26/11/2013 – Large and powerful

Today’s title comes courtesy of the weather bureau.  In that hazy realm somewhere between asleep and awake, the radio’s surf report was telling me that the surf conditions were considered big and dangerous or large and powerful.  It’s Tuesday; blog day so I am committed to turning up – no matter the conditions!!

A parking spot on the beach front indicates that the warnings have kept the feint hearted away.  But as I look towards the point I wonder what is so dangerous, or powerful that we should reconsider our daily swim?

The surf didn’t seem to fit the description, so perhaps the deterrent was on shore?  Can you see anything dangerous?

Not this handsome fellow.  Describing himself as an old fashioned guy – which is why he is ticking and not using the very funky Login App – would hardly qualify as ‘dangerous’ don’t you think?

No matter, we make for the surf as we are such a stoic bunch.

Could the danger be below the surface?  Visibility was tragic, but I snuck up on this big and powerful creature. . .

As a collective, the B&B can also be big, powerful,  most certainly large but more noisy than dangerous.

The Shelly boot camp shows off their powerful frames – and bums!

Lesley does her best to find a big wave.

We also had a sweet treat following the swim.  A huge box of delicious mini cupcakes was given to us by Kath’s Cupcakery (www.kathyscupcakery.com).  Very much appreciated after the rigours of an ocean swim.  The array of flavours meant the need for seconds and thirds.  Salted caramel was particularly popular.

Kath donates 10 cents from every cake to Lifeline.

Well, if we can’t see the danger, then we must be mad. . .

Get in quick to join all the other Mad Hatter’s at this year’s Christmas Party.  All the best people will be there.  Will that include you?

Have a great day.

Mary

Competing B&Bers

A big posse took part in Challenge Forster this past weekend to race at both the sprint and the full half ironman distance. One of the guys raced in his B&B budgies! Needlless to say after 90km on the bike and half marathon, he was chaffing a bit 🙂

People who raced were Sarah Anne and fellow PJ swim coach Warren, Steve Bell, Rich Harrison, Chris Cordwell, Sabine Homrighausen, Dr John, Iain Lidell, Nadine Lafleur, Adrian Wright, Isabell Beck, Tom Lee and loads of others you may recognise from the group photo.

B&B “Mad Hatters” Christmas Party

The B & B “Mad Hatters” Christmas Party will be held on Tuesday 3rd 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). Wear your craziest hat or other headwear. No need to be shy as we will have the whole bar to ourselves. Finger food will be provided and drinks will be at bar prices. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with a band featuring one of our very own swimmers. Come along to find out who it is. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Don’t miss out. Bookings are essential. Book HERE now so you don’t miss out!

B&B Attendance Login App

The B&B Attendance Login App is the perfect way to avoid queues!! Log your swim (only if you did swim), between 5am and 9am for the easy way to ensure your swim is recorded in the daily attendance and on the Pacific Challenge.

To get started, please 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.  No badge, but bragging rights for being an early adopter.  Happy clicking.

Badges, badges and more badges!!

Summer Badge season is just a couple of weeks away!! The sign of a committed ocean swimmer is a B&B 6km or 10km Summer Badge.  The 6km swims take place every Saturday in summer.  The first 10km swim is proposed to be held on 14 December.

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.

The Stats

Regulars:  96

Newbie:  0

Temp:   19.8 degrees

Sunrise: 5.39am

Sunset: 7.46pm