Pacific Jules

Moody Morning

The smallish crew who showed this morning were in for a treat - below the gloomy clouds was warm clear water with sea creatures a-plenty for us to interact with.

Sunrise was a muted affair

I saw these ladies leave the water and re-enter shortly after - not enough of a good thing, right?


Meanwhile the preparations for the 7am

Steve, who has mastered the lifter and the leaner roles - he lifts spirits with his loving demeanor and he loves to lean on humans. 

Edwina and Michael deep in conversation

Still a bit sparse for a Saturday. Is summer really over?

Alanna going back for her second single

At Shelley, the joint was jumping

The A team, who shortly after this photo was taken caused confusion and general discombobulation by giving a pre-emptive let's go 

And now for the fishies, in no particular order

Fiddler ray aka banjo shark even though it's not a shark, near the yellow shed

A common stingaree, a crimson banded wrasse and a photobomber who we'll call Rainer

A kingfish and some nervous looking yellowtail

This beauty needs no introduction

A puffer fish close to the Point

Eagle Ray

When too many duskies are barely enough

Duskies and an eagle ray. I saw one of the duskies sizing up the ray - and it seems making a meal of it was too much work.

I caught up with Ian and Ros and can confidently say we hit dusky pay dirt.

A squid near Shelley

Is this pink fish a wrasse? It has whiskers like a catfish

Mados aka LSTs

Napoleon joined the WoWs for coffee and a chat

My guess at the stats

water temp let's say 23

Swimmers 200 maybe

Newbies 15

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

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/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

What am I listening to? Today I am torn - a few weeks ago I went to a very lovely performance by the multi dimensional Ralph McTell. Alte Kukkes may remember a pretty big hit of his in the 1970s called Streets of London, but he is also a very fine songwriter and guitarist and a blues aficionado with a significant back catalog. Not a one hit wonder by any means. This is not a blues piece but I like it because it evokes a summer in a green and pleasant land - quite unlike the relentless heat and humidity we have experienced recently

And here's the other one. Later this week a tribute film to Joni Mitchell will be played globally to celebrate her 75th birthday. Here is a live version of one of my favourites of her songs. A gorgeous live performance but then she always had fabulous musicians playing with her. A unique creative force.

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

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/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

Sunday record breaking swim

Attached is the Sunday VLOG. 🦈🎬 Enjoy! 

https://youtu.be/PYGBs1b8UsQ 

 

And an old vlog if you’re interested.... 💁🏽‍♀️ 🦈

Monthly Dinner– 12^th March 2019 – Guest Speaker

Tuesday 12th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Helen Pitt, a Sydney Morning Herald journalist who won the 2018 Walkley Book Award for her book The House, the dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House. In 2016, she wrote a story about the Bold and Beautiful swim club, which is where she met veteran B&B swimmer Wilf Deck, a former Opera House engineer with Arup’s who features in the book. Helen will talk about the book and will have copies for sale on the night.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

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/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

 

 

Monthly Dinner– 12^th March 2019 – Guest Speaker

Tuesday 12th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Helen Pitt, a Sydney Morning Herald journalist who won the 2018 Walkley Book Award for her book The House, the dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House. In 2016, she wrote a story about the Bold and Beautiful swim club, which is where she met veteran B&B swimmer Wilf Deck, a former Opera House engineer with Arup’s who features in the book. Helen will talk about the book and will have copies for sale on the night.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

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/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

The butt of all blogs. Sunday 10th February 2019

The Hangover special- The Butt of all blogs...(or vlog) 

 

Enjoy your Sunday xx

Jac Shell 🐚 

 

The Monthly Dinner is back!! – 12^th February 2019 – Guest Speaker

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year

Tuesday 12th February at 6.30 pmBluewater Restaurant.

Our guest on the night will be one of our swimmers, Nicole Piha, who is an award-winning sports manager. Nicole has trained Super Rugby teams, as well as international cricket and rugby teams. Through her business, Ocean Swim Support, Nicole supports long distance ocean swimmers through training, planning and logistics before and during the swim. Nicole will talk about some of the iconic swims as well as the logistics around training and planning.

 

An Extra Special Day

Today is an extra special day. 

January 26 marks the landing of the First Fleet, a convoy of 11 ships carrying convicts, at Port Jackson in 1788. This event represents the founding of the colony New South Wales. From 1946, January 26 was called Australia Day in all states and territories, and since 1994, the Australia Day public holiday has been on January 26 throughout the country.

