23/05/2015 – The importance of breath

All week swimmers have been telling me about the superb conditions; calm seas, clear water, great fish sightings. . . I say ‘telling’, because as I was preparing for the carpark to ferry dash, blissed out swimmers were returning to their cars sporting that post-swim messy hair look and big smiles. “You should have seen it today! Awesome.” Thanks!!

So today I arrived with high expectations.  The crowd is definitely thinning.  Can you believe the Winter badge season starts in 9 days!  This is the true test of resilience for the ocean swimmer.

Wetsuits are the suit de mode.  Mind you at 20.5 degrees it really isn’t cold – yet.

The horizon is messy – the clear indication of a very strong southerly swell!  Looking in the direction of Queenscliff, huge powerful surf crashes against the rocks.

We are fortunate in our little bay, that the southerly swell (mostly) misses us.

However, there were waves.  Some swimmers love them; for others the waves are literally breath taking as they loom over you.  Do you go over the top, or do you have to dive? This is where the importance of breath comes in. Don’t forget to keep those lungs moving and control your breathing.  As numerous yoga teaches have told me, control the breath and you will control the mind.  A steady breath will stop you from panicking.  I mention this because even after nearly five years of swimming with the B&B, going out through the waves is my greatest challenge.  I also know after five years’ worth of conversations in the change room, I’m not the only one.

Good to see Dave fully awake and sharing the morning with Sterling.

As visibility was no more than an arm’s length, no sightings of interesting marine life. I did notice this swimmer keeping a low profile as they slipped into Shelly.

Lovely Anne is enjoying a penultimate swim before heading overseas.

Not sure what is happening here. . .

Always great to see Sparkles and Sharnie 🙂

When the sun made its appearance, it was delightful hanging out at the benches.  Meagan demonstrates the importance of snuggling up to something warm in cold weather – question is, what do you do once the coffee is finished?

John gives Rob tips on what to do in Tokyo – is everyone going overseas?

Michael is happy post double, and the ladies of the benches are always in fine form.

Have a great Saturday.

Mary

Next B&B Dinner is not Annie the Musical, but Annie Sophia the Stylist!  Watch this space for more details.

Management takes off. . .

Tomorrow is the last swim for Anne for three weeks and for JK for four weeks. As you all know, Ian is in foreign parts for at least another two months.

There is a roster of people looking after welcoming duties.  Just one request, if regular swimmers can direct newbies to the sign-in sheet and offer assistance to the Welcome Person each day that would be great. The Welcome Squad is Elizabeth Stewart, Inge, Jill, Shaun (DWSS), Simon.

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.

The Stats

Regulars:     92

Newbies:     0

Temp:           20.5

Sunrise:       6.45am

Sunset:         4.58pm