26 January – Our little swim has a big Australia Day

On Australia Day, half of the country attend either an organised community event, or get together with family and friends to celebrate. So it’s no surprise that Australia Day is the biggest swim of the year for our little community and 750 swimmers celebrated with us today. It all begins with the largest group of almost dressed people singing the anthem…here’s a shot from our paparazzi Lainey…

And then we attempt to dodge each other in the ocean…. fortunately today the conditions were perfect…

We come together as a nation, and as a suburb, to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian – great people and the beautiful landscapes. And surely the welcoming visitors get when they come to B&B is a wonderful example of that, and our Cabbage Tree Bay is what is best about Australian geography.

People have different ways of celebrating, some like the Southern Cross….

Others catch up with good mates…

Some like extra sun protection…

And then there’s the safety in numbers approach…

Even the A team enjoy the day after a hard race…

Then there’s the always popular father son celebrating…

And thank you Mike for this great shot

Let’s take a moment to be grateful for our little bit of this great big Australia Day,

and lets wave the flag for little part of a great big Australia Day…

Stats

Have a great big Australia Day,

Pete Anthony

PS: Extra dates for your diary…

• January 27^th– National Nippers Carnival at Manly – we will be swimming from Shelly to the point and then back as Manly beach will be busy, early with set up and the Manly LSC have asked for our cooperation.
• January 28^th– Manly Carnival – same as above starting at Shelly and returning to there.
• January 29th Lost and Found Jumble Sale
• February 5^th– Cole Classic – we will expect to start once again from Shelly and return there.
• Manly LSC have asked for volunteers from B&B to assist on any and all of the 27^th, 28^th and 5^th   They are looking for help from individuals or groups who can assist with things like the BBQ, merchandising, booking people in, helping with storage of clothing etc.  If you would like to help with or without friends please send an email to volunteer@manlylsc.com or talk to management and we can point you in the right direction.  Please help if you can as they appreciated the assistance given last year and we would like to support the club.

New B&B Budgy Smugglers – HERE NOW

The new B&B Budgy Smugglers are now available on line from the Budgy Smuggler website. Remember, part of the profit from the sale of our swimwear range goes to the Royal Far West. Here’s where to go to order them:

Mens: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/mens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful.html

Womens Bottoms: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-bottoms.html

Womens Sports Tops: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-sports-top.html

Womens one-piece swimmers will be available in January.

Budgy Smuggler creates 100% Australian made swimwear.

Available for Men, Women and Kids – it’s the perfect stocking filler this Christmas!

Shop at: www.budgysmuggler.com.au

While we are celebrating lets reflect on how it all began. Below is a link to a fantastic interview that one of our originals, Jenny Knapman did for Sydney Living Museums regarding the B&B.  Have a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddNJ_uVnbZY&index=5&list=PLSsPkdTEfOpnHLFsWnk1Imm_pI7XHaxf3

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.