Friday 19 August 2016 – Seven Habits of Highly Effective Ocean Swimmers (and me, Wannabe Ocean Swimmer)

I have not been swimming for a while. I sort of forgot my routine and what I needed to do to get to the swim and then on to work. It is good to have good habits. I have been told that getting rid of bad habits can only happen if you replace them with good habits. So here is a guide.

1. Be proactive. Get down to Manly for the BB swim. Do it as often as you can. Try different conditions and different seasons. And stretch so you can get the best out of your stroke

 

2. Begin with the end in mind. Look what  fabulous smile the thought of swimming to Shelly and back brings

 

Ross has lots of experience with ocean swims and is getting ready with some salve to avoid wetsuit chafing

 

4. think win-win. Here is Nick Martin and his entourage – swimming is a great family experience. Get outside and see the horizon

5. Seek first to understand and then to be understood.  Create an atmosphere of caring and problem solving. I have never swum outside the flags before BB. This group has lots of experience and they share it. It is a fabulous atmosphere swimming with BB

 

 

6. Combine the strengths of people though positive teamwork. See the management of BB. See the regular swimmers. Enjoy

 

 

 

You should see Angela’s parking spot today!

 

Rob walked before the swim- that makes his event today a biathlon

7. Sharpen the saw – exervise, meditate for a sustainable and energetic life.

Emma sharing her expertise

The Martin boys joined by Patricia who swims early. I was lucky to get this photo of them all

 

Crossed arms conserving energy. A unique approach. The common approach is zombie arms raised (and yelps)

 

Here are some highly effective actual ocean swimmers at Shelly

 

 

 

the reaction when the birthday boy Matt left at the Let’s go BEFORE the blogger got a shot. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT

 

Thank you to team work by Shelley K, I got a shot of Lisa who completed 500km – habit 2. Setting goals. I have improved (against my self) in my years of swimming by setting goals. From completing a swim to a double to the various badges.

 

Brett enjoyed the swim this morning and posed for a shot just before setting off to look for fish

 

Here are some nice people at the beach

 

 

Andrew – second from left – is going to South America for 6 months. Bon voyage. Swim again when you are back and stay safe

 

Newbies – not known but Angela had a new swim cap. Pink

Swimmers – 240

 

Did you know you can get a badge for a nude swim. Last one is on Sunday.  Here’s hoping for murky water that day. 

 

2016 Winter Badge Ceremony

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Winter Badge (or even harder yards for a WWW), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 11th September, straight after the regular swim!

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and …. RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Breakfast

All 2016 winter badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for your upcoming summer badge challenges…

B&B Merchandise

Now you have your badges, take this one off opportunity on the day of the badge ceremony to try on and purchase your hoodie or other B&B items. RFW will have a range of our own gear for sale on the day – cash or credit card accepted.

 

 

 

Have a fabulous day – Elizabeth Stewart