MB Freestyle Ocean Swim Blog

Jam packed swimming week...

28/5/2015

I thought after our Bondi to Watson Bay challenge we would have an easy couple of weeks........far from that it seems it has only motivated everyone to train more and harder. I cannot believe the feedback we have gotten from all the swimmers/crew who participated in and outside of the water. We were blessed with better than average weather last two weeks which created great conditions for swimming.....

New T-shirts...

Our Solo, duo and trio squad have gotten together and started swimming more regular doing regular 2.km stints. We have encounter beautiful creatures on our swim from colourfull cuttle fish to beaming large orange/pink jelly fish surrounded by small baby fish. Ocean swimming has given me many new friends and our community keeps growing everyday.

One of the great things to see is that fellow MB Freestylers who come and watch the races are also motivated to challenge themselves and set big goals. Just the other day the Redleaf crew has committed to going completely through the winter months. We currently have one more spot available on Friday 7.00AM at Redleaf harbour pool.
Get started now and join us!!

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The South head Roughwater swim

19/5/2015

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About 6 weeks ago I received a request if I knew anyone who wanted to swim The South Head Roughwater swim know by the locals as the Bondi to Watson bay swim. I did not hesitate long to say "I want to do it". The rest is history and we formed a team of 3 swimmers : 2 Duchies and 1 Zimbabwe. Our team name: African Double Dutch :-) Below you can see the 10 KM race course.

Angela van Boxtel and myself entered our boat into Rose bay. While Mike Ioannou was our starter from Bondi beach. Every team needs to bring there own boat and kayak and paddler to keep you safe at all times. Thanks to Dan and Greg who did a fab job steering us trough that huge swell. Our paddler Dom was amazing. He kept us on track and guided us home to Watson. The first hour all swimmers need to complete 20 minutes each. After that you can rotate as you like. Straight away we were all so impressed how clear the water was. Some parts were 30 metres deep and wow what a view we had from the top of the water. Wall to wall deep blue ocean surrounded you. A very calming feeling.

When Mike reached the first tagging point it was organised chaos with all the boats trying to get a good position. Angela got pretty sick on the rough ride through the Harbour heads were big swell roamed. Thank god when she went into the water she felt a lot better. We then decided to do 40 min to 1 hour stints. Were it was great to wait and tag your fellow swimmer.

We also had a great support crew on land (Tara, Kate, Shirley) who we spotted at several points. Our boat the pudding had a Scottish flag which was easy to spot for them. They had amazing birds eye view shots from high up the cliffs.

My last stint started at the red and white light house at the entry of the harbour heads. The water changed dramatic from very clear to murky and de temp dropped by 3 degrees. The current was flowing outwards to the ocean as well. But then in the left corner of my eyes when I was breathing I saw the finish : Watsons bay. At this stage Angela and Mike had joined me for the last bit into Watsons bay. We finished after 3 hours 39 min of swimming. It was crowed with cheering people who were anxious to see if there loved ones made in one piece. We even had a little run into the finish. It was an unforgettable experience where "little people take on the big ocean". The feeling afterwards was joyous and we finished with a celebration beer afterwards. I am already looking forward to next years Bondi to Watsons Challenge !
Team African Double Dutch we have succeeded!!

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Swim Fit

6/5/2015

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We offer also swim fit lessons where the emphasis is more on fitness and less on technical swimming. Ocean swimming is a complete workout and can burn up to 200 calories per 30 minutes. It also is great for your blood circulation and the salt water has a great effect on your skin. Most importantly it is great for the soul!
A warm welcome to Jaap and Kim to MB-Freestyle. Jaap will join our growing group in the eastern suburb and Kim in Manly. If you like to get fit in the ocean please contact me. Help with healthy menu planning is also available.
What are you waiting for?

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Jam packed swimming week...

The South head Roughwater swim

Swim Fit

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