Sunday 3 February: A Classic, Misty Day

As I walked down Ashburner Street to the beach this morning, I could see the sea mist in the distance and could feel that sea-misty heaviness in the air.  When I arrived at B&B Central, not only was the mist everywhere, but there were also alien objects on the beach.

 

Of course – it’s Cole Classic day!

 

 

After her stunning performance a couple of weeks ago, when Anne expertly directed us all to Shelly to accommodate the Nippers Carnival, Anne was at it again, reminding swimmers that today B&B Central was located 100 metres up the beach.

Look at that finger.  So straight.  Such skill.

 

Victor (on the left) was preparing to do the Cole Classic, and Murray and Roz were providing tips.  I love the CC – I’ve swum it a few times, although less so in recent years, now that I’m lucky enough to swim in Manly all the time.  I remember my first one five years ago, when I was just a novice ocean swimmer (yes, I know I sometimes still look like a novice!).  As I swam into the beach, a woman doing water safety tried to guide me through the surf by yelling things like “Too close!” and “Swim faster!!”.  I could do with some of that every day!

 

Patrick provided the Early Swimmers’ Report – “good visibility”.

 

Nick and Henrietta indulged in a political discussion before heading to the relocated meeting spot.

 

I was about to do the same myself, but suddenly Roger appeared, asking me about my blogging qualifications and demanding to see my portfolio.  I shuffled my feet nervously until he filled the awkward silence by offering to supply a few photos.  And here they are (with most captions also supplied by Roger – he wasn’t leaving anything to chance):

 

Alistair is a passionate ocean swims racer, and today bites the bullet for
the 5km event.

 

Huskisson Pete signs up for the 1km and 2km swims today.

 

Michael swims regularly with Charles, leading him to Shelly and back.  That’s amazing, guys – huge respect to both of you.

 

And Gregster.  A classic in every way.

(Thanks Roger, and I’ll be sending you back the signed copyright licence agreement really soon.  I promise.)

 

After the obligatory dog photo, I finally made it to the relocated meeting point.

 

 

Two of today’s 18 newbies.  Welcome, guys!

 

And introducing Fiona, Jo and Maggie.

 

Veena and Clare put on a superb blog-tarting performance despite the new location, with Dorset and Michael politely looking on.

 

Ian (flanked by his minders) announced today’s instructions – walk along the beach and swim out through the rip as usual.

 

However, the minders weren’t able to stop the young pretender on the left.

 

And so we strolled along the beach to the rip.

Anne giving Rainer a taster of her Advanced Pointing course.  Rainer’s the booking agent so please contact him direct for further details.

 

At the Point.

Michael (on the right), one of our expert Sunday bloggers.

 

Shelly Cam.

Janet, Mary and Clare demonstrating the Dance of the Eagle Ray (see last Sunday’s blog for its first public performance).

 

Mary and Clare demonstrating … er … bobbing.

 

Sisters-in-law Suzie and Kerrie.  Suzie (on the left) celebrated a Significant Birthday last week.  Happy Birthday, Suzie!  (Still waiting for my invite to your second birthday party – you can just drop it round – you know where I live!)

 

On the way back my swimming coach (Rainer) set a cracking pace as we needed to clear the bay before the start of the Cole Classic, but I managed to take a few shots to capture the bumpy, misty conditions.

 

Back on land, the mist was still hanging around.  (Thanks Jimmy for the photo!)

And Jo put in an appearance.  (Note the rare shot of Anne not pointing.)

 

We then all moved to the safety of familiar surroundings back at the surf club, where Mary, Janet and Sue started some sort of bizarre dating game (with Clare and a blurry Jo looking on).

 

They soon attracted some more players.

 

Rainer proudly showed off his KeepCup.

 

And Jeremy and Peter demonstrated this season’s beach fashions.  Nice one, gents!

And finally the mist burned off enough so that they could start the Cole Classic.

 

Meanwhile, the B&Bers melted away to enjoy the rest of their Sunday.  See you at the beach soon!

 

Stats

380 swimmers
18 newbies
20.5 degrees