A staggering 335 swimmers, including 40 (!!!) first-timers, joined us on this (slightly choppy) post-birthday Bold and Beautiful swim. Some of whom even heading on for the Saturday 6km badge swim.
Yes, B&B turned 5 yesterday! Look at us, so grown up!
However, growing up comes with responsibilities. Such as changing some long-loved habits, like using pen and paper to record your attendance. Yes, swimmers, it’s time to phase out our old paper-based way of tracking attendance!
Daily tick sheets for swimming groups around the world account for 15% of paper consumption globally. Every morning, an area the size of England is deforested to produce the paper for our attendance sheets. (facts may be exaggerated for dramatic effect).
If this doesnt convince you, here’s another reason – his name is Ian..
Every time you make a tick on those old-fashioned sheets of paper, Ian has to manually type up your name and enter it into the attendance database. He’s a slow typist, so the process takes him about 7 minutes per name. With up to 300 swimmers every morning and less than 50 regular app users, you do the math..
As a consequence of all this, his marriage is on the rocks, friends stopped calling him, and he’s suffering from advanced stage of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS):
Again, facts may be slightly exaggerated for dramatic effect. But you get my point.
So it’s pretty simple, really… start using the attendance app and save both the environment and what’s left of Ian’s social and family life! (details on how to get started at the bottom of this blog)
In a rare sign of unity, both Liberal and Labour are fully supportive of the B&B attendance app and have signed a memorandum of understanding to phase out the old-fashioned paper way of ticking before the next election:
”When it comes to the B&B attendance app, Bill and I are on a unity ticket” Tony Abbott said at a recent press conference.
Now, let’s take a look this morning’s swim and who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.
Nice – these swimmers are using the app. Not sure about Lesley’s hand gesture, but I believe she’s mumbling something along the lines of ‘yes, another swimmer converted to app!’
Naughty – Bruce is still using pen and paper.. tsk tsk..
Nice – Anne E has been one of our early app adopters. She says ‘using the app meant I had suddenly all this spare time in the morning, so I started helping out signing up new swimmers and handing out pink caps!’
Naughty – Chris and Greg really should know better. It is disappointing to see some of our most regular swimmers resisting change. Let’s hope naming and shaming will do the trick!
Ros trying to convince Greg of the advantages of using the attendance app..
Nice – both Helen and Jane are early adopters. The time saved by ticking via app is much better spent on posing for the blog camera. Well done girls!
Nice – Attracta showing us how to use the app from the convenience of your own picnic table.
Naughty – you know who you are.. tsk tsk..
Retha!!! Another regular swimmer.. caught red handed!
Lesley giving Retha a final warning and instructions on how to get registered for the app.
Nice – these girls have embraced the attendance app and are actively recruiting fellow swimmers to get onto it. Great job girls!
Naughty (Alex) and Nice (Simon).. despite being one of our most regular swimmers, Alex is still resisting change and insists on paper-based ticking. The threat of a spanking by Lesley seemed to back-fire and he now says he won’t register for the app until the spanking is administered.
App Testimonials:
Sarah A. from HK: ‘I love the attendance app. It fits perfectly with my busy jet-set lifestyle. I just landed in HK and ticked for the Bolderdash while waiting for my luggage. Easy.’
Hugh J. from LA: ‘I haven’t been swimming much lately, but love the idea of an attendance app. In fact, I feel strangely attracted to app-using female swimmers. In fact, on my next visit to Manly, I plan to go on a romantic date with every app-using female swimmer and Rusty!’
Alright, I think I made my point. So please folks, send an e-mail to Ian (details at the bottom of this blog) and get registered for the new way of ‘ticking’.
Save the Environment! Save Ian!
Let’s look at the rest of the morning and, yes, the actual swim.. beatifully captured by Nick.
Nice photo bomb Jane – there’s a woman who knows how to use the attendance app AND how to do a solid photo bomb! Respect.
Waiting at Shelly…
Let’s Go!!!
Our youngest swimmer today..
Always great to see families coming down for the swims on the weekend!
Once back at South Steyne, the apres-swim scene was in full swing..
Is it just me or has the Table of Knowledge been diluted by less knowledgable swimmers in recent weeks?
Midge getting her cuddles..
Jeff reminiscing, telling the younger swimmers how hard the swim was in the old days, before the ticking app made everything so much easier..
Bluewater old school..
Richard and daughter Sabrina, who joined us for her first B&B swim today. Welcome Sabrina!
Good luck to all the 6k swimmers today! Looked a bit choppy out there, so hope no one swallowed too much water.
At least 21 ticked for the 6k this morning. Maybe one of you can provide a short account in the comments section below.
Important Correction:
In yesterday’s blog, Nick, Friday blogger and fish photographer extraordinaire, wrongly credited Mahdi for providing us with the pink B&B swimming caps.
It is, however, Vicki Harbutt from Access Communications who kindly sponsors the B&B swimming caps.
Vicki Harbutt is a Director at Access Communications Pty Ltd. So if you (like most of us) are looking for a reliable importer, manufacturer and wholesaler of plugs, sockets, cables, adaptors and tools for Power, Telecommunications, Computer and Data products and installations – look no further and contact Vicki and her friendly team!