Today was special to us in our little corner of the world for a few other reasons.

There's a big surf carnival at Manly today and we were asked to start and finish our swim at Shelley today. What a perfect day for it!

Dogs too. This is Woody

Today is also Lainey's 8th anniversary of swimming with the B&B and that's pretty special. You will know Lainey, she is a regular swimmer and runner and takes amazing underwater photos. Congrats Lainey and thanks for bringing the nutty seedy slice. It was delicious.

Here's Lainey again with some other longtime (never old!) swimmers

And as if there wasn't enough to celebrate, Bryon (with goggles around his neck) and Mel (not pictured) have just become new parents of baby Rosalie. Wonderful news, Bryon and Mel, congrats

There were lots of swimmers today.

Including  newbies, eager to be initiated into the esoterica of the B&B

Very frequent swimmer, Danny

There were Australia day formalities



An acknowledgement of country by Tony early in the proceedings - very apt that we acknowledge the traditional owners of this land today even though it is not a day they celebrate.


Cathy led us through the 2 verses of our National Anthem.

As if that is not enough to celebrate, Ian had something special up his sleeve. 2 special somethings, one for each arm.

Special Something No. 1

The Medibank free+active random swimmer of the month for January is Sue Marinan. Sue started swimming with B&B exactly 3 years ago today, and in that short period has swum more than 3000 km. She loves the cameraderie in the club and likes to constantly challenge herself to do as many kilometers as she can. She intends to use the $100 Rebel voucher to buy more swim gear.

Special Something No. 2

The Medibank free+active random Swimmer of the Year is Sterling Brain. Sterling started swimming about five and a half years ago and has clocked up more than 2500 km. He loves swimming with his mates most mornings and enjoys racing them back to Manly. He also like the after-swim exhilaration he feels, as well as a well-deserved coffee. With his six children to support, the $500 MasterCard voucher will come in very handy.

If you want to be in the running to win the swimmer of the year this year, all you need to do is to swim at least once in each month and log your swims.

Following the celebrations, we all headed to the water.
So many swimmers!

A lovely sight - a family swimming together

Once in the water, I went looking for marine life

Lady groper (huh?)

Flathead did not want me near it

Yellowtail - they eat bluebottles.

This groper did not want company. What did I do?

In interesting piece of marine vegetation

Sergeant Baker

Those green fish

Below the surface

A stingaree. We checked each other out

Here's another dog, creating a cloud of sand with her waggy tail

Our Karen is a woman of many talents. Here she is executing a very impressive Sirsasana. Lucy and Janet couldn't believe their eyes.

Stats

700 swimmers
49 newbies
22.6 degrees.

And now a word from management

The Monthly Dinner is back!! – 12^th February 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 12th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be one of our swimmers, Nicole Piha, who is an award-winning sports manager. Nicole has trained Super Rugby teams, as well as international cricket and rugby teams. Through her business, Ocean Swim Support, Nicole supports long distance ocean swimmers through training, planning and logistics before and during the swim. Nicole will talk about some of the iconic swims as well as the logistics around training and planning.

 

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book below. at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html .

What am I listening to? Cant's say I've listened to this recently but it's good for today

 

 

To Boldly Go........

As the warm weather continues and the murky waters and cold temps appear to have departed, a B&B swimmer's thoughts naturally turn to the longer summer swims - the triple, the 6km and the 10km and the glory these swims confer on one.

Coming up to the weekend the hive mind had been abuzz with talk of a 6km swim given the forecast near-perfect conditions.

Everyone has their methods of preparing for the longer swims - extra hydration, bananas, lollies, hydrolite, berocca, various minerals and superfoods and entering a deep meditative state - ok maybe not the last.

I was running late so my first pre-swim photos are from the bower walkway.

The earlier swimmers

Lots of swimmers for the 7am today

Shelley and Alanna, very pumped for the 6km. Shelley was asking me if I was doing the 6 (or was she telling me?)

and again with Alex and a rather good photobomb

Elizabeth, who often blogs on Fridays (she has done a 6 already)

Some of the pulchritudinally blessed WOWS (see what I did there, Alex?)

Bronwyn. We had a brief chat about swimsuits - we are both fans of the brand beginning with F, but we also gave a nod to a brand which takes its name from 2 animals and begins with C and also to the popular BS brand

Here's the the group I swam with for today's 6km, at Queenscliff with Freshy in the background.

