There’s a fine line between pleasure and pain.
Yesterday John Bond valiantly led the 6k & 10k groups on what was described as a spectacular swim.
Here are a couple of photos and you can clearly see on their faces that the pain of those distances was definitely outweighed by the pleasure of participating and completing.
Lyndall, Louise and Sue after completing the 10k swim.
Leisa and Wendy celebrating their 6k swim in style.
This morning things were a lot different. The nor-easter had swung in, the water was murky and the surf bumpy all the way to Shelly.
However, that did not stop the usual diehards plus 16 newbies joining in.
As usual middle management was there to welcome every new swimmer and present them with their prized pink cap after they had signed away all rights to compensation if lampooned in one of Roger’s blogs.
Great to see the new generation of A Team contenders getting ready to take on the old blokes.
Sarah has also upped her training regime. So much so that her bulging biceps have split her wetsuit.
After a massive jimble attack, Roz is now sporting her very stylish new anti-stinger rashy.
Even with the prospect of a bumpy trip out to the point, the hordes converged.
Don’t you just hate it when someone takes your photo just as you are about to say something.
It was messy out there this morning.
On to Shelly where the fun, sledging and laughter resumed.
The beauty and the beast.
Then back to Manly for more fun and games.
They hardly make it ashore before conversations start up again.
Gemma found a friend.
Allen made two new friends.
Lainey, Byron and a bicycle definitely not made for two..
Angela got her 500k badge today. Congratulations!!!
My co Sunday bloggers Emma and Rainer negotiating on who will be blogging next Sunday.
And now for the bad news.
Two bags were stolen from the wall yesterday and another went missing today.
Always remember, don’t bring any valuables with you.
If you see something suspicious let someone know.
Theft on the beach is a real problem, especially with around 300 of us leaving everything unattended during the swim.
B&B Christmas Party – there are still some tickets available – don’t miss out
The B & B Christmas Party is on Tuesday 13th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.
2016 Calendars
The B&B Christmas calendars are on sale! Grab one for yourself, and many more as stocking fillers!
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
Ocean Messy
Temp: 21.3
Vis: Poor
Swimmers: 293
Newbies: 16
Thunderbird
15 comments
Fiona Horn
December 11, 2016 at 12:39 pm
Great blog &pics Thunderbird!BTW for scaredy cats like myself, can someone tell me what is the range of times it takes B&Bers to do the 6km & 10km swims? Would love to have a go but scared would take me all day.
LSA aka HKTQ
December 11, 2016 at 12:56 pm
My group’s slow 6K last week took 2.5 hrs. Range I heard about was from about 1.5 hrs – 3.5hrs (with lots of stops).
Our early 10K yesterday (without a refreshment break) took just over 4 hrs.
Lyndall told me that with a proper refreshment break on shore, her 10K with the main group took 4 hrs 15mins. Some in the group would have come in a bit earlier.
Simon’s early, fast 10K with relay partners and no waiting around for the group took 3 hrs.
So that’s the range! Both swims in near perfect conditions, mind! Would have taken longer in today’s conditions if we were going the same routes!
DWSS
December 11, 2016 at 1:11 pm
Hi Fiona
No time limit on the 10k.
It quite often takes some of the slow swimmers up to 5hrs for the 10k.
Great to set yourself a challenge.
Fiona Horn
December 11, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Thanks for that detailed reply…really helpful….one day!!!!
Fiona Horn
December 11, 2016 at 1:34 pm
Thnx!!…would love to give it a go…
Margot Pope
December 11, 2016 at 1:39 pm
Shame about another bag going walkies. Makes it feel a bit different now!
Lisa B
December 11, 2016 at 2:05 pm
Thunderbird! I loved your blog, particularly as I wasn’t there – it gave me a real sense of what it was like, although it made me quite happy I had stayed in bed! So many bright happy people down there today captured beautifully in all your photos. Great photos of the long distance swimmers. Great achievement! So disappointing that we have been a target to somebody’s light fingers.
Edwina
December 11, 2016 at 4:47 pm
How long do you take to do a double? Some of us slower people were contemplating a 6km in February.
Edwina
December 11, 2016 at 4:48 pm
I’m upset about the theft too, ,always an awful feeling. Rotten cheats.
Gemma
December 11, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Great blog, Michael! Love the pic of the arm cutting through the water.
heth
December 11, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Bag Stealing: Now it has begun and is being repeated, someone is onto it and it will continue until someone watches carefully to catch the blighter. for so long the Aussie wonderful honest culture has survived. Once broken by that one bad apple, the bad apple returns in glee and spreads the word to others. Same thing happened to some people who unfortunately lived at the bottom of a hill and younguns began rolling tyres into their house. It progressed for years. A cultural thing passed onto the other out of area ‘friends’ connected to the original idiots.
Appoint a minder, have police ready to support and they will. Stop it before it takes hold.
XXX
Lesbubs
December 11, 2016 at 7:29 pm
Great photo of arm in surf / foam!! Could be a calendar 2018 contender!!
Ian
December 11, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Good news. Two bags found in a bin in Cliff Street with all belongings, minus cash.
Elizabeth X
December 12, 2016 at 2:33 pm
I love the arm pic too (about 9 from the bottom) any idea whose it is ?
Michael
December 12, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Thank you. No, I don’t know. I was waiting to get a shot of someone coming in so took quite a lot. I got lucky with this one.