I wake to a roar, 5km from the beach. Guy’s post talks of calmer waters. Say Yes to health & inner peace. Played in the waves for 45 minutes today. 2 Surfers turned into 200 and I exited. Chat to Trooper who was muttering something about surfer free zones. She’ll only come out at night...

Wednesday 24th July – the week the upwelling made a triumphant return to Manly after a year or so away  – testing our resilience, our mind set, and our bravery (or craziness)… also, upwelling sounds a little like a horror movie, and for some, it probably felt like it as we battled through gritted teeth,...

Those were the words used to describe the conditions today. The swell was kinder than yesterday’s but was still some fun / challenge to be had heading out 7 O’Clock! Super athlete Merrilee back from The Aussies, missed a gold by a fingernail Napoleon reasserting his top dog status after a holiday down the South...

The 6am crazies. Flashes of Phosphorescence from the point. Clear skies still full of stars. We talk nautical dawn, an optimistic take on a pitch black night. Frangi picks out his beanie based on the emerging sky colour. Or is it the other way around. With his hand suspiciously in his bag, he tried to...

2 weeks on from the greatest swim of the year, we return to Shelly. A roaring southerly wind whips us, glad we’re not naked this time. No pagan orgy either. I forget my towel. The 6am swimming headlights head back to Manly as we arrive. Still dark, no-one here, (didn’t the dinghys get removed?), and...

Wednesday 3rd July –   Few swimmers dragged themselves (or was that joyfully leapt?) out of warm beds today – however those who braved the arctic vortex were rewarded.  After a cold, rainy, wintery pre dawn, the clouds parted as though on cue at 7am to reveal a bright orange ball of light and energy, painting...

Orange, blue, sharp lines, gathering crowds. The boys on the bench chatter. if you choose, choose to be happy…. Cold hands, warm hearts today. I’m sure it’s warmer in the water than when Guy measures at 2am. The 6am crazies. Flashes of Phosphorescence from the point. Clear skies still full of stars. We talk nautical...

Jen said, “I like this shot”. So I’ll add three more Jen shots. 5.53 stars. I swam north coach Brett’s 6.01 squad. (Session – sprints to the trident& return counting our strokes 200, 150, 100, 50, 200, 150, 100, 50). Sunshine@6.42. B&B management & 6.45. Hot & cold bootie. Andre’s socks. Robbie & Jo warmed...

Another superb morning today. So many other people agreed. There must have been thousands at 630 and 7 am combined – I stopped counting at 50. But while i find swimmers to be fantastic people and smart and good looking, as a blogger, I sometimes wonder if they could think of others. I am trying...

Crowded @6am I swam north with Ali Brett & David. The others went to Shelly with Jo. Jen Ellen Hamer & Cameron Troy 17.9 degrees. 3 girls escaped the bootie pushups. Craig Riddington hot shower. Trish cycled home. Caroline Giardina used Jimmy’s hot bucket. Lisa & besties. David Panton & Louise Farrelly. Tim Giovanelli &...