For as long as I have been a surfer, I have been a swimmer too. They kind of go together. Well, before leg ropes were invented they certainly did! Confidence in the ocean is not just an asset for a surfer but could also one day save his or her life or even someone else’s. More and more kids do Nippers these days. They may even move on to pool squad and then if they still love it, ocean swims. There are so many forms of ocean based training activities going down at the beach these days. Personal trainers like Bondi’s Spot Anderson, a great surfer and former Australian Champion tri-athlete holds ocean swim and run classes every morning. It’s all good if it’s keeping you fit and confident in the ocean.
I didn’t partake in yesterday’s Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim but 1885 other hardy humans did. I stood above at Marks Park as 14 divisions powered off into a stiff southerly headwind that arrived right on time for the race. I enjoyed watching the leaders stretch out, elongating the pack as it curved around South Bondi headland and into Bronte. A few swimmers suffered hypothermia in the chilly 18.2 degree water. At this time of year in Sydney, to allow a wetsuit or not, has been an interesting talking point. Here is a nice little rundown from the Oceanfit Facebook Page.
The surf has picked up today. 3-4 feet from the south. It was S-W early and Bronte was fairly clean but that wont last as the wind comes around more onshore.
See you tomorrow.
Billy
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