I have very often read the bottom of the blog. I swim within my capabilities. However, somehow, today I scared myself silly because the waves did seem a lot bigger at 7 am than just before.

There were lots of swimmers gathering to get in a weekend swim, inch toward a badge, relax or just improve their wave entry.

 

 

 

 

Good thing I got John and the crew from Eastern Shelly Beach on land because I did not make it before they left Shelly. The belong to a different faction to me – stay warm until you get in thereby risking cold shock because of the warm skin and cooler water. I think it is better to be cold for longer and have a smaller temperature adjustment as you get in. Although it was all academic in th warm waters today

 

Anne and Sophia Inge and I spoke to Robyn about the 7 am wave phenomenon – check for sets, watch the waves , swim into the wave etc BUT note that at 7 am there is always a freakishly large wave

 

You can get a swim cap for free

 

 

 

 

 

Wendy Veena and Belinda

 

 

 

Encounters with the early swimmers

 

 

Andrew may have been describing the visibility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jimbled but still smiling!

 

 

 

the sun above the waves – blurry photo but you get the idea

 

At the point: goggles on and a spare, in case

 

Nice swimmers who are ok with the waves. Good to talk to calm people

 

after setting off early but dilly-dallying with the waves, I only got to Shelly after the let’s go

 

but I got a photo of Shelly (thanks!)

 

And a photo at Shelly – Inez, Jenn Bryan, Peter  and Kaye doing one of their many laps.

 

Then Paul who is one of 4 swimming together. The others could not wait

 

Apparently soft crashing waves can still tumble if you are closing your eyes and not watching what is going on

 

After the excitement (for me) of getting back in, calm reflections on the sand

 

 

Temp: tropical (see)

swimmers: about 100

 

Question: why do some jimble stings leave scars and others do not? Are there mutants? Why do people say that jimbles flee from sun but I was chased by some IN THE SUNNY part of the bay today? Jimbles mutating?

 

What I have been reading: still going with Annie Proulx’s Barkskins. Now, to have a holiday from that pretty long but well written book, I started Elizabeth Strout’s book Äbide with Me. She  wrote Olive Kitteridge which was great and this is also really enjoyable.

 

Swim technique

 

This week I have been considering improvement of my technique by focusing on exercises that support a good stroke but I think it will be a little while before I can do one:

Swim Strength Training Exercises

image: http://cdn.triathlon.competitor.com/files/2013/03/swimworkouts1-397×421.jpg

Functional exercises to strengthen your stroke this season.

Add these functional exercises to your pre-season routine to build stroke power and a strong core. Focus on good technique and proper body position. If you can only do two reps with perfect form, take a 20–30-second break, then try two more.

Plank Row

Grab a dumbbell in each hand in a plank position. Keep knees or feet hip-width apart for balance and stability. Lean body weight onto left arm and lift the right dumbbell off the floor. Use a “row” motion to pull dumbbell up to the side of your body. Do not rotate torso; keep chest facing the floor. Slowly lower dumbbell, transfer body weight, and repeat with the left arm.

Beginner: Legs bent, balance on knees

Advanced: Legs straight,
balance on toes

Reps: 10 rows each arm. Adjust weights as necessary to complete set with proper form

Read more at http://triathlon.competitor.com/2015/03/training/swim-strength-training-exercises_72771#gTz4wMMFIbReZYTj.99

Warning – only read the following if feeling robust:  Rhythm/ Tempo is important and I sought help to find a better tune than the theme from Game of Thrones because it was getting boring. Lesley offered a suggestion which made me think Game of Throne was pretty ok. Her advice: “Don’t think you can go past Russ Abbot’s “You canny shove yer granny off a bus”. It’s been getting me across Cabbage Tree Bay and back for the last week. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=kL4oocUKabU”

 

Staying safe – a timely reminder!
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.

WWW badge. We are up to week 6. Get down to the beach
Please be aware that to obtain the coveted WWW badge, the only part of the body that is allowed to be covered by wet suit material.  Are the feet (booties allowed).  Apart from the feet, the body should be covered in non-wet suit material.

Also, a reminder that the philosophy of the B&B group is that we are a group activity and that swims are only to be logged for swims made between the hours of 6am and the final 7am swim (or double or triple or other sanctioned swims).
Swims are not to be logged outside of these times for social and safety reasons.  Management.

[Bottom of the blog notices courtesy of Roger. Thanks]

Trivia Night – Next Tuesday at Steyne pub

If you missed out on tix for next Tuesday night, don’t forget to come along and watch from the bar that sits right there next to the Trivia Night space.

 

B & B Fundraising Trivia Night
Venue: The Steyne Hotel
Date:    next Tuesday  –  12th July – 6.30 pm

MEN’S WORK

Men’s Wellbeing (Qld-based) invites all Sydney men to the next Common Ground men’s group starting on 30 July.  Common Ground is a program run by men, for men.  We’ve been running Common Ground for 15 years and we know it works, because men (and their partners) rave about the program.  There are profound benefits when men have the opportunity to discuss with other men the things that matter, and have the conversations that they need to have.

(Anyone with questions please feel free to chat with me – I did the course in Byron Bay 14 years ago – Roger Harvey)

This Common Ground will run on the Northern Beaches over two weekends: 30-31 July and 20-21 August.

We are still building our networks in Sydney, so your help in spreading the word can make a big difference. If you know someone who might enjoy a new men’s group why not let them know?  For more info – talk to Matty on 0419 172 890 or emailmatthew.cuttler@menswellbeing.org

 

————

*Manly Surf Club Season Opening Party*
Season-starting Party for the Manly Surf Club will be held upstairs at the
Steyne Hotel on Saturday 6th August.  Featuring the band Triple
Shot … with a live auction also lined up!

Tickets are $50 or 2 for $80  (includes food and 3 free drinks)

Tickets can be bought here: http://manly-lsc.myshopify.com/products/tickets-mlsc-season-opener

 

———————

Spare a thought for the people caught up in violence in the USA. I have been thinking of it more than usual because my lovely daughter Miranda is on a school excursion and was in Texas until this morning. My thoughts are with the people who have been touched by these awful events.

 

Have a lovely day from Elizabeth Stewart. photo from the Six Foot Track with my husband Malcolm who likes bushwalking