In his defence, Nick had a wild night out on Thursday (as he has most days) and was blogging with severe hangover.
The Stats:
Swimmers: 335!
Newbies: 40!
Water: 21.2c
Sunrise: 5:44am
Sunset: 8:08pm
That’s it folks! Don’t forget to register for the attendance app!
Signing off..
Lips, today with photographer sidekick Nick.
B&B Attendance Login App (!!!)
Come on folks – there are so many good reasons to use the B&B Login App. No queues, no need for glasses so you can find your name, and it is eco friendly. With the aim of becoming carbon neutral the B&B Login App reduces our paper consumption. Log your 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, 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. Happy clicking.
Summer badge swims
Every Saturday during summer there will be a 6km swim – usual route is to Freshwater and back; then once a month there is a 10km swim – this is to South Curl Curl and back. However, the final route depends on conditions that day so it is a good idea to arrive a little early to have a briefing from the designated swim leader. Both swims kick off at 7am.
The next 10km swim is scheduled for 11 January depending on conditions.
2014 B&B Calendar ON SALE NOW!!
Get one for yourself or pin it up at work. Give one to friends or send them overseas to the family back home. Only $15! BUY YOURS HERE NOW
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.
25 comments
Elaine de Jager
28/12/2013 at 12:47 pm
Hahahaha! What a great blog Rainer and it looks as if it didn’t take you all day! Hope Lesley enjoys her spanking. 40 newbies is fantastic! (Feel free to comment on your swim here guys!)Looks like Ted and I missed a great swim. Well done 6kmers!
Always Late Fifi
28/12/2013 at 12:50 pm
The 6.30 am 6km Swim Report:
It was choppy on the way up. When we were almost at Queenscliff, a jet-ski went past. This turned out to be someone called Rowan who was onto about his third lap of manly to Shelly. He was very fast. Matt Christie was the fastest in our group so he was the navigation aid.
At Freshwater, group consensus was not to drop banana skin into the ocean so I didn’t.
On the return journey, everyone swam on top of me and hit and scratched me. You would think with a whole ocean to swim in a person might get some space but no, Drinks had to get in my way. He is so mean. This made me swim off in a tantrum all the way to manly. When I arrived, I found out Jim and Max had been escorted by Dolphins. I would have been happy enough seeing that one single shark but these overachievers go and swim with 50 dolphins at once. (they said thousands but its a known fact neither of them can count)
Also, Midge gave everyone an earful every time she could get her mouth out of water. I dont know how she does it, its a skill I might have to work on.
The End.
(Thank God I apped today…)
Rusty
28/12/2013 at 12:58 pm
Very funny blog today Rainer. Had me laughing the whole way through. I am a keen and ready app user. Since using the app I have saved so much time. Last week I learnt Russian with the time I saved. Next week, Esperanto!
Better dash – Hugh is coming over for a deep tissue massage….
Jane
28/12/2013 at 1:09 pm
Loved the Blog and photos, boys. Will anyone DARE to do a paper tick after this? I’d be terrified of what Lesbubbles might do.
Jane
28/12/2013 at 1:11 pm
Loved the Blog and photos, boys. Will anyone DARE to do a paper tick after this? I’d be terrified of what Lesbubbles might do to them.
Jane
28/12/2013 at 1:15 pm
Great Blog and photos, boys. Will anyone DARE to do a manual tick after this? I’d be terrified of what Lesbubbles might do to them.
Jane
28/12/2013 at 1:23 pm
Great Blog and photos, boys. Will anyone DARE to do a manual tick after this? I’d be terrified of what Lesbubbles might do to them.
ros
28/12/2013 at 1:26 pm
I am one app-y app-er. I hope I convinced Greg to app along too. A group that swims together app-s together. An app in time saves nine. One good app deserves another. etc etc etc
JeffwithaJ
28/12/2013 at 1:26 pm
Congrats Lips on a very funny blog that dealt sensitively but directly with relevant social issues! U r a natural at it.
Alyson
28/12/2013 at 1:48 pm
Well if Hugh says the app is good then we had better use it!
Kate Martin
28/12/2013 at 3:00 pm
Great blog! My first ever 6km today, thanks Midge for staying with me! Kate
LSA aka HKTQ
28/12/2013 at 3:39 pm
Dear Appy,
Help! Serious withdrawal symptoms already!!
I’m so addicted to waking up and ticking all your items before I brush my teeth and stagger out to check the sunrise!
p.s. Great blog, Lips and thank you for including the two best testimonials:-)xxxx
Ian McKnight
28/12/2013 at 4:06 pm
Well the 7am 6Kms swimmers started as a group off the point ! I looked towards the “yellow” building on the Queenscliff headland and thought what have I got myself into ! !
