16/02/2014 – “dull but never boring”

Looks a bit wintery this morning! Though thankfully the air temp not yet!

You can’t see from this photo but the waves were big enough for discussions of perhaps halfway!

Sometimes it’s not so much the size of the wave as more they speed and strength of them that can make it hard to get out… A 6.30’er Gab had turned back as she said it was tough going and spent a lot of time under the water!

Lips is back from a whole week off!! He was nervous but I hear he did very well, still didn’t beat me though! 😀

 L’il pup keeping an eye on things.. A lot of us chose to go through the waves…

It’s really obvious in this pic where the rip is…look at the darker part on the wave itself between the whitewater…that’s the rip!

Looking across to Shelly this morning looked incredible….I never get sick of this view!!

And a fair amount of us went in at half way…The tide was pretty high and the water was cold!!

Another l’il pup watching over us…

Fiddler Ray greeted us as we got in at half way!

A big bunch of us this morning…. although it seemed cold and gloomy it was NOT cold to waiting Shelly …for the moment that is!

I thought this was just a normal shot of everyone till I noticed something happening in the bottom right… I think in the 3 years I have been swimming this is the first time [I have seen] someone collapsed at Shelly. I am told her name is Laura and she is training for a triathlon or similar…. Luckily it happened at BnB because we have so many medical people who swim with us and yes would you believe it a nurse (Cathy), a doctor and EVEN a dentist were on hand to help her! An ambulance was called ….and that’s all I have. Does anyone know if she is ok??

One last shot at Shelly with the usual blog tarts and James (from the Troubadours band from our Christmas party)!

James spotted this lovely wobbegong on the journey back to half way…

Below is yesterday’s (not sure if all??) 10 km swimmers! That was the last one till next summer!

WELL DONE EVERYONE! Especially John Bond who I think has lead all the long swims this summer?!  No wonder he has a wetsuit on it takes a lot of oomph to be able to do these swims every weekend so big thanks and cheers to him!! And also to the ‘on the ground’ team who made sure they have a drink and something to eat at Curl Curl for the journey BACK!! (Also very well done to the 6ker’s as well – check yesterday’s blog in the comments section if you want to know how it all went)

Conditions looked dicey for them coming into Curl Curl! Wonder if there were any vomiters on this one?? :-O

IF YOU HAVE ANY SPARE PINK CAP LYING PLEASE BRING THEM DOWN TO BE RECYCLE AS WE ARE RUNNING LOW! THANKS~ 

Swim Clubs Elsewhere!

Below photograph is of the Bay of Islands Ocean Swimming Group in NZ proudly wearing their B&B caps!  They follow our B&B Blog and are amazed at the clear water and the fish life that we often see. They’re keen swimmers and would love to extend a welcome to B&Bers who venture across the ditch looking for a group to swim with. Contact is Steve Markin (who swims with us) his sister, Karen Markin c/o Swim Markin 09 402 5212 or 0212926768, karenmarkin@hotmail.com

Stats: WILL BE PUT UP LATER

Swimmers: 210

Newbies: 15

Water Temp: 20.5

February is Heart Research Month, and we’re raising $1 for every kilometre we swim during the month.  

We need to start kicking this along!  The swimming is going ok, but a little more for the $$$$ would be great. Here’s the update…

https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly

B&B i-Log

Almost 50% of swimmers are now using the B&B i-Log. Log your swim ANYTIME of day using this really efficient and easy way to ensure your swim is recorded in the daily attendance and on the Pacific Challenge. To get started, send an email to Ian Forster: ugoboyo@gmail.com He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Summer badge swims

There is only 1 more 6 km swim and that’s NEXT Saturday 22nd! Then that’s it till next summer! Well done everyone!  The badge ceremony date to be announced soon.

Bolderdash during summertime

This daily swim to Queenscliff and back DEPARTS the surf club at 5.50am.  As these are generally intimate groups, please WAIT for everyone in the water before heading off.  Do buddy up with someone – great to be with someone who has the same pace – that way everyone is ‘accounted for’ at Queenscliff.

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.  Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf.  To read, or even download, click here.