Pacific Jules

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

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].

50 Shades of Lekker especially if you try something different

G’day 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lekker people, Hels, Lainey and Sue 

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

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

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

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

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

This picture encapsulates the lekker kakpraat feels 


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

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

So TTFN and Hambe Kahle 

Di

x

From management 

 

Tuesday Night Talk.

This month’s talk is titled SWIMMING WITH WHALES

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

Come along to hear about their experiences and learn about:

 

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

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

• What a typical day on the water looks like

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

 

DATE: Tuesday May 9 at 6:30 PM

VENUE: Upstairs at Manly Surf Club. A Licensed bar will be open.

FOOD: Bring a plate. If you can, coordinate with some others so we don’t end up with 35 cheese plates.

COST: $10 per head. Donating to Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Numbers are limited so book early on-line at https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-monthly-talk.html

 

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

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

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

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

Friday blogger and another B&B stalwart Elizabeth 

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

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

Chrissy and Helsy at the point. What gorgeous smiles!

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

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

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

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

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

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

An interesting angle!

Dan and The Mermaids

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

love

Lainey

 

Three more sleeps.... Thursday 20th April

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

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

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

 Ewan, Simon and Suzie looking forward to their Manly swim

Ian and Peter checking out the conditions

Warm in today :)

Early swimmers taking the plunge

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

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

(the Mild and Mediocre crew)

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

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

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

myself-Pauline Forster via the BnB FB page.

Looking forward to a good swim tomorrow. 

HRH-Pauline

 

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

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

Condition report at Manly:

water temp: 20.2 degrees

air temp: 13.3 degrees at 6 am

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

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

Condition report at the ABC pool:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few fast facts:

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

...And some of the inspiring swim squad:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jocelyn

 

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

2023 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 23^rd April

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

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2023-summer-badge-ceremony.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday blogger Simon in front of the camera for a change

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

Carolyn and friends battled the waves

as did Victoria and Melissa

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Have a great day everyone.

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

Lainey

 

Cloudy with a chance of blubbers

Siyabona and G’day 

Today was much like yesterday with swell building a bit today. Blubbers were sighted, blubbers stung and blubbers were avoided. It was a lottery. Waves were sizey. 
Some wild guesses at how many blubbers in the bay … 6.5 (Sean), about 3 ( The Driver and Master Baker ) a few avoidable ones near the rocks mostly clear (Jon) and I counted about 8 yesterday before giving up the count. A frolic in the waves was in order today. 
The look and the booty camp crew dashing for glory.

The 6.30 crew can only be partially credible witnesses in the am as they don’t see well in the dark and oft have a tendency to underplay the conditions and jellies I find. (Pinocchio emoji territory) 
Here’s part of the ‘it’s fine/fantastic’ ‘ I saw not a single jelly ’ crew. 
Pete, Clarkie, Phinny the Trooper (shout out Phinny  rescued someone yesterday in Freshie ) and Jon ( whose credibility factor remains strong with his daily fishies reports) and Trevor the bomber  at the back. Admiring Pete’s bouffant #blogtarts

Poor Simon had a run in with a rock (it’s dark and competitive at 6.30) seen here sporting his injuries with Doc Shanny and the Master Baker Andre. Enjoying their visit from E Bunny. 


Tammy from Mudgee was welcomed back to the WOWs visiting from Mudgee. We’ve missed you Tam was fab to see you. Come again soon ! Flanked by Jane and Deb. 

Bruce explains ‘how big it is’ … waves / current / jellies it’s the ‘swim at your own capacity  talk’ to the 7 am crew. 

It’s a family affair the ‘best of the rest’. First up the Potgieters Suzie, Wally Potgieter ( the fluffy one) Charl and Kerry (missing Oom Justus)  and the Drinkwater’s , Drinky and Mum Lenore ( missing Mark and Sis) 

Suzie adds glamour to Jon and Michael’s blog pose 

Daughter Nat and Bindi. Nat was fostering Bindi when Derek offered her a forever home. Best thing ever:) 

Easter bunny came early with Saffer marshmallow eggs. Happy day Dan, Jon,Drinky ( it’s an Easter egg not a suppository Drinks) and Greg

Penny (our resident marine biologist) and Peter. Peter is recovering from a knee replacement op and Penny a cataract op … heal well both. 

