Mornings at Manly are my sanctuary. I usually wake before my alarm, sometimes at 4am, sometimes 5am. Lying there, resting but unable to sit still, I feel that familiar buzz of excitement—because I live for the mornings down at the beach.
Often, I wake with a tune in my head. This morning, it was Phil Collins’ “Take Me Home”, a perfect blend of my two passions: music and the ocean.
I have a wide range of musical tastes—electronic dance, house, old classics—but pop rarely makes the cut. Music is the soundtrack to my ritual, each note building the anticipation for what’s ahead.
When it’s time to rise, I hit play on Spotify, wash my face, and throw on my uniform – my trusty Speedos. I make sure to have a glass of water, throw everything into my bag, splash on the sunscreen, and check the Temperature Guy Instagram page, just to see what the water will feel like, even though the chill never seems to deter the excitement.
I then step out the door and toward the beach.
By the time I reach what I call headquarters—the little gathering spot before the swim—I often laugh at myself. I realize I’ve left a few zips undone on my bag, the wet section flapping open, my excitement too strong to remember every last detail. But that’s part of it—the ritual isn’t perfect; it’s alive, messy, and full of energy.
And for those who don’t frequent Manly in the early hours, or those reading from afar, what makes it truly special is the people. The smiling faces, the shared laughter, sometimes deep, meaningful conversations, and those quiet nods of recognition that pass between regulars. There’s a palpable sense of anticipation—a shared, almost sacred excitement—before we all slip into the ocean together.
This is my pre-swim ritual: music, preparation, movement, and connection, all building to that first plunge. It’s a rhythm of joy, energy, and life that carries me through the rest of the day.
Until next swim, love Deb xox 🌊
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