Thursday 20 December 2018: The final slide to Xmas

The Northern Beaches is definitely winding down to Xmas and there’s plenty of Christmas cheer around the beach in the mornings.  This morning these guys were being put through their Xmas paces on Manly Beach.

While with Bold and Beautiful it’s the battle of the best Christmas Rashie.  This Santa Rashie is produced by The Rashie Company, a northern beaches company set up to have a bit of fun at the beach.

Annie and Rosemary were deep in conversation – pre swim is always a great opportunity to catch up, share you thoughts and check in with eachother, particularly during the busy Xmas time.

And a bigger deep and meaningful by the greater team.

Early starters

If you are looking for stocking fillers then check out the new Bold and Beautiful merchandise now available.

Henrietta, Dorset ready to tackle the small waves.  It was the Berent’s last swim before they head off to see their daughter marry over the break.

It was a busy morning with plenty of swimmers already on Xmas break.  I’ve still got till Friday lunchtime to go.

Some of the smiling faces tackling the water.

Dodging the waves created some challenging moments.

Sparkles and Sheena.

Rainer was back with Gemma and Ian.

What swim would be complete without seeing Lainey full of gusto.

My other interest is triathlon and I am race director for Warringah Triathlon Clubs monthly races at North Head.  We had our Xmas special last Sunday with the swim in Little Collins, then a run up the hill to the carpark, cycle down to the roundabout and back around the look at North Head (4 time for short course and 7 times for long course) and then a run around the same loop for short course and including Fairfax Track for the long course.  Check out the amazing drone footage from the race here Our next race is on January 13, full details at www,warringahtriathlonclub.com

Catch you during the holidays, I’m going to try and be a bit more regular over my break, given I don’t really have any excuse to rush off.  Have a great and safe Xmas and see you down the beach soon.

Management notices

Water temp:    20.0
Newbies:         10
Total swimmers:    280

SUMMER SWIMS

10km swim Sat 22th December. 7am. Bring own food/water.

As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, it seems appropriate to explain what it takes to earn a Summer badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:

• The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturday morning starting with the 7 amswim. The first 6 km swim will be on Saturday 1^stDecember.
• There is a 10 km swim once a month over summer also starting with the 7 amswim. Dates for these will be announced in the blog. The first will be on December 8th.
• 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 6.30or 7 am.

‘Try a Triple’.  Do the Manly to Shelley return swim 3 times non-stop and earn a triple badge.

Please note, Badges will be awarded to swimmers completing any and/or all of the 3 swims at the times and dates stated above and throughout the Summer months. 

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.

Notices:

Management is taking a well-earned end-of-year break. Ian and John will both be away between 27 December  and 13 January. Would you like to help out by greeting new swimmers during the management-free weeks?

As you may know, greeting involves asking new swimmers to record their name and email address, handing them a pink cap and letting them know a little about the swim. The most important thing is that they hear the words “You swim at your own risk. There is no water safety.” And you can also let them know about where we swim, where we stop and wait and answer any questions they may have. It’s easy to do and fun to meet the new swimmers. And everybody did a great job last year!

Anne Edwards will be around for most of the first week and then only weekends. If you would like to help, please send Anne the days you are available and she will make up a roster so that we have at least two people every morning. If you know of anyone else who would like to be a part-time greeter, please invite them to contact Anne.  Anne’s email is  gaztek@bigpond.net.au.