Mornin’ all. Inner Westies here. And what a gorgeous swim this morning. Sun and a cloudless sky after yesterday’s storms. The water was pretty clear and so warm – 23.3. About 14 newbies and 215 swimmers.  Here are some announcements up front: The Monthly Dinner is back – Guest Speaker! The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will...

A virgin blog, written in Cammeray published January 30th, a Saturday. Manly was at her beautiful best, filled with runners, paddlers and the rest.   Ian was there, John was too, greeting the newbies, as they do.   Fifteen new recruits signed their name, joining the Pacific Challenge Hall of Fame. South African Quinton came...

A nice morning for a swim. i did not catch the 6.30 swimmers on their way in. Here are some of the 7 am swimmers getting ready to go in   Henrietta with a newbie. I had a blue bottle encounter which spilled her name from my memory but welcome   Some swimmers with a...

Yet another day of strong currents and miserable weather, which meant only the hard cores ventured into the water this morning.  A group did venture over to harbourside while everyone else contemplated what to do. Management advised swimmers that an entry from half way would be a sensible approach – “none of the 6.30’s have...

Sorry quickie blog today, very busy !     Not sure it was announced yesterday, but apparently we had 70 Newbies yesterday, That’s got to be an all time high !     Is it the camaraderie of the B&Bers & wanting to be on the blog but just whip a camera out, and within...

Happy Australia Day everyone! Apologies if I’m in too many photos today. We were missing a blogger as poor old Brian was up half the night on SES duty. It was a magnificent photo taking opportunity day anyway so I didn’t mind blogging. (Lots of people insisted I get in photos as I was dressed...

Today we swam from Shelly because of the Nipper national Carnival and to avoid the IRB traffic. Stats: 170+ swimmers, 6 Newbies, Temp 23.6 degres C N.B. 1. Tomorrow is Australia Day so please arrive early and wait on the beach before the swim to avoid congestion on the promenade. 2. Bring a gold coin to donate to the Royal Far...

Mornin’ all. Inner Westies here. Surf was up today.  Choppy waves and a big rip. Lots of us walked to the steps. Before I launch into today, announcements first. AUSTRALIA DAY SWIM NOTICE Could all experienced BnBers swimming on Tuesday please swim wide to help reign in any outliers expected in the big crowd… JK can’t...

Manly is where it’s at today, with the Manly Open Carnival on from 8am-5pm. Get on down here and watch these amazing people in action.  Due to the Carnival, the Bold and Beautiful started at Shelly Beach and swam to the point and back.  (we like to mix it up) Here is a pic of...

I am worried when I see board riders at the beach when I arrive. I like board riders and marvel at their skill BUT it means waves and I may not be able to get in at the beach. The waves were ok but I was worried about diving under them because of all the seaweed!....