27/06/2015 – Just one more minute

Today dear swimmers, you will have an additional minute of daylight.  Sunrise is still at 7am, but sunset has shifted to 4.56pm!!

When the clock on the clubhouse wall flashed ‘time for swimming’, the sun was bang on time showing itself just above the horizon.

The wintering without wetsuit continues.  Veena is determined to make those 20 swims over 7 weeks.

Millie’s Grandmum is visiting from South Africa.  Her son, Brad hasn’t persuaded her to swim – yet!!

Errol was all smiles as the rising sun warmed him up to do battle with the smallish waves.

It was so beautiful, you didn’t even notice that the temperature of the water is slowly dropping.  Just 18.4 degrees today.

After the sprint across the bay, it is all smiles at Shelly.  I can’t believe there wasn’t a birthday or two for a quick serenade of the neighbourhood. . .

Matt loves to get on the blog. . . Here he is looking super chilled with Mr Bond hiding his identity behind No Panic swim goggles.

While I’m sure there was not Triple challenge happening, there was certainly tension around the self proclaimed A Team.  Look at them totally focused.  Must be a lot of visualisation going on behind those goggles.

Then with a splash they are off!!

Completely missing this gorgeous flathead!

It was so large it was mistaken for a Wobbegong.  However, the cute little fins and the blue tail are a clear indication that this was one enormous flathead.

Ian checking under rocks ’cause you never know what you will find.

There were sightings of Port Jacksons at various points around the Bay.  It was kind of a ‘snap’ moment, because Jane had remarked as we crossed the Bay that it was about time they made their return.  Maybe next swim. . .

In the meantime, this is just a little of what was around the point on the return.

Including a seriously large school of Yellow Tail.  I’ve been told they eat juvenile jimbles.  I do hope that is true. . . really don’t like jimbles.

And do take care when entering and returning to Manly!

The poor little Stingray get such a fright when you step on them.  They also tend to sting your foot too.

While the waves were small, there was a bit of power in them.  There was a spot the flipper, goggles and snorkel comp going on at the end of the swim.  Some swimmers were lucky to be reunited with their kit,others were not so lucky.

Post swims all over the place.

Have you noticed that the B&B post swim gathering goes all the way from the Club House, to the benches (sometimes via Manly Wine and Havanas), to Bench and Bluewater?  Perhaps we could survey coffee standards and strength of heaters in future blogs?

Have a great Saturday.

Mary

Winter Warmer B&B Swim School
Join Pacific Jules coaches Warren and Sarah Anne in the ocean – as they teach you the fundamentals of freestyle breathing.
This one-hour session in the water will help you breathe with ease.   Tune your body position to get more air, and work on achieving a calm and controlled breathing pattern.

When:        Saturday 4 July  (9:45 – 10:45 a.m.)
Cost :          $25
Location :  Shelly Beach
Open to everyone – all abilities welcome
What to bring:  swimmers, cap and goggles.  NB: wetsuit compulsory.  Drinking water, and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!
Please email:

info@pacificjules.com.au

for more information or to reserve your place

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.

The Stats

Regulars:     180 (ish)

Newbies:     6

Temp:           18.4

Sunrise:       7.00am

Sunset:         4.56pm