A couple of other groups swam today but I did not have the opportunity to photograph them. All up there must have been at least 30 swimmers  doing the 6 today

There are some weed beds at the north end of Freshy. I saw a few very small fish - nothing like our unique and lovely Cabbage Tree Bay. Freshy does not have a marine reserve (love your work, Gladys) so the fish don't get the opportunity to grow and reproduce before being caught.

After a short break we headed back to Queensy and then turned our faces back towards Manly, looking forward to an uneventful swim back, with the gentle ENE swell pushing us home. 

But no.

Huey had other plans for us, initially in the form of a sea mist that enveloped us rather rapidly.

We could only just make out the shoreline

Swimmer in the mist

The ENE swell tended to push us in to shore. The board riders must have wondered what we were doing out there (as did some of us)

Some swimmers had the additional misfortune of encountering our friend the bluebottle. Ouch!!!!!

But we all made it. This is Carolyn, who buddied with me, celebrating our imminent return to Manly (thanks for humouring me when I was convinced you were heading straight out to sea)

Marred by water spots on the lens

Back on the wall (the spiritual home of the WoW) friends were waiting for us. Buddy was very happy to see his human Mum.

Just as quickly the sea mist lifted, revealing bright sunshine and delightful beach conditions

Artwork on a dirty chai - the perfect recovery drink - caffeine, protein, sugar and spices. Full nutrition in a cup.

Stats - I don't know but here's what I do know.

Lost of swimmers, 30 plus 6km swimmers at a guess,

water temp 20.5 according to the TG-5 camera

SUMMER SWIMS

10km swim Sat 22th December. 7am. Bring own food/water.

As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, it seems appropriate to explain what it takes to earn a Summer badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:

• The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturday morning at 7am until Feb.
• There is a 10 km swim once a month over summer. Next one inFeb.
• 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 6.30or 7 am.

'Try a Triple'.  Do the Manly to Shelley return swim 3 times non-stop and earn a triple badge.

Please note, Badges will be awarded to swimmers completing any and/or all of the 3 swims at the times and dates stated above and throughout the Summer months. 

You will earn a badge if you complete these swims and log them in iLog. The system will only record authorised 6K or 10K swims that are logged on the appropriate days. Badges will be presented at the Summer Badge Ceremony in March. 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.

 

Operation Crayweed Grass planting in Cabbage Tree Bay

If you are interested in supporting/assisting this initiative by way of signing up to be a CV (Citizen Volunteer) please read on.

The SIMS (Sydney Institute of Marine Science) Project Team expect to start the preparation work in late January and in February.

Assistance could take the form of on-land prepping as well as snorkeling assistance helping the netting get secured etc. SIMS/U.NSW do however have strict compliance paperwork to be prepared/signed off on before commencing such assistance.

If you are interested in becoming a CV to help the marine regeneration initiative could you please send your full name, mobile number and email to Dorset Sutton (Project Sponsor) at suttondorset@gmail.com.

Dorset will forward you by email the paperwork required to be completed. At this stage actual prep/dive dates are not know, but we are interested in seeing how many potential CV's we'll have.

Forms will also be available at B&B Board each morning at our swim.  See Dorset at the swim.

 

What have I been listening to? Today's segment is dedicated to Ian who was telling the stragglers on the wall of the new dance moves he has picked up while on Poppy duty

 

Have a great weekend, people











 

SUMMER SWIMS

10km swim Sat 22th December. 7am. Bring own food/water.

As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, it seems appropriate to explain what it takes to earn a Summer badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:

• The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturday morning at 7am until Feb.
• There is a 10 km swim once a month over summer. Next one inFeb.
• 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 6.30or 7 am.

'Try a Triple'.  Do the Manly to Shelley return swim 3 times non-stop and earn a triple badge.

Please note, Badges will be awarded to swimmers completing any and/or all of the 3 swims at the times and dates stated above and throughout the Summer months. 

You will earn a badge if you complete these swims and log them in iLog. The system will only record authorised 6K or 10K swims that are logged on the appropriate days. Badges will be presented at the Summer Badge Ceremony in March. 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.

 

Operation Crayweed Grass planting in Cabbage Tree Bay

If you are interested in supporting/assisting this initiative by way of signing up to be a CV (Citizen Volunteer) please read on.

The SIMS (Sydney Institute of Marine Science) Project Team expect to start the preparation work in late January and in February.

Assistance could take the form of on-land prepping as well as snorkeling assistance helping the netting get secured etc. SIMS/U.NSW do however have strict compliance paperwork to be prepared/signed off on before commencing such assistance.

