Sunday 3rd December 2017

A beautiful morning but we were once again met by challenging surf conditions and the water temp had dropped to 17.4 degrees.

However, still they came and stayed.

11 newbies today all eager to don the pink cap for the first time.

Newbie Ian next to Veteran Ian

Belinda

 

Braedon and Jess

Kean and Andrew

Ian and Leeke

Ian gave the obligatory briefing about the rips with the suggestion to start at Shelly.

 

Decision time.

 

Some decided to head out.

While just a few decided that halfway was a much better option.

Meanwhile the procession to Shelly was in full swing.

 

 

 

Shelly was bathed in sunshine and smiles

 

The ever exuberant Lainey

I ran into this group who have taken caps to a whole new level. They always swim from Shelly. 

Rusty bought along a couple of friends from the UK, Katy and Chris.

They blitzed him on the way back to shore.

Isabella and Lola

The WOWS (Women Of the Wall) tore themselves away from their ancestral homelands.

Meanwhile, the OMOS (Old Men Of the Shop) were going nowhere.

 

Yes, it was cold in there.

 

As usual, no matter what happens, a coffee, good friends and a laugh is always the best way to celebrate another morning in Cabbage Tree Bay.

 

Stats:

Swimmers: 263 +

Newbies: 11 happy new faces.

Temp: 17.4

 

Next Sunday afternoon, all invited.

Some great art by fellow swimmers will be for sale, the perfect Xmas presents. Also, the famed Sandy Bottom Band will be playing and you will be supporting a great charity.

 

Summer swims:

As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, management thought that it would be a good time to clarify what it takes to earn a badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:
· The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturday morning generally starting with the 7 am swim. The first 6 km swim will be on Saturday 2nd December.
· There is a 10 km swim once a month over summer also generally starting with the 7 am swim. Dates for these will be announced in the blog. The first will be on December 16th.
· If these swims are too long for you, you can try a Triple Manly to Shelly swim any day during Summer (distance 3.5 km) from 6.30 or 7 am.
You will earn a badge if you complete these swims and log them in iLog. The system will only record authorised 6K or 10K swims that are logged on the appropriate days. Badges will be presented at the Summer Badge Ceremony in March. If you are unsure of the routes and protocols for these swims, please ask at the desk before you swim. When swimming these longer distances, we request that, for safety reasons, you stay with the group. We also request that you do not swim in dangerous conditions. The quest for a little cloth badge is not worth putting your life at risk.
Enjoy your swimming.

B & B Fundraising Christmas Party

 

Please book early for the B & B Christmas Party, which will be held on Tuesday 12th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme this year is “Retro Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music again this year by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, who play two types of music, Rock and Roll! The cost is $15 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

Donations wanted
As usual at the Xmas Party, we will be raising money for the Royal Far West as well as for B&B. This year RFW have some amazing prizes which will be auctioned on the night, including fantastic accommodation packages. We would also be grateful to have additional prizes to be auctioned, so if you have something special that you are happy to donate for the auction, please contact Ian (ugoboyo@gmail.com).