What a couple of weeks it’s been.
Across Sydney’s coastline, the ocean has been buzzing with energy, courage, and community. Swim events have been rolling through one after another, bringing people together to dive in, challenge themselves, and be part of something bigger.
It’s that time of year when the ocean swimming calendar is full, and the stoke is high.
And there’s more to come….
With another swim on the horizon from South Curl Curl to Freshwater on the 3rd of May, it really does feel like peak ocean swimmer season – a time when the community shows up, embraces the conditions, and makes the most of every opportunity to get in the water.
This morning felt different, though.
There’s been a subtle shift in the air over the past couple of weeks, you can feel it. That quiet nudge that says winter is on its way. Walking down to the beach, layered up in thermals and a puffer, watching the early light stretch across the ocean… it’s a different kind of start to the day.
And then there’s the music..
Most mornings, there’s a song that seems to follow me down to the water. Sometimes it’s already in my head before I’ve even had coffee. Today, it started at home with “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner.. playing loud enough that my poor neighbours probably got the full experience (apologies in advance).
By the time I reached the café, the mood had shifted.Drifting through the speakers was “Porcelain” by Moby – soft, ambient, almost weightless. I found myself just standing there for a moment, coffee in hand, looking out at the waves as the music carried through.
And something softened.
There was a gentleness to it.
A quiet pause before the swim. A reminder that not every moment out here has to be about pushing or proving, sometimes it’s just about feeling, noticing, and letting the ocean meet you where you are.
The water is still holding onto its warmth, but the air? Not quite as forgiving. There’s a bite to it now, especially when the wind picks up.
And yes, there’s a touch of nostalgia.
That golden summer feeling – standing in the sun, eyes closed, soaking up the warmth – it’s hard to let that go. Those long, easy mornings and balmy swims feel just a little further away now.
But at the same time, there’s something quietly exciting about what’s coming.
Winter swimming has its own kind of magic.
The conditions begin to settle. The ocean clears. Visibility stretches out in a way that feels almost surreal -like you’re gliding through glass. The chaos of summer softens. Fewer waves, fewer bluebottles, and a calmer, more peaceful rhythm in the water.
There’s a stillness to it.
Of course, getting out of the water is another story entirely. That blast of cold air, the wrestle with a wetsuit using numb fingers – it’s not glamorous. But it’s part of it. It makes every swim feel earned.
And then there are the small signs.
The quiet return of winter layers. Jackets coming out of the cupboard. And recently I spotted my first beanie.
It’s happening.
A new season, a new rhythm, and a whole different kind of beauty waiting in the water.
Today the sand & salt were warm, there is nothing like getting your head under the water..im ready to start the day!
Deb 💙