The conditions remain flawless!  With the water temperature at 20.4 degrees (ok it was 11 degrees out of the water. . . ), stunning, golden sunrise and 103 swim buddies, the conditions are immaculate for a morning swim.  Can you beleive that it is only one month to the winter solstice?

The early crowd gathers in the sun.

Then within five minutes there is an explosion of people.

Conferring with the early lappers we find that the water is warmish, visibility is good but jumbles are about.  That is it for me – the wetsuit is perfect protection from these little nasties.

A salutation to the sun is the first part of the water entry ritual. . .

but when the water level rises to the shoulders, a devotional chant fills the morning.  The chilling temperature does bring out the chorister in each of us. 

Once in we are ready to start the swim.

There is great visibility as we head off to Shelly.

 The sentinal yellowtails are hanging around.  One was one nibbling on a jimble which gladdened my heart!!  

Birthday celebrations at Shelly.

Before long we are heading back to Manly, although for some, this is the time to go fish hunting - with cameras of course.

The charming trevally are never camera shy!  Must have been taking lessons from a couple of our regular blog tarts.

Back in Manly it is too nice to rush.  Hanging about having a coffee is a better altnative to sitting in traffic don't you think?

There are heaps of things going on, so check out the notes below.

Have a great day.

Mary

WINTER BADGE - Not long to go now until the start of our Winter badge season on Saturday 1^st June. Just in case you don’t know, everyone can qualify for the winter badge – you are automatically in the running. To get the badge, all you have to do is swim on 20 occasions, and in at least 7 different weeks during Winter. Each week starts on a Monday, so there are 14 weeks in the season. For the hard core swimmers, you can also qualify for the WWW badge (Winter without wetsuit) if you do the 20 winter swims without thermal assistance. If you are swimming without wetsuit, you should write a “W” against your name every time you swim in Winter to qualify, so we can verify that you are swimming “au naturel”. Good Luck. See Lesley for tips on swimming without wetsuit through the Winter! It’s all in the mind!

To celebrate the occasion we want everyone to come down wearing a nice warm Onesie or Jumpsuit. The funnier the better! If you are shy or embarrassed, bring it down and change when you get here. You will be in the company of lots of other closet onesie owners.

AMAZING NEW BADGE - It is the Pacific Challenge 500 km badge. Really easy to qualify – just swim regularly, tick the folder and with every 1.5 km Manly-Shelly swim you will be that little bit closer. When you reach 500 km you automatically qualify for the badge – although you pay $10 for the privilege.  Please tick your name in the blue folder, to ensure every swim counts.

An amazing 33 people have already qualified for their badge!  The badges will be presented at our monthly dinner on Tuesday 4^th June at 6.30 pm (see below). To see if you are one of the lucky 33, Check here on the Pacific Challenge.  If you have qualified, can you please pay your $10 to Ian or Lesley before 4^th June. If you can’t make it to the dinner you can collect your badge any day after 4^th June.

MONTHLY DINNER - One of our swimmers, Dr Ray Hodgson, is coming along our next Bluewater Cafe Dinner at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 4th June to tell us about the amazing work he does in Nepal with women who suffer prolapse after child birth.  He organises trips for volunteers for 2 week stints and is always looking out for more volunteers to go to Nepal and help. If you want to hear from someone who is making a difference to peoples lives and want to find out what you can do to help, the come along to the dinner.

The dinner is also a great chance to catch up with your B&B friends at an informal gathering, and see what they look like with their clothes on (you may not recognise them!). The cost is excellent value at $20 for two courses, with $5 drinks, $5 desserts and no corkage for BYO wine. Bluewater also now offers $25 special meals in addition to our standard $20 deal. Bookings are essential so click here book early and avoid disappointment.  Numbers will be limited to 100.  Don’t forget, the first batch of 500 km badges will also be presented on the night so it will be a HUGE night.

Special offer from Whitewater . . .

Exclusive offer for all the Bold and the Beautiful swimmers, whitewater is pleased to offer all Bold and Beautiful swimmers 25% off your entire bill *(valued up to $30). Join us for lunch or dinner at whitewater restaurant, Manly. Please mention this offer when making your reservation to ensure you receive the discount. Reservations: call 02 9977 0322 or email info@whitewaterrestaurant.com.au

Open weekends for breakfast 8am to 11.30am, Daily for lunch from 12pm to 5pm, Dinner from 5pm to late... * Offer valid until 30th June 2013 * not valid in conjunction with any other offer * Only one discount per bill *Discount does not apply for breakfast

Staying safe

While there has been little wave action to test the surf skills, you never know when the sea will show its turbulent side.  Stay safe by knowing how to read the signs with these water safety tips courtesy of champion Ironman Craig 'Riddo' Riddington. It’s a great read and can help keep you safe in the surf.  To read, or even download, click here.

The Stats

Regulars:  103

Newbies: 2

Doublers: 3

Temp: 20.4 degrees

Sunrise: 6.44am

Sunset: 4.59pm