Family and friends – Wednesday 21/12/2016

It was a slightly overcast dull daybreak but there was absolutely nothing dull about all the swimmers this morning. There was so much colour, everyone was smiling and we had a number of families doing the swim together. School holidays are a wonderful time to change pace and enjoy family time. What better way to do that than an early morning swim with B and B. These three amigos were very excited to try the swim.

 

 

Len, Sue, Xavier and Greg heading out at 6.30

 

Kristien, Jenny, Jacky and Barb. It was Kristien’s first swim. She is originally from Belgium but has come to Manly from Shanghai. Welcome Kristien I’m sure the Cammeray girls looked after you.

 

The 6.30’s head out. Greg is particularly happy!

 

 

I love the bright cossies

 

Cathy heading in for her swim

 

 

Sophie (above) and Amelia (below) looking very exuberant.

 

 

John Kelly being assisted very professionally by Jalna and Fi

 

Mark and Sean. Mark swam at 6am, Sean was talking about starting his own 6.45 group as he was a little late for the 6.30’s. I can just see a few head clashes.

 

Andrew, Jill, Rosemary and Dan from New York. Dan was meeting a friend at Manly because he wanted to show him a perfect Sydney day which obviously had to start with a swim across Cabbage Tree Bay. I wonder what else they did?

 

Rob, Bianca, Mark and Andrew enjoying their post swim coffee.

 

Sean was aiming to get changed very quietly and privately until Shelley pointed him out

 

Shelley welcomes Inga back to the swim after quite a rest with a dodgy shoulder

 

Liz Meg and Jack

 

Baden and Gaby. Love the matching tops guys!

 

More matching tops!, Ron, Lainey, Debbie, Amanda and Sarah

 

Im so glad I got to say goodbye to Sarah before she and Jon return to Hong Kong. She is such a beautiful, kind, caring, calming and gorgeous woman. Travel well Sarah and Jon

 

Jamie, David, Caroline, Holly, Bails and Mel getting ready to head out at 7am

 

Rob was so delighted to be able to swim with his son Tim

 

And Lyndal was thrilled to swim with her daughter Charly

 

 

Angela and Paul look so excited to see their friend

 

 

There were quite a few holes in the sand as we walked out today. I think Jo found one of them or else Michele and Martin have grown

 

Greg is still looking happy

 

As I was waiting for the “Let’s go” I came upon this romantic couple. I love these photos, I just can’t remember the names of the Lovebirds.

 

 

Mateship at Shelley

 

 

Matt, Greg and Michael

 

 

Happy Birthday Lucy!! How lovely that you and Brad were able to swim together today. Welcome to Lucy’s brother as well

 

 

Charlie says “Where’s Ben?”

 

Visitors from Hawaii

 

Ian, Michelle ,Lyndal, Leisa, Wendy and Kerry

 

 

Dan bumped into another friend he hasn’t seen for two years. Paddy also used to live in New york!

 

Paddy, Dan, Melise and Candice

 

Robyn looking absolutely fantastic after her hip surgery. It won’t be long until you are back swimming Robyn.

Finally I can post this blog. I apologise it is so late but I was at the funeral of a friend of mine who lost her battle with breast cancer. I was feeling a little deflated until I started sorting through all these photos. Each one shows warmth, friendship, love, happiness and joy. They demonstrate the amazing benefits a glorious early morning ocean swim can have on all of us physically and emotionally. Each swim is special, each day is special.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, whether it’s spent with family or friends, whether you party hard or enjoy a peaceful day, I hope it is a memorable day.

Lisa

Stats: (Completely fabricated)

Swimmers: definitely more than 200

Water temp: definitely colder than yesterday

Newbies: definitely more than 5

 

 

New B&B Budgy Smugglers – HERE NOW

The new B&B Budgy Smugglers are now available on line from the Budgy Smuggler website. Remember, part of the profit from the sale of our swimwear range goes to the Royal Far West. Here’s where to go to order them:

Mens: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/mens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful.html

Womens Bottoms: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-bottoms.html

Womens Sports Tops: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-sports-top.html

Womens one-piece swimmers will be available in January.

Budgy Smuggler create 100% Australian made swimwear.
Available for Men, Women and Kids – it’s the perfect stocking filler this Christmas!
Shop at: www.budgysmuggler.com.au<http://www.budgysmuggler.com.au/>

Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.