Everything changed. Instead of swimming as a synchronised group. We split into individual cells. The rule book turned to anarchy. No longer the rush to 7am, the 8 minute half way wait in arctic waters. We rebelled. We go when we want. Today we need to take the next step in self-expression, sacrifice...

It’s been a while since we have had upper management guide us swimmers out with the “safety first” spiel ! I miss those pre pandemic days of JK and Ian standing on the wall, delivering speeches of “walk to half way” and “ swim at your own risk!!!” As well as “ it’s bloody cold in...

Siyabona CTB the gift that keeps on giving. Today was no exception – a beautiful moody blues view greeted us … what’s not to like. And a great place to find joy first thing in the morning.   One of our golden legends Errol posed for me. He recovered from a stroke and still finds...

You had to be down at the beach by 6.30am this morning to see the amazing light show. It was spectacular! I always try not to miss the half hour before and after sunrise and had to jump up from yoga on the beach to photograph this! The Drinks Express got to swim under that...

Classic shot  29 minutes before sunrise.     Just for you Lucy! And yes Brad won the 6:30 express. Bootie before sunrise.     Happy 55th Emma & fans.     Lyndal’s scone recipe “1 1 3 2oo 10”     6.29 drinkless express. Smile.     The 6:31 crowd.     Capless took his...

  Sally sits with us today, surveying the glassy swell. Lyndsay talks to me about how the crisp morning reminds her of the Kaipara at dawn. Christine brings a smile with her wit and sharp observations much like her son. Kristine frowns with her daughter’s dubious decisions, with Christine knowingly nodding along. Lavinia consults the...

On days like today, I don’t turn up to Manly Beach anymore. I park at Shelly and start my swim there. Jon went back to the beach though and took some photos for me of the surf and swell there. Lots of surfers, some brave swimmers , lots of fun too I imagine for those...

I entered through the waves today. At Shelly! They were big. There I found some excellent swimmers       What sea is this? was it only last week I was looking at green sea grass calmly at this point?   Ted, Roz, Georgina and David heading off for a swim     David and...

Today’s conditions in the water and out of the water were challenging, but the water is still warm – in the 20s.  The swell was up and the water was murky.  At 6:15 it was still dark:   We walked to Shelly to swim to the point from there. On the walk back from our...

Well our sunny days had to end at some stage….  Wednesday brought moody skies and here comes the rain!    However, we still swim, as swimming in the rain can be very therapeutic, calming, meditative watching raindrops on water…  and we are wet anyway!   air temperature at 7am 15.7 degrees water temperature 20.9 degrees...