Thinking about the past month or so, there
hasn’t been a day when it wasn’t a good day for a swim. For the 105 B&B swimmers who rolled up
this morning – it was more of the same.
There is the little chill in the air that does
make removing the cozy, B&B hoodie a confronting procedure. Mind you there is always the company of
friends to keep you warm.
And the cooling weather provides the
opportunity to find a helping hand to do up the wetsuit. A grand way to make friends!
Despite Ros’s trepidation, the water is still 20.4 degrees. Balmy!!
With the shadows at Shelly lengthening – if you want sun head to the boardwalk end of
the beach. There is a lot of frollicking too!
The rest try to keep just a head above the
water to avoid the zephyr that delivers its cooling breath across our neoprene
free shoulders.
It wasn’t long before Squadron Leader Ian treated us to a
delightful “Tally ho” for the return to Manly.
Visibility across the bay is not great, but
there are some lovely fishy friends hanging around the point on the way back.
So, another one of those glorious swims –
sun, invigorating water temperature, only a couple of little waves, and absolutely
no stinging things!!
See you tonight at Bluewater.
Mary
For
the diary . . .
Tonight is the B&B Dinner at Bluewater. Fun kicks off at 6.30pm – and don’t be late
or you will miss the entrée goodies. Click here to register – which is really essential.
Next Wednesday 14 May is the regular drinks at Murrays.
Staying safe
While there has been little wave action to test the surf skills, you
never know when the sea will show its turbulent side. Stay safe by knowing how to read the signs
with these water safety tips courtesy of champion Ironman Craig ‘Riddo’
Riddington. It’s a great read and can help keep you safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.
The Stats
Regulars: 105
Newbies: 2
Temp: 20.4 degrees
Sunrise: 6.34am
Sunset: 5.09pm
32 comments
Darren
07/05/2013 at 12:17 pm
Did my virgin double today – thanks to Ian Jo and Bruce for waiting for my stealthy slowness at Shelly beach
Darren
fifi
07/05/2013 at 12:30 pm
What a lovely blog as usual, Mary.
Ian, I forgot to tick, I was too distracted. May I belatedly tick now?
Dolphin Whisperer
07/05/2013 at 12:47 pm
Great work Darren. Congratulations.
Don’t worry about the slow thing, more time for everyone to chat while they wait.
My tip, start pretending to do the safety sweep are the rear. Always a good excuse, I find anyway. It works for me.
Stephen C
07/05/2013 at 12:57 pm
Received from Sunday first time B&Ber Terry, now back swimming with my Uncle at Brighton Icebergs. We’re welcome anytime we’re down there! (btw wetsuits and flippers are banned)
Stephen Coulter
07/05/2013 at 1:00 pm
Received from first time B&Ber Terry who swam with us Sunday. He’s now back in Melbourne swimming with my Uncle at Brighton Icebergs. We’re all welcome anytime. (btw wetsuits and fins are banned)
Hi Stephen, Yes back in Melbourne and this mornings swim was at 12.8c which is a little lower than your 20c or so. And no wet suits!
Told the guys about you group and they almost don’t believe me.
I left straight after I got back to meet my wife for a walk so I am sorry I missed you. Now that I have the pink cap I will see you again in Sept
Cheers for now
Terry Fox
Slow Ian
07/05/2013 at 1:09 pm
Consider yourself ticked
Marco
07/05/2013 at 1:23 pm
Joined today my first B&B, I was the one arriving late at Shelly in frog style, sorry+thanks for waiting!
Coming from the winter in Europe, this was my longest swim ever and I walked back because I was too tired (blame on me, I know), but nevertheless I enjoyed!
See you next time!
fifi
07/05/2013 at 1:32 pm
Thank you Ian, so kind.
it’s just that drinky tried to knock me out on a rock and I barely recovered.
Robbie Byrne
07/05/2013 at 1:33 pm
Thats awesome Marco, welcome to the group! Congrats on your longest swim too.
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
07/05/2013 at 1:36 pm
I thought it was me they were waiting for! You did really well to get to Shelly and make the cut-off! On my very first swim I just got to the point:-)
No shame in walking back, going half-way, using props, setting off a little early if you’re very slow – whatever works to make it enjoyable and safe!
See you again very soon!
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
07/05/2013 at 1:45 pm
Lovely sunrise pic!
Welcome to the wetsuit club, Ros & Krystina! A few more every day to the Winter WITH wetsuit club:-)
For those seeking wetsuit advice, suggest you go up to anyone with a similar body shape in a wetsuit. Ask around a bit, try some on in shops, check swimmer wetsuit websites and get one that is very sung-fitting. If it feels comfortable in the shop, it’ll be too loose in the water!
Marco
07/05/2013 at 1:53 pm
thanks Sarah and Robbie, that’s encouraging!