If you are interested in becoming a CV to help the marine regeneration initiative could you please send your full name, mobile number and email to Dorset Sutton (Project Sponsor) at suttondorset@gmail.com.

Dorset will forward you by email the paperwork required to be completed. At this stage actual prep/dive dates are not know, but we are interested in seeing how many potential CV's we'll have.

Forms will also be available at B&B Board each morning at our swim.  See Dorset at the swim.

Summertime and the living is easy

 

With many swimmers enjoying the year-end break, the mood is definitely relaxed, despite some challenging swimming conditions. There appears to be a sandbank out from the point, delivering interesting wave and rip patterns.

Note the sole swimmer entering the water

I saw the 6:30 swimmers heading out from the beach. They were thoroughly pummeled, but got through. The overriding vibe from the 7am crew was that today is definitely a Shelley kind of day.

 

Happy Can Too swimmers

Acting Management - the word is Shelley. The word is not even Half Way

WoWs and their adoring fans

The board says 19 but I  beg to differ. I only recently observed that my camera (TG-5) displays the temperature. The water temps between Shelley and the Bower pool were between 16.0 and 17.3.

A newbie signing on

A rare photo of Peter, one of our excellent photographers. I missed the lady's name but she has been on the blog every day this week.

Shelley and Elizabeth (yesterday's blogger)

So we all headed to Shelley

The water was murky and cold, but patience is its own reward. These were all spotted very close to Shelley, in the shallows and even there the visibility was not great. 

I've been playing with the macro microscope setting. The movement of the water is challenging.

This is part of the the root system of a piece of seaweed. My macro journey is definitely a work in progress.

Female groper

And her fella

Goatfish, let's call him Roger

I don't have a photo of Gemma but today is her 4th anniversary of swimming with the B&B. Congrats Gemma! May there be many more years of swimming

 

Operation Crayweed Grass planting in Cabbage Tree Bay

 

If you are interested in supporting/assisting this initiative by way of signing up to be a CV (Citizen Volunteer) please read on.

 

The SIMS (Sydney Institute of Marine Science) Project Team expect to start the preparation work in late January and in February.

 

Assistance could take the form of on-land prepping as well as snorkeling assistance helping the netting get secured etc. SIMS/U.NSW do however have strict compliance paperwork to be prepared/signed off on before commencing such assistance.

 

If you are interested in becoming a CV to help the marine regeneration initiative could you please send your full name, mobile number and email to Dorset Sutton (Project Sponsor) at suttondorset@gmail.com.

 

Dorset will forward you by email the paperwork required to be completed. At this stage actual prep/dive dates are not know, but we are interested in seeing how many potential CV's we'll have.

 

Forms will also be available at B&B Board each morning at our swim.  See Dorset at the swim.

The Bonzo Dog Band really were ahead of their time and back in the 60s the foretold the advent of the fitness crazes to follow. Here is their ode to muscle, Mr Apollo 

Have a great weekend, stay safe in the surf

 

 

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Merry Christmas from the politically incorrect Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad.

Many swimmers were getting right into the Christmas Spirit with their attire today

This was going to be a photo of Annie and Janet. It still was, but with benefits

Lainey and Sheena - it was going to be Sheena's first ever swim sans wetsuit (Shelley in the background revving up into full silly mode while being sensibly restrained)

Pauline, with Ian looking very suave in his fetching red jacket

Sheena's excitement turned to apprehension on seeing this.

Bluebottle with bokeh effect - completely deliberate ;)

Fortunately  they were congregated on the shore, and stayed away for our early swim. Later I heard the lifeguard warning swimmers that they were coming in.

Very fit looking 6:30 returnees

Rather pleasant water temps

Lots and lots and lots of swimmers today. Management estimated 640 but I  reckon more.

Uh oh says the ocean

And then.....

Just some of today's swimmers, at Shelley.

Sue with the happy face

Father and Son

The water was murky. Visibility poor. 

Stats

630 swimmers
49 newbies
21.0 degrees

I received a request from Management this morning. This coming Thursday (27 December) marks the 10th anniversary of the B&Bs and some commemorative photos at the Point would be great. So if everyone could wait at the point for the let's go that would be great. And if anyone could get some photos from the path above that would also be marvelous.

What am I listening to? Christmas carols. At work. In the gym. In shops. On the bus. Why stop there? What to put in the blog?

Kevin Bloody Wilson? Probably not much as I'd  like to.

Mariah Carey? No. A thousand times no.

