25/03/2014 – Moody Blue Tuesday

The weather report had prepared me for the worst.  Did you hear it to?  Unsafe conditions, driving rain, wind, heavy cloud cover. . .

What greeted the 96 swimmers who made the pilgrimage to the meeting point was a mild moody morning.  About 16 – 17 degrees out and a comfortable 21.1 degrees in the water.

The early morning mob had already been out in the dark!  Shaun told me that he swam with the 6am bunch!!!  Now really, you can’t even see your hand in front of your face at that hour.  No wonder, this early morning regular need two après swim coffees.

Patrick had a captive audience in stiches as he told us of loosing his cossie heading out through yesterday’s surf.  Although the surf had dropped a little from yesterday, there was a management warning that it was still strong with occasional dumpers and a very nasty rip.  In fact by the time we returned the Life Guards had closed the beach.

So, we divided – some to the waves. . .

Others to half-way. . .

There were loads of surfers out today.  Even at the Bower the waves were pretty crowded.

By the time we reunite at Shelly, the sun is finally beginning to emerge through the clouds.

It is interesting to watch how people spend this time.  Some form groups and continue conversations…

Then there is the racing mob – so eager for the ‘let’s go’ to race each other back to Manly.

On the return there were swimmers all over the bay as a group did the double, others headed for half-way – either direct or after a lap around the Tardis.  Those who opted for the surf return seemed to manage to catch some waves into shore without incident, then others – myself included – rethought the idea and headed back to half-way.

While we might appear to be all over the place, one of the lovely aspects of this group is that there is always someone ready to lend a hand.

Have a great Tuesday.

Mary

Earth Hour – this Saturday!!  Turn your lights off

HELP NEEDED:

In order to make sure Bold & Beautiful remains the FREE, wonderful, inclusive everyday activity that it currently is for everyone and anyone, we need to have one or two fundraising events each year.

On Tuesday 6th May we will be having our main fundraising event for this year, which will be a Trivia Night at the Steyne Hotel, with our very own quizmaster, John Kelly.

To make this event a huge success, we need donations of items that we can use as team prizes, auction items or raffle prizes. Any goods or services will be most gratefully received, and the funds raised will go towards the running costs for our great swim squad. This year we will be joined by the Royal Far West who will be assisting in fundraising for the event, and will receive part of the funds raised on the night. Please contact Ian (0142 331530 or ugoboyo@gmail.com) if you are able to donate something of value.

B&B Swim School

Next Saturday 29th March 10am – 11:30pm at Shelly Beach.

Cost is $30 and it’s limited to 15 people.

During the 90min session we will be covering how to swim with more efficiency, flow and speed! Includes filming of your current technique.

What to bring: swim togs (no skinny-dipping), cap, goggles, a wetsuit or rash vest depending on how susceptible you are to the cold water, sunscreen and water of the drinking variety.

If you would like to book in please call or email Sarah Anne on 0420 923 067 or info@pacificjules.com.au

B&B i-Log

Really if you haven’t been using the B&B i-Log then you must be new!!  Almost 75% 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 (This is not a link so please copy and paste into your email). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Staying safe

We have had seen the return of some serious waves and rips this past week!  Were you prepared? 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.

The Stats

Regulars:  96

Newbie:  3

Temp:   21.1degrees

Sunrise: 7.02 am

Sunset: 7.01 pm