There is always a doctor in the house. Doc Michelle sorting Champ. It ended well I’m told. 

A duo of beautiful Fi’s and farewell to Fi and Melise who are off on a fabulous cruise to Bali / East Timor and the Kimberley’s tomorrow. 
Hambe Kahle ladies have the best time. 

One lonely petunia in an onion field. Sitting still for a short while - last seen suited up hobnobbing with the Packers and before visiting and supporting the UNICEF crew (with Tim Tams in his luggage)  in Turkey post earthquake … onya Tony. 


Congratulations to Michelle who swam 50km for Laps for Life - amazing Michelle we are all so proud of you. Incredible achievement. Flanked by the beautiful WOW’s. 

Taken last Friday the husband and daughter Lou enjoy the FFF’s. 

Hambe Kahle And have a great week. Happy Easter or Passover or whatever festival you celebrating. 
Di 

x

Wednesday 29 March - things that go "bump" or "squish" in the dark!

Wednesday 29 March - pitch black at 6:09am.... flashes of blue, green and red in the water..... I can hear but not see the small rolling wavelets.... zephyrs of breeze, the air felt a little heavy.... the clubbies have chosen to run to Queensie and play on the boards at first light, which today wasn't until around 6:50!   

water temp: 21.2 degrees (and Guys artwork continues to delight us!)

air temperature at 6am: actually the same, 21.2 degrees

conditions:   pitch black.... only the sound of the surf-lets

vibe:  a little trepidation in the pitch black... even drinks mused that it was the darkest he had ever started a swim!

Sally and Guy on the welcome desk were visited by a newbie who promptly took his cap, looked at the blackness and advised that he will come back tomorrow - we hope he does!

 

watching the swimmers enter the water from 6:25am was quite surreal,

flashes of blue, green and red and the occasional breaking surf-let...

as the swimmers swam to the point, the lights painted the water blue, green and red with the occasional white.... 

 then, the conga line of flickering lights like aquatic fire flies disappeared around the point into the bay..

 

i joined the "dolphins" for a short board paddle & waves session at first light (sadly work meant a shorter session for me!).    Until Leah's arm caught a huge squishy jellyfish as she paddled (eeeeww) - thus ended the session pretty quickly!

thankfully, all nocturnal swimmers returned at 7am as first light broke ...

and the 7am swimmers entered the water under moody skies threatening light rain...

and as the swimmers emerged, the stories began:

• Drinks swam into "about 50 drinks expressers" at the point
• Frangi swam into a white jellyfish - i guess it glowed in the dark?
• "Someone's arm" reached between the Guvnors legs.... (he said he would be back at 6:3o tomorrow FYI 🤔)
• Trooper swam into Merman - unintentionally
• greg bumped into Rob and jo
• no one bumped into the sting ray

Manmaids, and Mermaids (with a manmaid)

• Rob kicked a jellyfish (the RSPCA and Sea Life were called)

mermaids 

• Petra bumped into a jelly and was rewarded by a nasty sting - hope the Soov lotion helped Petra!
• Tracey Zig-Zagged to avoid jellies and ran into Petra
• Davina (wearing dark goggles 🤔) Swam into a Jelly and squealed twice, causing a few other bumps as swimmers around didnt know what she was squealing at!
• Karen and Sally swam into jellyfish

Sterling swam into about 50 Jellyfish - as its his 50th Birthday! 

 

Walter didnt run into anything as he sat nicely waiting for treats to bump into his mouth!

Have a wonderful Wednesday:  stay safe, stay sane, look out for and after one another, be kind and enjoy your day!

Jocelyn

Public service announcements:

1) Badges - dates for the summer badges will be announced sooon!

2) Budgie Smuggler Random Swimmer of the Month

The Budgie Smuggler Swimmer of the Month for February is Filippo Ammazzalorso. Filippo 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 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].

 

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