04/07/13 – So Much More than a Swim…

118 Bold and Beautiful swimmers took the plunge today. Some brave and  strong swimmers swam from the beach and most of us from Fairy Bower where there was still a bit of wave action. It was another stunning morning down in Manly. It’s a Thursday, always the most beautiful day of the week weather wise. It’s mid Winter with temps forecast to go up to 21 degrees!

 

You may have heard of the B&B Photo Book that is being compiled by Nick, Stephen and the photographer Giles. Hopefully you got your photo taken a couple of weeks back. To make the book more interesting Nick has asked us to think about what we like about the B&B swim, and email a sentence  to him or give him at Bluewater Cafe one morning after the swim. This is harder said than done when we love our swim for so many different reasons…

It could be the chance to see a beautiful sunrise…Or swim with it as these pink cappers are trying to do in this mornings huge surf!

Or maybe get our daily exercise done before a day at work. Here are the ‘Drinks Express’ swimmers heading off at 6.30am.

To catch  up with friends and other swimmers…

 

Enjoy the warmth and friendliness of this amazing group, get a  hug or two

not ALL from Greg (Cuddles) McDonaugh! Toni  gives good hugs too!

And Sparkles’s hugs are legendary. Here she is with her brother!

There is the excitement of ‘conquering ‘ the ocean whether that is going through the surf or swimming from Halfway.

 

A chance to experience the benefits of cold water swimming. The 5 benefits as discovered on The Next Challenge website by Leswee are as follows…It speeds up the flow of endorphins, improves circulation, boosts immune system, speeds up metabolism and testosterone!

Look at the endorphins flowing amongst this group…

And amazing immune systems on display here!

These metabolisms have been working well!

Iain’s testosterone is getting a boost!

And so is Stephen’s 😉

And so is Leswee’s 😉

The circulation systems of these young lads are running amazingly well!

Splashes at Halfway today adding to the excitement of the swim. infact that poor guy looks as if he is being bombarded by snowballs! Sky is happy to be alive!

The fulfilment of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone wether it is getting out of bed, going without a wetsuit or tackling the surf. Rusty has even dropped his green rash vest for Winter.

There are so many health benefits to ‘organic swimming’. Look at these guys!

 

The physical benefits of the work out. Swimming works wonders for the pecs and abs. More toned bodies here. It’s Simon Cowell’s birthday today and he is…looking amazing for 61!

A chance to see amazing marine life. (Some people reported seeing groper and yellowtail today but admittedly these shots were taken a few weeks ago!)

Have a laugh mucking around at Shelly.

Feeling supported by kind and generous people.

 

A chance to get to know a variety of different people, different nationalities, ages, backgrounds all enjoying this activity.

Naoko from Japan has loved swimming with us and is sorry to leave, ‘I love Manly’ she declares!

 

It’s SO much more than a swim!

It’s an exciting, exhilarating activity undertaken in the most beautiful corner of the world with the most incredible, friendly and welcoming group of people!

For our latest B&B on Tour photo, Peta Saunders in Marrakesh.

 

 

Themed as The Great Gatsby with a Touch of Pink, enjoy a night out with your fellow swimmers at the cinematic home of Jay Gatsby, the old St Patrick’s Seminary in Manly (now the International College of Management).

Be transported back to the 1920’s with the theme of The Great Gatsby with a touch of Pink. You will enjoy a night of fun and entertainment for $85, which includes a 3 course meal and drinks throughout the night. 

 Tickets are on sale and selling fast so head to: https://bnbball.arrangemyseat.com/ and book your ticket.  Gather your friends, select your table and choose where you want to sit when you register.

Any questions? Ask Stephen, Nick, Krystyna or Snorkles at any swim!

 

Staying safe

With the return of the winter swell, remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly!  While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf.  To read, or even download, click here. 

 

Stats 118 swimmers including 12 early lappers.

Sunrise 7am

Sunset 4.58pm

Water Temp 18.8

Signing off a bit later than usual (sorry appontment)

Lainey Loo aka Elaine (here with Retha and Aly)