Update 5th December 2011 number 2

by Franck Gazzola | Dec 5, 2011 | Daily Updates

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
 

Update 5th December 2011

by Franck Gazzola | Dec 5, 2011 | Daily Updates

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.http://oceanfit.com.au/pro-blog-post/wetsuits-to-wear-or-not-to-wear/

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
 

Update 2nd December 2011

by Franck Gazzola | Dec 2, 2011 | Daily Updates

Windy city! We seem to be copping a buffeting from all directions lately. At least it has some south in it because that is making the water warm up again. Three words to describe my visit to the beach early this morning; very, very, bad! It was raining as well but it looks like it is clearing up a bit now. I’ve decided not run all the dark and drab photos I shot today, instead I have thrown in a bit of colour that will hopefully brighten your day.

Have you noticed the amount of girls surfing lately? Every surf I go for these days I see a female or three paddling around and it’s great to see. When I was young I only knew one girl that surfed and she was build like a guy and ripped! At Sunset Beach in Hawaii the other day, in front of the world stage, a male pro surfer was beaten by a girl in a competition. It doesn’t happen too often. It’s a funny interview.

We should see lighter winds for the weekend but the swell will drop. It’s only the wind that has been giving us swell and its average quality leaves us all hoping for something a little bigger, straighter and stronger soon. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Our MacPherson Street Gallery in Bronte is open until 5pm today and all weekend from 9am – 4pm. Pop in and check out some great Xmas ideas or visit our online store.

Have a good weekend!

Billy