We headed off towards our common goal, although I found myself being separated from the group and getting closer to the shore passing the North Steyne surf club I was a sea of emotions thinking I can’t do it, its to far, not enough training etc part of me saying just head for the shore ! nobody will notice, where is everybody ? ? ? finally seeing the peloton way off the headland all waiting for those who were lost or just stragglers. From here we were advised to head for another yellow building above the Freshwater pool, things seemed to get easier as I was off shore and more or less out of the choppy conditions. At Freshie the group came together again for the final leg home…… the downhill run ! no stopping or waiting now ! I headed off , the North Steyne surf club was 1 km from our goal of a “6km” badge ! what grown adults will do to pay $10 to get a scouts/girl guides proficiency badge, but we do it with gusto ! !
As I swam back it felt like somebody or something was moving the North Steyne club house further away, it was just interminable, then like being shot from a kids elastic band I was past it, home was in sight ! what a mountain ! !, but it was conquered ! we had set off as a group of 15 newbies, 15, 6k hero’s arrived back !
Thanks very much all of those people that go into the making of something we call “B & B”
JK
28/12/2013 at 4:16 pm
Nice blog Lips…nice photo bomb Sophia
Simon
28/12/2013 at 4:40 pm
6:03am 6k report
At 6.03 Clare, Jordon, Mark and I went in pursuit of Sterling and Sophie who left at 5:58 but we never saw them again until they turned up at the table of knowledge. At QC Mark returned as he had to go to work. The remaining 3 went on to Freshie then headed for home with Jordon taking a long s snake track route to catch the on shore drifts. We took a break at the club house to find Claire’s sister Ally as Jordon went home for babysitting duties. The remaining 3 took the scenic route to Shelly, meeting Lesley near the pool. We finally returned to Manly at 7.55 completing the 6k in less than two hours – not a bad workout as part of Claire’s preparation for the 20k Rottnest swim in Feb. Après swim, enjoyed Claire’s famous brownies, with strawberries, at the table of knowledge.
Jane
28/12/2013 at 5:12 pm
Great Blog and photos, boys. Will anyone DARE to do a manual tick after this? I’d be terrified of what Lesbubbles might do to them.
Jane
28/12/2013 at 5:16 pm
Well – nothing like saying it 5 times! The first 4 times (earlier today) nothing came up when I posted. Oh well, shows I really meant it!
Anna McC
28/12/2013 at 6:55 pm
True, Jane, true.
Lips, looks like you’ve found your calling writing the blog then. What a writing voice! Is this your first go?
Also, those accounts of the 6km are just brilliant.
Anne E
28/12/2013 at 7:13 pm
Elizabeth: Congratulations on your 6K swim. You’ve come an awfully long way from those first tentative swims from halfway. Good on you!
Rainer: Quit your day job.
All others: Change your tick to a click!
LSA aka HKTQ
28/12/2013 at 8:17 pm
Congratulations to all first-time 6Kers – special congrats to Elizabeth, Ian Mc and any of you who conquered lack of speed, navigation, shark phobias or other issues to get that badge:-))
Loved the reports!
Pacific Jules
28/12/2013 at 8:33 pm
Love your blog Rainer !! Lucky Magnus added a safety check in the app so you’ve got to be within reach of the swim to tick, we knew LSA would be trying her luck with an OS tick.
Can’t believe I left your name off my public list of thanks the other day. Grovel grovel – trying to make up for it now, but them’s the breaks hey, I knew that would happen but ya gotta take risks right 😉
Massive congratulations to all the 6km swimmers and as always especially the first timers.
Neil Richardson
28/12/2013 at 9:42 pm
I do envy you all I’m afraid, having just swum in a lake at 5C or less this morning! It’s wonderful to see from afar how B&B just goes from strength to strength and most important, has fun as well! Congratulations on 5 years and on the app technology! It’s just as well us past visitors can’t log our own swims for the Pacific Challenge through the app though, some of us would be very well up the list if we could!
I think my spell with the B&B in Nov 2012 inspired me to swim far more this year. The result is 1044 km swum this year, 766 of those in open water, so thank you very much for your encouragement last year.
A very happy swimmy New Year to you all from chilly, storm-lashed and very soggy England!
LSA aka HKTQ
28/12/2013 at 10:00 pm
Amazing achievement, Neil! You would be giving John 007 a run for his money if you could ‘app-on’:-)
When are you moving to Manly?
Alice
29/12/2013 at 12:06 am
Thanks for the 7am 6km summary Ian Mc. I would have to echo your words- it is an amazing feeling arriving at Freshwater harbourside pool and wondering how you got there… and how it all seemed a blur getting back. The quickest 2 hours- I remember my stomach rumbling about North Steyne ( on the return) Maybe a banana is the go FiFi?? Doesn’t it make you sea sick? BTW Ian Mc- I was a witness to see you swim the 6km today but I didn’t see you ticked as a 6km-just an “App”y man ! Thank God I used the App this morning!! Great blog Lips – Ian F should be a lot Appier tomorrow if they all follow your suggestions. Thanks for your words of encouragement LSA- and well done to Elizabeth- you legend!
Neil Richardson
02/01/2014 at 6:01 am
Thanks Sarah. As of now I’d be at #24, on 790 km if you counted all my open water swims to date towards the Pacific Challenge.
Living in the Manly area would be great in some ways but realistically I don’t think there’s any way I could get long term residency. That’s apart from the need to keep on earning a living. I’ll have to be satisfied with visits every few years. Nice dream though!