500kms Strong

95 swimmers took to the water today, but it was all about celebrating Mr 500kms – Scotty Mellis. He had thrown down the gauntlet, offering a free coffee to anyone who could beat him. By the end of the swim, he was shouting himself a coffee. Too strong. Too fast. Too skillful. Too hairy.

It was a cracking morning. Here is a stylised shot of the sun coming up today. Water was 20.9 degrees.

Pre swim, the A-team gathered to discuss the upcoming Winter Triple Crown – 3 days over the June long weekend of gentle racing. Shocking flouting of the B&B spirit. Having narrowly won the Easter Tripe Crown… I have a big target on my back. The Spaniard though is shaping up as the favourite on his return from doing peacemaking in Columbia.

Arabella enjoyed her 1,500m swim today. Did you know that the Bishop and Arabella were at Primary School together? Good old Pymble Public… Learn to Live was the school motto. Arabella used to star in the school musical while the Bishop spent some time in the naughty corner. And here we are 25 years on… still friends… still learning to live!

Finally here is a great shot of JAWS who was spotted eating Drinksy at 6:30pm this morning. He was a great guy, full of joy and encouragements. Hopefully they can put him back together again up at Manly Hospital and he will return again tomorrow.

Finally, finally, dont forget it is the Salvation Army Red Shield appeal this weekend. Having just come from their daily community meal for the needy, I can vouch for the incredible good work they do. So don’t be stingy, give them some notes, pineapple in colour at least. Especially you folk who live on swanky Eastern Hill. You know who I am talking about…

Bottom of the Blog – the very useful stuff

Winter Badge season is coming – kicks off 1 June.

There are 14 weeks in the winter season.  To qualify for the prized Cold & Bold Badge you simply need to swim 20 times within the season ensuring you have swum in a minimum of 7 different weeks.  So, attempting to do it all in the first few weeks does not count!!

Also on Sunday 1 June, to mark the first winter swim, we will be hosting our own Biggest Morning Tea after the swim at the benches.  Funds from this morning tea will go to cancer research ‘cause you never know if you or someone you love will one day be a beneficiary of this work.  Onesie wearing is strongly encouraged.

How about a Wetpatch?

The eagle eyed among you will notice a new addition to the B&B website.  Wetpatch are makers of car seat protectors – perfect for the B&B swimmer on the go.  As this is a product best seen ‘in the flesh’ the makers will have a display after the swim on Sunday 25 May.  You will be able to purchase there and then and receive a B&B discount too!

The Biggest Morning Tea ever

Help B&B regular Miguel Maestre (aka the Crazy Bull) fight cancer this May and June, and make this year’s Biggest Morning Tea the biggest ever!  Please share his video or maybe even organise one with as many friends as possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqn8zLeMJZk&list=UUoqsI4BQjKoFanMQOy5VEIw

B&B i-Log

Really if you haven’t been using the B&B i-Log then you must be new!!  Almost 75% of swimmers are now using the B&B i-Log. Log your swim ANYTIME of day using this really efficient and 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 (This is not a link so please copy and paste into your email). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Staying safe

We have had seen the return of some serious waves and rips this past week!  Were you prepared? 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.