Morning All and what a fine start it was. You are probably all wondering why it is that Tuesday’s blog is so early when most of you are resigned to seeing it around midnight. Well, today I didn’t swim but did walk as far as the path would take me. Having been struck down by an intergalactic lurgi that has come to rest on my chest I thought abstinence may be the wisest move.
On the downhill slide of a 6.30am high tide of 1.3m, and a sprightly get up and well matched sunrise at 6.32am, it was clear the southern Pacific is in the grip of a high pressure with nothing to beat up a swell nearby. .2 of a meter swell seemed to be the best Huey could dish up combined with an unusual 5 knot WNW offshore wind made for a near perfect sheet of glass. The swell is expected to remain from the south for the next week with a small increase through to Thursday then a similar day again Saturday.
Following the trudge from the carpark this morning, it was quite noticeable that the glare from the sunrise seemed unusually strong and on checking the Space weather I found NASA’s AIM spacecraft did forecast arrival today of a 700KM per second Solar wind which caused quite a geo-magnetic storm in the nether regions. It is nice to think that the worst of that for us was a warmer kick off than normal.
One would be forgiven for thinking we all slept in and woke up in Spring.
The morning crew seemed to have changed to a down under dog or perhaps early morning prayers. Either way it looked like no one wanted to get up.
The board of wisdom tells the story.
Strange being on the sideline this morning and not focusing on getting psyched up.
The big yellow ball beckoned as the 7 oclock call echoed around the walls.
More skin on show today than normal for this time of year but as Brian Cox keeps telling us, expect more of this.
A different perspective than I would normally see.
Didn’t seem like much time for a chin wag before the starters gun stirred the group to action.
On my walk round the headland I had to wonder how this huge tree on the cliff survived the blow when even concrete blocks ended up in the bay.
Seems like a long way when looking from here.
With the gates up still on the walkway, this was the end of the line for me.
Just one lone halfway player today.
Meanwhile back at the ranch following a 6.30 swim I found Roger and Michelle discussing important world events.
As the 7am patrons drifted in with tide.
Seeing Nicks Sea Shepherd towel reminded me of a picture I saw of a whale armed to its teeth.
The latest campaign to protect the whales.
And for the last word – and where is Derrick.?
Have a great week and now for a quick word from management.
2016 Winter Badge Ceremony
You’ve done the hard yards and got your Winter Badge (or even harder yards for a WWW), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster. Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 11th September, straight after the regular swim!
A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and …. RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here for Badge Breakfast
All 2016 winter badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for your upcoming summer badge challenges…
B&B Merchandise
Now you have your badges, take this one off opportunity on the day of the badge ceremony to try on and purchase your hoodie or other B&B items. RFW will have a range of our own gear for sale on the day – cash or credit card accepted.
12 comments
Shelley K
August 16, 2016 at 11:22 am
Interesting… I felt that solar wind and geo storm in my nether regions, but I thought it was just something I had for dinner. An otherwise serene blog, thanks Brian
Inge
August 16, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Thanks Brian, yes a serene blog but unfortunately there has been some ripples which need calming:
The “A” team distinguishable by an “A” on their caps, fancy themselves as a group of elite BB swimmers. But one could be forgiven for thinking the A stands for some other more eloquent terms. In their haste to be first back to the beach, some in their group attempt performance enhancing tactics such as ramming, grappling or mowing straight over the top of others (some of whom are nearly twice their age). It’s happened to me and I’m not the only one.
If these A teamers are really as good as they claim to be, why can’t they swim alongside others without the desperate antics?
Lips
August 16, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Funny, I was actually remarking to Derek and Ted that your nether regions looked particularly bouncy this morning.
Great blog Brian!
Robert Grozier
August 16, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Well said Inge. It has concerned me for some time as a long time (50 years) ocean swimmer that the so called “a” team has shown irresponsible behavior setting a very bad example particularly for younger people in our group. Including attempting to swim from the beach in the last storm, cutting the corner and getting cut up and proudly displaying the injuries on the blog and as you have said today, showing contempt for fellow swimmers just for someones ego. None of this behavior is part of the ethos that Julie set up many years ago. Enough is enough
Greg Cole
August 16, 2016 at 4:33 pm
I don’t think the A-Team crew wake up in the morning wanting to annoy anyone or set a bad example. Sure, they’re competitive and probably – like a few of us in the Drinks Express – get a huge kick out of an early morning tussle across the bay shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow swimmers. Personally speaking I also enjoy a swim out in big swells. I know my limits though and I’m pretty sure the A-Team does as well. I also like to test those limits from time to time to recalibrate my inner safety features. While this may appear a little foolhardy to some observers, it really isn’t.
This whole B&B thing is to me a huge amount of fun, but fun happens at many levels: For the A-Team its racing and pushing limits; for others its not so much. If there’s argy-bargy antics in the bay then maybe just ask them personally & nicely to be a little careful around the slower swimmers. I’m sure they will respond well.
And of they don’t? Slip a Jimble into their wetsuits.
Inge
August 16, 2016 at 4:58 pm
I love racing too and I am not particularly slow.
Lainey
August 16, 2016 at 5:29 pm
Thanks for a great dry blog Brian and some beautiful shots showing a different perspective. Love that one from down low the other side of the sea wall!
Inge
August 16, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Yes, there is lovely golden hue in some of those photos!
edwina harrison
August 16, 2016 at 6:36 pm
kind of agree with you Inge, but presumed everytime i got thumped and swum over, it was accidental and they literally have no idea, they are that fast. maybe i should just swim wider?? so long as i don’t lose teeth-all good 🙂
Tim
August 16, 2016 at 6:54 pm
Everyone grow up.
Swim with the group – no issues. Leave at different times risk being swam into accidentally.
Peace.
Elizabeth X
August 16, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Grow up? Tim who ?
Elizabeth X
August 16, 2016 at 10:36 pm
Another Fab blog Brian. I too love the shot from below showing the side of the shed and as usual I love your descriptions of the weather, swell etc. thanks