05-01-2016 – You’ll Regret not Having Swum Today!

Another incredible, awesome experience this morning, swimming and playing with the lone dolphin during a Bold & Beautiful Swim Squad swim.

Oops sorry… that was 2 years ago today 😉 A memory popped up on Facebook and I couldn’t resist it! Had to try and make those of you that were thinking of coming down and stayed under the bed sheets, think you had missed something special!!

That’s the thing with this swim, it’s always so unpredictably exciting you never know what’s going to happen. It was a rainy, cold day a bit like today when around 43 of us swam with the whale for 45 minutes back in 2012!

This was what our favourite corner of the world looked like at 6.50am this morning!

Here are the Hard Cores who turned up as they knew it would very likely be the most exciting part of their day! We had swimmers as far away as Berowra, Castle Hill, Kings Langley, Baulkham hills and Avalon! Funnily enough a lot of the regulars within walking distance didn’t make it!

The beach was closed and so we respectfully walked around to inspect Halfway. Shaun thought it looked a little dangerous (entries can be treacherous) so we walked to Shelly Beach.

Ros and Henrietta

We decided to swim to The Point and back.

It was bumpy but not too wild even just out from Shelly. It was very murky. For the first time almost ever.. I didn’t see one fish! Not even Silky the lone dolphin!

Belinda sinking beneath a wave!

Anne Edwards was all smiles lightening up this dull day!

Some of the group. I reckon there were about 40 of us altogether.

John Bond led us in his push up session to keep warm and engage our core.

 Walking back we watched a few experienced swimmers coming back through the surf. Please remember to take your pink cap off if you really feel the need to do that when the beach is closed. We want to keep up the good relationship between Manly Surf Club and The Bold and Beautiful.

A few wise words on ‘Swimming Etiquette’ from the very respected, ex professional Lifeguard and esteemed Psychologist Jeff (With a J) Parsons…

When I was introduced into our B&B four years ago, I was told that swim etiquette was important in the group. I was told; don’t kick if swimmers are near your feet, stop and ask the other swimmer are they ok when you run into someone no matter who you believe is in the right, and apologise regardless. Also stop and ask a stationary swimmer if they are ok when you pass. Two days ago when I was in the middle of the bay adjusting goggles, a swimmer in a fast pod stopped and asked if I was ok. Good feeling!  But, with increased numbers in our group, we need to talk more about swim etiquette and include etiquette guidelines for newbies. I write this after I have heard recently two stories about our valiant 70+ year old swimmers who were banged into and injured and then either abused or ignored.  We swimmers of the B&B are  better than this.

Swimming is an individual pursuit. The B&B encourages individuals to swim as a group. To keep the B&B the wonderfully rewarding group activity that it is, we need to encourage our members to know and practise group swim etiquette.   

We did hear a rather disturbing story from Bob Petterson’s wife today. Bob was swimming his normal 7am swim last week and a swimmer going the opposite direction (with another coloured cap) hit him in the face and he ended up with a black eye and 3 stitches. It was an accident but the swimmer didn’t say sorry or stop. We wish Bob well, one of our older, most humble and regular swimmers who has swum 1693 kms and is 10th on the Pacific Challenge.

Anyway folks … Most of us do look after other swimmers and stop and ask if people ok. The inclusiveness, friendliness and support has helped so many people to become more experienced swimmers and more proficient in the surf. We know it is so good for our mental and physical health and the absolute best start you can have to your day! So keep on coming, smiling and being kind to others!

Below are some funny or friendly shots (from other swims) as I didn’t want to finish on a sad note!

Bikini swim

A B&B hug 

A parting comment from our favourite Scouser

A photobomb from Lesbubbs

A seaweed soak for Lips!

 …and proof that Shady Shaun sometimes walks the swim!!!!

Have a great day!

love Lainey 

Summer Badges

More badges just for the Summer months:

You all know about the 6 km summer badge swims. These are on every Saturday during summer.

There is one 10 km swim each month over Summer 2015/16. Watch the blog for details of the next 10 km swim.

The new badge, the Shelly Triple, involves a triple lap of Cabbage Tree Bay (ie swim between Shelly Beach and the point three times – total 3.5 km). This swim can be completed any day and should be logged on the i-log system. Since this is designed for those who are unable (or unwilling) to do the longer swims, this badge is only available to those who haven’t completed a 6 km or 10 km swim during the season and really want the pretty pink badge.

2016 Calendars are HERE!!

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian or management standin, any day at the swim, or order online HERE. This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

Staying safe

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. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

The Stats

Regulars:    48?

Newbies:     0

Temp:     21.1

Sunrise:   5.52am

Sunset:    8.09pm