It’s a life

If life is a beach, then the daily gathering of the B&B swimmers is a life.

And just look at all the people who turned up today to enhance their day. So many were pumped to do the numerous badge swims on offer.

Lyndall has developed a taste for the super long 10km swims! Today will be her second for the season.

Colour, colour everywhere – such a lovely change from the basic black that is the dominate colour of winter.

Conditions were pretty good for the swim. Our bit of the beach is protected from southerly swell, so while there was a slight drop in the temperature to 20.1 degrees, the waves were smallish.

AD BREAK! Have you checked out the new B&B swimwear? More details at the end of the blog.

Now this is a very rare sighting. Attracta and Jenny at the Point! You know it is the Point because you can see the roof of the Surf Club.

David and his mob were also very happy to demonstrate their compliance with Waiting at the Point request.

There was little chop, and blissfully, no stinging things on the crossing of the Bay. However, visibility is not so good so not too many photos from below the surface – just a few legs at the Point.

Here is the very gorgeous Errol at Shelly. He is someone who definitely knows how to live life to the fullest with his daily swim. Plus he is such an absolute gentleman who is the embodiment of the spirit of the squad. Always a greeting to those around him and there is no way he would ever be so rude as to swim over the top of other swimmers!!

A small gathering of blog tarts. . .

It was a perfect day for at least a double.  This also enables the crowds in the change rooms to disperse so there is less of a bun fight to take a post swim shower, and the coffee queues to diminish.

 

 

Finally after lots of being silly for the camera, squad leader Anne giving the ‘Let’s Go’.

Another delight of doing a double is that your are more likely to encounter interesting marine creatures. Today it was Shelley the Turtle. She was rescued a few years back and returned to health at the Manly Sea World. Shelley once had a tracker on her back – you can see the dark square where it once resided. We do love turtles – they eat jimbles.

The last ‘Let’s Go’ for the return trip.

Such a perfect morning; all the best to the 10km swimmers who swam in the Harbour today.

Have a spectacular Saturday.

Mary

Culture Vulture

This week I saw The Testament of Mary by Colm Toiban at The Wharf. A very interesting play performed brilliantly by Alison Whyte. This is a real conversation starter irrespective of your personal set of beliefs. I found the alternative perspective on an historical event did make me wonder about how the narrative of events is handed down in history. What are the likely biases that colour the story?

Special dates

• 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 forvolunteers from B&B to assist on any and all of the 27^th, 28^th and 5^th   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 creates 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.

The Stats

Temp                    20.1 degrees

Swimmers           Lots

Newbies              Still signing up!

Sunrise                 6.06am

Sunset                  8.08pm