Btw I ran 30k on Sunday to prepare for Gold Coast marathon but clearly the two sports do not help each other.
All of you all finished so fresh, while I could not even think of swimming back, my respects guys!
Half Bold
Stephen Coulter
07/05/2013 at 1:54 pm
http://www.wetsuitoutlet.com has great deals and great customer service
Linda
07/05/2013 at 2:08 pm
I swam today woooooo hooooooooo first time in probably over 6 months 🙂
i did the 6.30 swim and i have to say it was not as clear as those fish photos above but then again my goggles were a little cloudy which didn’t help 🙂
John S
07/05/2013 at 2:31 pm
Or you could man (or woman) up and just not wear one!
Or do what one of our swimmers does and smear yourself in yak fat and curdled yoghurt!
😉
Mr Ewok leader
07/05/2013 at 2:34 pm
but Fi you didn’t swim today!!!!
Mary Stollery
07/05/2013 at 3:29 pm
Yes, very cloudy in the water 🙁 I snapped these lovely fish on the Manly side of the point. At least there you can get up close.
Robbie Byrne
07/05/2013 at 3:59 pm
There are lots of triathletes in the group Marco, so do ask around if you need any advice on multisport, we even have a few record holders in swimming and running in the group so lots of experience to tap into.
Best of luck for Gold Coast and also for being fully Bold in the future! (My first swim last August I had wetsuit and fins and only made it from half way to Shelly)
Robbie Byrne
07/05/2013 at 4:02 pm
For anyone thinking of wetsuiting up this winter, there is a shop opposite the QVB called Fastgear which offers discounts to the B&B swimmers. There is a spanish guy called Marc in the shop who will literally help you in and out of a wetsuit if you want to try (Easy ladies!). I am so glad I didnt try to save some $$ by buying online as I had to go one size down after my first swim and Marc replaced it without any fuss, he will also show you how to repair any rips you get in the future.
Ros(-e)
07/05/2013 at 4:18 pm
To John S: note the photo of me looking cold this morning … I am an abject failure at ‘manning up’ for the winter-without-wetsuit swim! And it’s still only autumn!
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
07/05/2013 at 4:43 pm
Reminds me – a couple of other shops in Manly offer B&B discounts on wetsuits and other gear as well: Dripping Wet & Northside Runners…. plastic bags help when trying on!
That was great that Marc changed your wetsuit after your first swim, Rob!
Agree that for on-line you need to be very sure of your size. I was lucky with Orca sizes and buying a discount wetsuit on line.
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
07/05/2013 at 4:50 pm
That was really good of Marc & Fastgear to change it after a swim! In my experience of surf and swim wet-suits, you always need a size smaller than is comfortable – if you feel you can’t breathe on land, it’s probably about right!
Dripping Wet & Northside Runners also give B&B discounts and have wetsuits for trying on. Plastic bags over the feet help in this!
I had good luck with a discount orca wetsuit on-line – the size chart seemed just right. Try the orca australia website or the wiggle uk website – free shipping.
Dolphin Whisperer
07/05/2013 at 4:51 pm
I did not see you there today Fifs???
Bruceys better half
07/05/2013 at 4:57 pm
Today someone suggested we highlight who has broken through the 100km mark in the PC – thought it was a good suggestion to help keep the newer swimmers motivated ?? Also support the idea of a 500km badge 🙂
Dolphin Whisperer
07/05/2013 at 5:02 pm
Be very careful commenting here John. Some people take you seriously!
Everyone knows that Yak fat is best applied with a brush made from the hair of a frustrated goat and a dash of Silicon spray.
Dolphin Whisperer
07/05/2013 at 5:10 pm
Well done Marco.
I’m swimming with newbies just around to 1/2 way at the moment so you did extremely well.
As Little Sarah said, rule 1 stay safe and know your limits.
The extra wait at Shelley really doesn’t worry anyone, more time to chat anyway.
(And for the integrity police, I then go for another swim to make up the 1.5k) just getting in before you make false accusations Triad Queen. Haha
Dolphin Whisperer
07/05/2013 at 5:11 pm
Great idea!
Stephen Coulter
07/05/2013 at 5:46 pm
Great deals and service here, http://www.wetsuitoutlet.com
Lainey-Loo aka Elaine
07/05/2013 at 8:47 pm
Love the idea of a 500 km badge! Lovely blog Mary!
fifi
08/05/2013 at 9:37 am
That is because you are both blind. Can has some glasses.
fifi
08/05/2013 at 9:39 am
I thought I told you two to keep that to yourselves? there are only so many frustrated goats to go around.
Marco
08/05/2013 at 8:26 pm
thanks Robbie! Not sure about practicing multisport n regular basis, but thanks for the advice.
Definitely I need to get more resistance in crawl style, as you were all doing. I find frog style much easier for me but slower.