Hello to all the bold and beautiful friends who got out of bed early to hurl themselves into the 22.5 degree briny depths this Sunday morning. All 620 of us, including 60 newbies including several family groups. Welcome newbies, I hope the early start was worth it and that we’ll see you again.
I arrived just in time to catch these 6:30 swimmers heading out
while Roz headed out alone a little later
Here are some of the 60 newbies that Anne and the management committee inducted into the B&B
And this lovely old doggie waiting patiently for her human parent
As usual, the majority of swimmers headed off at 7am, but first some tactical discussions – very important
Is this headwear placement a new fashion statement?
And is that a Barmy Army shirt? It proves we don’t discriminate.
Spotted Elizabeth and Gillian happily anticipating today’s swim (complete with blog tart – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree)
We’re famous! The paparazzi are here
I spotted Paul as I was heading into the water. He looked a bit cold. That’s because he’d already swum a double by 7am
Toni and Jackson Browne on their inaugural crossing
Also Sascha and Andy
Waiting for the lets go
On the way back some headed off the starting blocks while others chose to wait and take a leisurely scenic route (can you see the paps in the background?)
Were there fish? Of course there were fish
Strategies were reviewed and refined post swim
The WOWs and David exuding a post swim glow
This was handed in today. It’s with lost property. See Management at the Faraway Tree
I’m going to say something now that may be a little contentious and controversial (and it’s a personal perspective). We have many, many swimmers mainly quite close together and while every person is responsible for their own safety can we all please be aware of people around us? Over the past few weeks I’ve heard too many stories of head on collisions and the impact of breaststroke kicks. Head-ons can cause chipped teeth, disorientation, pain and worse; breastroke kicks hurt. Lots. Might I very humbly suggest a look ahead every few strokes in order to avoid the dreaded head-on, and if you are swimming in a crowd and have to stop, before executing the dreaded breastroke kick make sure it isn’t going to come into contact with anyone else’s body parts? Thanks!
Next Friday, 26 January Lainey and Roz will be running a cake stall in aid of Australians for Women’s Health Hospital for Women and Babies. If you feel like contributing some yummy baked goods or consuming the same for a few dollars that would be great. Both healthy and indulgent items will be on offer.
Summer 10km swim
The proposed day for the next 10km swim is Saturday 10 February at 7am,. Swimmers are required to bring their own food/drink requirements which can be left at Manly. The swim is dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions. Remember to be sensible as no badge is worth putting yourself and others in danger.
Volunteers Needed
The upcoming Cole Classic is coming to Manly and the surf club wishes to apply as many Bronze Medallion qualified lifesavers as they can to water safety. Those interested and able to help out with the running of this years event – if you can donate any time to help with beach side activities such as bag control, registrations, lost children etc.
Can you please email our own Jim Stackpool who will coordinate with club? email Jim – jjs@scat.com.au or talk to him during the swim.
Ask at the desk to point out Jim if you do not know him.
8 comments
Elizabeth
21/01/2018 at 4:48 pm
Love your work Anne. Let’s ban breastroke when there is a crowd or reserve it for people with weal legs only. A kick in the torso by strong legs doing breastroke hurts. Those fish look great
Edwina harrison
21/01/2018 at 6:08 pm
Jonathan is becoming a regular photo bomber- it’s great 😍 and yes becoming aware of others helps, so does snorkelling 😉👍
roger
21/01/2018 at 6:55 pm
So you’re still alive, Wina. Isn’t there a red dust river in Alice you can go wading in?
Lainey
21/01/2018 at 9:22 pm
Great blog Anne, a bit of everything and good reminder about being careful for collisions and stopping to say ‘sorry’ or ‘are you ok?’. Would be great if some of the new swimmers would comment at bottom of blog as we love to get feedback and bloggers volunteer their time. Thanks for mentioning cake stall Australia Day too!
ian the slowest
21/01/2018 at 9:56 pm
I agree with the breast-stroke comments/warning and advice.
About 30 yrs ago in manly pool when I was recovering from neck problem and cruising beside the lap swimmers lanes, a young 18 yr old fellow unleashed a breast-stroke kick as he took off to chase a water polo ball he was passing around with some friends. His kick hit me square in the ribs as I was rolled slightly in that direction to breath. It cracked my ribs and I was in pain for a week until it healed. I thank my lucky stars that it did not smash my face and teeth which it could easily have done with much more painful and expensive consequences.
If it becomes necessary to stop to get bearings or a bit of a rest in open water swims like our BnB swims, a water polo type tread water action with legs and arms works well and feet are deep where it usually won’t hit people.
When thinking of stopping while in a bunch of swimmers, looking rearwards when turning your head to breath (one or both sides) can let you see what is all around before doing anything that can endanger fellow swimmers.
Also if wanting to look ahead with raised head, a gentle scissor kick can work ok as in water polo swim mode.
Even better for steering along a long open water leg, is to look forward occasionally, maybe every 5 to 10 strokes. This is easily done with no disruption to your swimming by looking slightly forward at the last part of your breathing head turn just before the usual looking down between breaths.
Part of this steering / navigating involves picking an easy to see land mark above and near the point you are aiming for, such as the left side of the large white building at Manly for the swim from Shelly back to Manly Beach.
Edwina harrison
21/01/2018 at 10:33 pm
Roger I’ll show you the river in a photo 😂👍 and I swim in the town pool 🏊♀️
Joao
22/01/2018 at 8:35 am
Well said! There are few people trying to make their way through 300 people swimming in the opositor direction… I had a few near misses recently…. specially when swimming to Shelly facing the sun, even when we look up, we can’t see anything…
although the backstroke kick is not advisable, there are all levels of swimmer with a great variety of experience and sthrength… some can’t swim all the way without stopping… and I agree, both are very dangerous…
Elizabeth X
25/01/2018 at 10:34 pm
Brilliant tips Ian, might get a demo next time I see you. Also well raised Anne. Usually because I am well behind or over on the scenic route I don’t face these dangers like stray head-on kicks thankfully