John Lennon, Paul Kelly, Joni Mitchell - short list

And the winner is.......

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone

 

A getting wet kind of day

Apologies for the lateness of this blog - I've just come back from doing my annual Bronze wet proficiency (with a side trip to the supermarket on the way home).

You can now rest assured that Dee Why is protected for another year, under the benevolent gaze of yours truly and Ian "still a nipper" Nicol

Today is the day we wait all year for - the B&B goggle and cossie sale. It's the day Pauline waits all year for too because she can get them out of her house

 

There were some bargains to be had including this Casio watch. Date looks right, and the time merely needs to be adjusted for daylight saving. If you don't know how to do it, just find an 8 year old; the knowledge is innate in the children.

The Wows catching up

The numbers swell

The NE swell looked a little challenging. Here is Ian dispensing words of wisdom - if you aren't a strong swimmer, Shelley Beach is your best bet.

Freddy is dog of the day today. Here he is accepting some love.

The bolder of us chose the surf entry

while the rest of us headed to the calmer shore

Cath and Louise relishing the opportunity of a leisurely walk and chat

A few chose the half way option - it looked a bit gnarly for me but then I'm not a fan of half way at the best of times

On the way I got the odd arty shot - I don't think I'll ever get tired of the IOS Live functionality, especially long exposure

Shelley

I really wanted to see some fish and did on the Bower side not far from these rocks

Relaxing back on the wall

Those WOWs again

Rainer en famille

And yes there were blueys. Ouch!

This sign makes the surfers happy

Summer Swim Badges

As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, it seems appropriate to explain what it takes to earn a Summer badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:

• The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturday morning starting with the 7 am swim. The first 6 km swim will be on Saturday 1^st December.
• There is 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 will be on December 8th.
• 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 6.30or 7 am.

Please note, Badges will be awarded to swimmers completing any and/or all of the 3 swims at the times and dates stated above and throughout the Summer months. 

You will earn a badge if you complete these swims and log them in iLog. The system will only record authorised 6K or 10K swims that are logged on the appropriate days. Badges will be presented at the Summer Badge Ceremony in March. 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.

 

What am I listening to? Lots actually, but this is a tribute to Pete Shelley who we lost at the young age of 63

Have a great day everyone

The Express - December 4 - 2018

Morning all and what a sensational day.

Apart from some seaweed in close, the water temps were over 20 degrees at last and conditions were excellent for all those tuning their personal bests. The tide was high and no sign of the killer wobby attaching to anyone to affect their times. I joined the 6:30 express and let me say there was no dawdling in that crew, hardly a moment to dwell on photos.

But for those that missed the Sunrise...

And a close up of the ferrel wobby bite for those that missed it.

And following the water testing, John Bond wants to make sure you long distance guru's don't forget your lunch.

And for those of you that haven't seen the 6:30 Express a few photos for your guide.

The calm before the storm.

Not a lot to see today subsurface.

And for your guide no special announcements and not a lot of rest time in the bay.

A cracking pace from the turnaround.

And on the way in Terry(PapaTEZ - new grandfather) and sister Jenny leading out the 7am crew.

And a shot from a little while back that I thought I would share again.

All the best for the week and smile as we could not be luckier than to live within cooee of this.

Cheers - Brian

And a special message from management

Join us for our last beach clean of the year - Clear tides Christmas clean! 

Sunday 16th December 
9 am 

Help us clean up the beautiful cabbage tree bay 

We have an amazing day planned including free brunch, kids face painting, a raffle draw and more!! 

Come down, help us clean up the bay and then join us as we celebrate an amazing year of Clear tides organisation!

SUMMER SWIMMING BADGES 
As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, it seems appropriate to explain what it takes to earn a Summer badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:

• The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturday morning starting with the 7 am swim. The first 6 km swim will be on Saturday 1^st December.
• There is 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 will be on December 8th.
• 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 6.30or 7 am.

Please note, Badges will be awarded to swimmers completing any and/or all of the 3 swims at the times and dates stated above and throughout the Summer months. 

You will earn a badge if you complete these swims and log them in iLog. The system will only record authorised 6K or 10K swims that are logged on the appropriate days. Badges will be presented at the Summer Badge Ceremony in March. 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.

 

    

B&B Fundraising Christmas Party
Please book early for the B & B Christmas Party, which will be held on Tuesday 11^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme is simply “Christmas”, so come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. The music this year will again be provided by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, who play two types of music, Rock and Roll! The cost is $15 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, as numbers are limited. Book HERE now!

