07/02/2015 – Inspiration, motivation and doing it with friends!

All was quiet in the beginning.

 

Then it turned into a big crowd.  Management tells me 245 swimmers logged today’s swim in balmy 23.5 degree water!

 

Loads of familiar faces turned up too!!  Robbie and Emer – where have you been?

Lucy is STILL here too!

 

A week after the annual Cole Classic, we are still seeing the flow-on effect of newbies joining the swim.  Today there were 16!  It is interesting how many of us have joined the B&B after ‘dipping our toes’ into ocean swimming as a result of this event.

A classic example is Lauren on the right.  She describes herself as a ‘black line escapee’. After years of training and competing in the pool, she eventually gave swimming the flick in her late teens.  That was until her trainer at Virgin Active (a sponsor of the Cole Classic this year), convinced her to try ocean swimming by entering the event.

 

At this stage of her story sounds very familiar, she is not the first to be convinced to overcome fear of waves, sharks and large crowds (that’s us) by joining the pink-capped mob. Perhaps, I wonder, could the B&B be in league with Virgin. . . a secret newbie badge for referring trainers?

We take to the water – so warm and just a few little waves.

With so many swimmers, the wait at Shelly can be just the time to have a little rest.

 

 

The usual shenanigans from the usual suspects.

 

JK announces the options; 6km, double, Bluewater or benches.

 

Visibility is not terrific, but the flathead were out at Shelly, and a lovely groper off the point.

 

 

These fish were scratching themselves on the rock.  Maybe a way of cleaning their scales. . ?

 

For those of you who did the Cole, ocean swimming with the B&B is a great way to keep the momentum – even in winter!!.  A big welcome to everyone who, like Lauren and her friend Laura, found that once you have been inspired, doing the swim with a friend will keep you coming back.

Now don’t forget all the important notices at the end of the blog!!  Karaoke Night next week, Redfeb ‘Red Day’ next Saturday.

Have a great Saturday

Mary

Disclaimer: Virgin Active did indeed ask us to participate in the promotion of their association with the Cole Classic. That is how I ended up swimming with the B&B 4 years ago. . .  If you would like to win a 3-month membership, check out the details on the B&B Facebook page!

 

Important Notice

B&B Karaoke Night

The Novotel Manly Pacific is generously hosting a fundraising Karaoke Night for B&B swimmers and their friends/families to entertain each other and enjoy the night away. Dress as a rock star – there will be prizes for best dressed. Details are:

DATE:              Tuesday 10th February

TIME:               6.30 pm

VENUE:            Novatel Manly Pacific (above Daniel San bar)

DRESS:            Rock Star

COST:             $25

Please note that bookings are essential for the Karaoke Night on 10th Feb. Book HERE NOW to avoid disappointment.

Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, just come along and support/heckle your fellow swimmers who think they can. This event will be loads of fun, with plenty of laughs. The entry cost includes finger food and your first drink FREE. All proceeds will go to the running of the B&B.

 

B&B and REDFEB Heart Research 2015

REDFEB is Heart Research Australia’s signature fundraising campaign, raising funds for research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.  They approach sporting groups across Australia, and ask them to log kilometres travelled onto a virtual map.  This year they have several Aussie maps: for cyclists, joggers, swimmers etc – with the mileage circumnavigating the land mass.

B&B will again be assisting this cause in 2015 by participating in the virtual REDFEB Relay and helping to lap the map of Australia!  Last year in February our Bolds swam over 8,700 km and raised $2,200.  Our aim this year will be to beat that figure.  After last February’s 8700 km and $2200, our aim this year will be to raise over $3,000. To view our B&B team pageCLICK HERE
You can donate funds on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause.  To create your own page and join the B&B team, just go to the team page and simply click “join”.  You will then be taken through the steps to create your own page.  On your own page you can input your kilometres and also raise funds.  All funds raised on individual pages will accumulate to the B&B team total.  Ian Forster has already raised well over $500, and the month is only six days old.  Thank goodness I’m not sponsoring Brendan Maher!

To highlight the fundraising, B&B will be going RED on
Valentine’s Day – Saturday 14th February
when we will be swapping our pink caps for RED ones.  This year, the Manly Beach Health Club has joined us and is sponsoring the red caps.

Freebie Bonus

To help with your heart health, Manly Beach Health Club is also offering B&B members afree 30 min Personal Training session.  To find out how to take advantage of this offer, go to

http://manlybeachhealthclub.com/free-personal-training-taster-pack-enter-details/

 

 

Fifi’s exhibition – ‘Still Lives‘

On until the 16th Feb with hours 10-4 for Thurs To Sun
The opening gig is today between  3-6. There will be some nibbles and drinks and a ukelele band. Sounds good! The location is the Warringah Creative Space which is on Abbott Rd North Curl Curl. It’s closer to the Harbord Rd end of Abbott Rd and on the playing field side of the street.

Summer Swims

The next 10km swim is scheduled for Saturday 14 February, 2015. The 6km and 10km swims both start with the normal swim at 7am.

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:   245

Newbies:   16

Temp:         23.5

Sunrise:      6.22am

Sunset:       7.56pm