It’s going to be a hot one

Please be sure to stay safe, cool and hydrated today.

The NE swell delivered a strong, rough swell today. This swell can also bring blueys, especially if accompanied by wind with North in it. I had a close look at the sand today as I am a big wuss when it comes to bluebottles. Could not see a single one on the shoreline

Being early January and the weekend there were lots of people

The newbie welcoming committee

the WOWs have reclaimed their rightful territory

Alex, Lauren,James.  Plus partners Andrew and Dan and friend Russ. Three from New York

Friendly greetings

While the ocean conditions were not as challenging today as they have been over the past week or so, they were far from benign. The advice was (as always) be aware of and realistic about your skill and fitness level and if you have any doubts start from Shelley.

The Announcement

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And the photo opportunity. Belinda will be away in Yoorp for 3 weeks, and is keeping her blog photo average up in anticipation of her absence.

Some of the swimmers who chose the beach entry

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Looking towards Shelley

Some swimmer arm action

Visibility wasn’t great today but these little friends were around as always.

I swam back through the break with Belinda and Clare. Clare was very chuffed at having come in through a challenging break for the first time, thanks to extreme bullying and threats of ultraviolence from the 2 of us. Clare is recovering from some significant injury so this is a Big Deal.

And when too much rough water is barely enough, it’s back for a frolic in the flags

Fiona 3rd from left has managed to get home from the fires at the South Coast. It took her 3 days

Rainer’s keep cup. Sending a proxy is such a poor attempt at photo bombing.

A very scary Ian providing this morning’s shower scene

Blogger Gemma, surf lifesavers John (Manly) and Ian (Dee Why), blogger and amazing underwater photographer Lainey, distance swimmer Janet

Bindi

Napoleon and Monty

David and John

An official message

Cole Classic

Manly Life Saving Club -COLE CLASSIC Christmas Offer for Bold & Beautiful swimmers.
Missed the COLE CLASSIC early bird discount?
The following promotion code BBCOLE will save you 20% until the 31st December.
sunruncoleclassic.com.au
**Exclusively for B & B swimmers, your family/friends**
John Thomson MLSC Events events@manlylsc.com

And an unofficial one

On Thursday mornings at 05:45 there is a yoga class upstairs at the surf club. Duration 1 hour, cost $10. If you like the thought of an early morning yoga class followed by immersion in the briny, it may be worth checking out. I offer no judgement about this class as I have never been but would check it out if I didn’t have another yoga commitment.

What am I listening to? This is off Neil Young’s recent album, Colorado. The song is called Eternity and it’s a live version – he’s having a bit of fun with the audience