 

On the night, Royal Far West will be running a monster raffle and auction. Last year, this raised over $4000 for their important programs for disadvantaged kids. There will be fantastic items up for grabs, so be prepared to bid hard. Royal Far West have requested if you have any valuable items to donate for the auction or raffle, that you contact Desiree (desireec@royalfarwest.org.au), who will be co-ordinating the event for RFW.

 

 

 

The purifying properties of the ocean

Did you know that when you immerse yourself in the ocean you are performing an ancient ritual of purification?

Rituals featuring water are practiced by many faiths. Water has a central place in the practices and beliefs of many religions for two main reasons. Firstly, water cleanses. Water washes away impurities and pollutants; secondly it can make an object look as good as new and wipe away any signs of previous defilement.

Here are but a few...

Almost all Christian churches or sects have an initiation ritual involving the use of water. Baptism has its origins in the symbolism of the Israelites being led by Moses out of slavery in Egypt through the Red Sea and from the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan. The baptism of Jesus  at the beginning of his ministry is a significant event in the Gospel records.

Water in Hinduism has a special place because it is believed to have spiritually cleansing powers.  To Hindus all water is sacred, especially rivers, and even more so the seven seven sacred rivers.  

In Islam water is important for cleansing and purifying. Muslims must be ritually pure before approaching God in prayer. Some mosques have a courtyard with a pool of clear water in the centre, but in most mosques the ablutions are found outside the walls. Fountains symbolising purity are also sometimes found in mosques. In Islam ritual purity (called tahara) is required before carrying out religious duties especially salat (worship).

In Judaism ritual washing is intended to restore or maintain a state of ritual purity and its origins can be found in the Torah. These ablutions can be washing the hands, the hands and the feet, or total immersion which must done in 'living water', i.e. the sea, a river, a spring or in a mikveh which is a ritual bath.

This morning, 395 swimmers (including 36 newbies) performed this ritual of purification in the bracing 16 degree ocean. And you thought it was endorphins that made you feel good!

The 6:30 early swimmers were getting down to business

The crowd on the path above was swelling in anticipation of the main event.

The obligatory dog. This is the very friendly Stevie. I know the followers of some faiths will disagree vehemently but I can't see dogs being anything but spiritually pure, with their loyalty and unconditional love. 

Wow, it's the WoWs!!

This is Emily (who is a really good photographer) with her children. We follow each other on Instagram but today is the first time we met in person. That was pretty cool.

Getting ready for the transformation

Welcome back, Gillian and Jonathan

Making our way to the Point.

Something extra special was going to happen today so there was no time to look for fish, but I did manage to spot this lot.

Fiona and Alison at Shelley - 2 happy WoWs

The extra special something was the mega-arch to celebrate Ian of Upper Management hitting the rare 3,000km milestone. Congrats Ian, and thanks always for the work you do in organising this motley bunch. And thanks for letting us celebrate you - we know you wanted this to pass quietly (as if that was going to happen)

 

Management notices:

 

B&B SWIMMING MERCHANDISE CHRISTMAS UPDATE:

Looking for a gift for your loved ones for Christmas?? Why not order some B&B merchandise? We have everything from B&B Budgy Smugglers to shirts, jackets and caps. Visit the store HERE to order. Shipping usually takes up to two weeks, so avoid disappointment and don’t leave it until the last minute. We also have the very distinctive B&B towels which are available from the Budgy Smuggler store at 1A/22 Darley Rd, Manly or ONLINE.

B&B Fundraising Christmas Party

Please book early for the B & B Christmas Party, which will be held on Tuesday 11^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme is simply “Christmas”, so come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. The music this year will again be provided by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, who play two types of music, Rock and Roll! The cost is $15 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, as numbers are limited. Book HERE now!

On the night, Royal Far West will be running a monster raffle and auction. Last year, this raised over $4000 for their important programs for disadvantaged kids. There will be fantastic items up for grabs, so be prepared to bid hard. Royal Far West have requested if you have any valuable items to donate for the auction or raffle, that you contact Desiree (desireec@royalfarwest.org.au), who will be co-ordinating the event for RFW.

What am I listening to? It's the 50th anniversary of 2 wonderful British albums - The White Album by the Beatles ( for the young people, if you don't know who this is, your mother (or grandmother) should know, so ask her) and Village Green Preservation Society by the Kinks, so I'm immersed in Brit classics. This Kinks song preceded Village Green, and the audio quality is not great but it's special for another reason.