So daylight savings is coming to an end soon and it couldn’t come any sooner. It’s been really dark for the 6:30 swimmers as they make their way in the water. They don’t know what little suprises they will be in for when they hit that water. We always rely on them to give us a heads up on what to expect, which is what I am going to call the B & B Swimming Forecast.
I spoted Brad Hunter from Manly 365 taking some pics of the early swimmers this morning and we got to chatting. He and his friend Braden Fastier post a photo from Manly each day of the year. Here is the one that he took this morning and is using us as his photo of the day. Thanks Brad

To see more of Manly you can follow Brad and Braden at www.facebook.com/manly365 or under Hunterphoto on Instagram
and below my shot of Brad taking the shot, not quite the same but more of an overall view.

As you can see from the pic below, the trusty reading light is needed over the next couple of weeks until we get a little more light.

I caught Robbie out this morning giving us the flick for a moments satisfaction catching random waves. How was it Robbie?
Think i might need glasses. This looked clear to me at the time. Maybe just a little extra sleep was needed. This pic was to show the dedication of our swimmers. Swimming with a broken foot and even bringing along his own support crew to help him at each end of his swim. Nothing can keep us out of the water. Good on you.

Here is Barbara with her neighbour Carol heading out for the swim.

Loving this shot. Some people are just so trendy I couldn’t resist. I think we should all get goggles like this . We love photobombers too. The more we have, the better the shot.
I decided to give the photobomber his own shot. What a happy looking bunch before sunrise.

I came across these lovely ladies ready for their swim. Enjoy everyone.

What a top time to head out into the water. Just as the sun was rising over the headland at Shelley.

I caught our fearless leader Ian heading out into the deep.

We all have our ups and downs but this is ridiculous. It looks as though some people can walk on water, while others sink.

Seriously, could it get much better. The calm before the storm.

The meeting point was more like half way this morning. With the rough surf conditions, which you actually can’t tell much from the pics we moved to calmer waters to wait.

and we are off….



Father and son side by side

There were loads of swimmers today which was suprising with the talk yesterday of a seal carcuss at Fairy Bower. Some people were afraid that it might attract the sharks, but it seems that it was removed yesterday and the only thing to be afraid of was the rips on the way back into Manly.

There were no birthdays today so it was a quick turn around at Shelley. (well none that anyone admitted to)

Look out Storchy we have a new Calendar Shot for April. Thanks for the pose Bill (regetting it yet?)

There wasn’t alot in the water today due to low visability. Well if there was alot I couldn’t see it. Quick question though, does anyone know what the snap crackle pop sound is in the water near Fairy Bower? I hear it all the time and I have no idea what it is. It almost sounds like the ocean has a water filter on it.
Here is the sea life that I managed to catch today.
My fellow swimmer taking in the sights this morning. Thanks for the fish spotting .
That’s it for today folks.
Renae

Stats:
Swimmers: 250
Newbies: 13
Water Temp: 21.7 degrees
Sunrise: 6:59am
Sunset: 7:05pm
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 – his email address is: (PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THIS EMAIL INTO YOUR EMAIL, DO NOT CLICK on it)
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.
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.




9 comments
Elaine de Jager
22/03/2014 at 12:45 pm
Gorgeous blog Renae…Great photos at The Point with dawn breaking and the fish shots. That first one of the fan bellied leatherjacket is fantastic!
My good old Tedley helped someone through a rip at the end apparently. Well done Ted!
Margot
22/03/2014 at 12:56 pm
Yes there were a few of us stuck in that rip-ette! Thanks to the wonderful Alex who dragged me in! That’s what’s so nice about these B&Bs – they help each other. Note to self: don’t swim anywhere near the churny, swirly-looking bits near the point – go further along before coming in! Nice blog today, especially the pictures.
Elaine de Jager
22/03/2014 at 1:19 pm
Glad you made it today Margot and your trip from The Blue Mountains was worth it!
Elizabeth
22/03/2014 at 1:25 pm
Fabulous blog! Almost makes up for missing my swim
LSA aka HKTQ
22/03/2014 at 3:23 pm
Yes, glad to hear the guys like Ted and Alex are helping swimmers get out of the rip at the end ….can be scary. If everyone turns round to check those behind, it’s a great help.
Yes, swim wide at the point when there’s a rip too….
LSA aka HKTQ
22/03/2014 at 3:34 pm
Likewise, Elizabeth…..
Great blog, Renae….
I hear those sounds a lot, especially when it’s quite dark and usually when swimming further out towards the Bower…. like a cross between duck quacking and mice squeaking. Feeding-time? Others have tried to convince me I’m imagining it all, so glad to know you hear the same!
(I also hear the very audible high-pitched pings whilst swimming along the shark net when no one else does!)
Management
22/03/2014 at 3:54 pm
There was a birthday today, but I didn’t find out until we got back to Manly. Happy 50th birthday Emma (Slaytor). You also forgot to tick. Have I told you about the I-log?
Slow Ian
22/03/2014 at 4:02 pm
Margot, you forgot to mention that I also saved you today – from carbohydrate overload – by consuming some of your toast at breakfast.
Snorkles
22/03/2014 at 4:37 pm
Lovely pics Renae.
The noise is usually fish eating. Its probably the gropers chewing on the sea urchins, its very audible from underneath.