Friday 20 January 2017 – Release your happy hormones

Faced this morning with a “carpet of blue bottles” I recalled I was reading about happiness and found this advice: “Our lymphatic system doesn’t have muscles to get it moving; it works when we move other parts of our body and allow gravity to massage it. Raising our arms generates the release of hormones under our armpits – often referred to as ‘happy hormones’. This will tell our brain we are happy and make us feel better.” AND swimming involves lots of raising your arms so that is why everyone is beaming 

So many options – not much action in South Steyne, some from Shelly out and back, some in the harbour – prep for tomorrow’s 10 km. All of these swimmers had arrived and wondered what to do: swim

 

coffee today, swim tomorrow

Kerrie was ready for anything with long sleeves

Greg’s first swim – what a day to pick. always some options

Jack was unfazed and was getting his board shorts on

on the way to Shelly

Annie on  her way to Shelly with dad

 

Another option – I don’t know if there is a tick for this option yet

Vernon

Shelly entry – stick to the rocks

Look at Jeff swimming to and fro through the carpet of blue bottles

at the Bower

Annie in the water and dad trying to keep up

Stats

Temp 21.9 (with a good breeze)

Newbies: yes, 9

Swimmers: 130 scattered around

What I am reading

I thought I would try another Australian book after The Dry by Jane Harper – excellent as I said last week when only part way through; excellent now that I have finished it too. Now reading Goodwood by Holly Throsby, the singer’s first book. A nice book (sort of young adult) which captures Australian small town life and some recognisable characters. 

Special dates

• Tomorrow: Harbour 10km swim
• Swim coaching – see below
• January 26^th – Australia Day – B&B will be having a ceremony at 7am followed by the swim.  It is usual that we have a large increase in swimming numbers so if regulars could act “sheepdog” like and ensure that all swimmers stay safe on the swim.
• January 27^th – National Nippers Carnival at Manly – we will be swimming from Shelly to the point and then back as Manly beach will be busy, early with set up and the Manly LSC have asked for our cooperation.
• January 28^th – Manly Carnival – same as above starting at Shelly and returning to there.
• February 5^th – Cole Classic – we will expect to start once again from Shelly and return there.
• Manly LSC have asked for volunteers from B&B to assist on any and all of the 27^th, 28^th and 5^th swims.  They are looking for help from individuals or groups who can assist with things like the BBQ, merchandising, booking people in, helping with storage of clothing etc.  If you would like to help with or without friends please send an email to volunteer@manlylsc.com or talk to management and we can point you in the right direction.  Please help if you can as they appreciated the assistance given last year and we would like to support the club.

Being a volunteer is bound to make you happy. DO IT!

Pacific Jules Swim coach

Join Pacific Jules coach Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean and learn to swim with less fight and more speed!  Our series of workshops will teach you key essential skills ensuring your stroke is efficient, powerful, fluid, and fast!

1.  Efficiency and Alignment – Saturday 21 January 9-10am

The basics of all good swim technique starts with how you are aligned in the water. Is your body causing unnecessary drag? Are you wasting energy with poor balance?  This hour will focus on putting you in the most efficient position you can be, and start you feeling the necessity of being ‘unbalanced but stable’ in the water.

2. Propulsion and Power – Saturday 11 March 9-10am

There are some key areas for power in your stroke, but they may not be where you think!  Many swimmers use their arms and legs incorrectly when swimming, chewing up energy and causing unnecessary splash and resistance.  Swimming should be a whole body experience, timing is everything, and you need to ensure you are working with the water and not against it. The H2O will always win!

3. Breath Easy- Saturday 6 May 9-10am

One of the most common issues we here from swimmers is around breathing.  But, there are some key elements to your body alignment, position, and breath management that need to be in place before you even think about turning your head towards the air.  Join us for an hour in the water where we focus purely on the essentials skills for breathing with more ease, and flow.

4. Open Water Specifics – Saturday 8 July 9-10am

This is a high energy session for the end of our series! Adapting your stroke for open water is essential if you want to swim in the ocean, or compete in swimming events.  Learn some key changes that need to be in place, how to sight, how to enter and exit the water, buoy turns, and how to conserve energy in the swim by utilising those around you!

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

Cost = $25 per workshop or book in for all 4 workshops in the series for $79

Limited to just 10 people so please book in early to avoid disappointment.

Please email Sarah Anne directly to book on info@pacificjules.com.au or call 0420 923 067 for more info.

 

New B&B Budgy Smugglers – HERE NOW

The new B&B Budgy Smugglers are now available on line from the Budgy Smuggler website. Remember, part of the profit from the sale of our swimwear range goes to the Royal Far West. Here’s where to go to order them:

Mens: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/mens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful.html

Womens Bottoms: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-bottoms.html

Womens Sports Tops: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-sports-top.html

Womens one-piece swimmers will be available in January.

Budgy Smuggler create 100% Australian made swimwear.

Available for Men, Women and Kids – it’s the perfect stocking filler this Christmas!

Shop at: www.budgysmuggler.com.au

Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.