually a Groper, Stingaree and Crimson Banded Wrasse to be found.

More Saffers, lovely Derek, Lucy and Louise

Even more! Kara, Gary and Jan Britts with friends

The Mermaid group or 'Merpeeps', the most social group of all the B&B swimmers!

Two more South Africans, Justus and Donald

This guy, Adam Graham swam with us for the first time today and even whizzed past legendary fast swimmer Jan Britts. He got a few golds in the NSW State Championships at the weekend. Definitely someone to watch out for!

The lovely Edwards family back visiting  from Singapore. Lovely to see Lucy, Brad, Millie and Zac again!

 

Have a great day folks. Keep swimming

Lainey

 

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 (ugoboyo@gmail.com) .

Wednesday 14th December - The week before Christmas!

The week before Christmas - Sagittarius season, silliness, sleepiness, summer, so sydney....

Water temperature:   19.4 degrees

Air temperature at 7am: 14.6 degrees

Conditions: Silky, serene, sensational...

Vibe:  a bit of sleepiness... perhaps still recovering from the Epic B&B Xmas party?

Its the week before Christmas, and all through the Bay, Christmas Cossie clad swimmers are eager to play

Full to the brim of christmas cheer, joyful swimmers grinning from ear to ear

Lots of tired, smiley faces, ready for a break, after another tough year, how much more can we take?

Hanging for downtime, no emails, sleeping in, rest...  rejuvenation, refresh, bathing in nature, ocean therapy at its very best

Catching up with friends, family and more, welcoming visitors who arrive at our door

Hoping mother nature sends Sunny days, swims in crystal clear, calm waters, full of fish;  as the advent candles burn, make your wish

As snowflakes fall & Christmas lights sparkle across the world, and silly Christmas decorations adorn houses, boys and girls;

We love the contagion of Christmas festive joy and cheer, so look after each other; check in with your family, friends and neighbours, share food, company, wine, cocktails, mocktails and beer!

as always, have a wonderful Wednesday, stay safe, stay sane, look out for each other!

Merry Christmas!

Jocelyn

 

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 (ugoboyo@gmail.com) .