Friday 1 December 2017 Summer and Challenges

Pretty challenging today

It is great to be alive. I am always reminded of that when I see the sea. Last week our Karen and Maryanne swam in the Coogee Island Challenge having done it last year in quite challenging conditions. Look at the smiles and enthusiasm

Sarah also came back to swim the Coogee Island Challenge after debut last year, for the 2.4 this time. What a blast. as you know our Fiona won her category and got a prize towel. Jeremy, Ross, Alisdair, Paul and lots of other BB swam there too. Lucky Coogee to have such august visitors.

And now HAPPY SUMMER. To all of these swimmers. Early swimmer already out by the time the rest were starting

Fiona and Nikki

at the A team tree

Rapt attention to JK’s announcement

Near the A team tree: the A team

Announcement today – it was a tough rip that you could but did not have to negotiate. Swim to your capability

Happy birthday Jane – who I found in the middle of the bay and we sang Happy Birthday and she did the let’s go!!!

cake back on shore


Lots of seagulls out today. Not usually though. what does it mean

260 swimmers

5 newbies

20.2 degrees

You know 1 December means badge swims. see below  for details but also  see this old clip of plans about the eventual badge ceremony

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zwMyHkMJUUQ

As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, management thought that it would be a good time to clarify what it takes to earn a badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:

• The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturdaymorning generally starting with the 7 am The first 6 km swim will be on Saturday 2nd December.
• There is a 10 km swim once a month over summer also generally starting with the 7 am Dates for these will be announced in the blog. The first will be on December 16th.
• If these swims are too long for you, you can try a Triple Manly to Shelly swim any dayduring Summer (distance 3.5 km) from 6.30 or 7 am.

You will earn a badge if you complete these swims and log them in iLog. The system will only record authorised 6K or 10K swims that are logged on the appropriate days. Badges will be presented at the Summer Badge Ceremony in March. If you are unsure of the routes and protocols for these swims, please ask at the desk before you swim. When swimming these longer distances, we request that, for safety reasons, you stay with the group. We also request that you do not swim in dangerous conditions. The quest for a little cloth badge is not worth putting your life at risk.

Enjoy your swimming.

Donations wanted

As usual at the Xmas Party, we will be raising money for the Royal Far West as well as for B&B. This year RFW have some amazing prizes which will be auctioned on the night, including fantastic accommodation packages. We would also be grateful to have additional prizes to be auctioned, so if you have something special that you are happy to donate for the auction, please contact Ian (ugoboyo@gmail.com).

Help  country kids learn how to surf!

Each Thursday in December we are looking for volunteers to help Royal Far West’s country kids learn how to surf.  These children are from all over the state, for many of them it is their first time to Sydney and for most of them it will be the first time they have surfed! The age range is 9 years to 17 years. . The times are 4pm – 6pm once a week. If you can volunteer some afternoons in that time (it doesn’t have to be every week) please contact Anna Bowden on 89668597 or email annab@royalfarwest.org.au. A working with children check is required

SUMMER SWIMS with Bondy

First Six km Summer Swim

Next Saturday – 2nd Dec @ 7am.

Then most 6 kms will be Saturdays Dec to Feb.
Proposed 10km swim on Sat 16th Dec at 7am.
Note: Swimmers for 10km are required to bring their own food drink requirements to be left at Manly.
ALL swims are dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions.

What I have been reading

An Accidental Death, A DC smith series. Passable easy reading for a busy time of the eyar