Now with spring in full swing we are swimming more and more. Weekly I have new freestylers signing up who  feeling the itch to go into the ocean.  A warm welcome to Charlotte, Nicolai, Sam, Richard, Tim, Ruby and Ayla.
The water temperature has gone up to 20 degrees and the air temperatures are balmy. It is such a privilege to see these freestylers rediscover there love for swimming. Some haven't swum for over 5 years. After a session we talk and they ask themselves why did I give this up and say "I need to make time for this on a regular bases". It feels great to put peoples focus back on something they clearly love to do.
On the other side freestylers come and tell me they experience swimming as a continuous struggle and they cannot focus on the fun element of it. Clearly they need help with their stroke & confidence. I always explain them once the technique and strength is enhanced the fun begins. Amazing  to see how swimmers improve once we put them on a training plan and correct or redevelop their stroke. Weeks later you hear a complete different story, how  they are so relaxed , more confident and have so much more enjoyment while swimming in the ocean.
Swimming in the ocean provokes a lot of different emotions, you get happy that you done a certain distance or are amazed what nature shows you or in absolute awe of its power when the swell and surf picks up.
Doing what you love is essential in life. If you like to find out if this sport is for you please contact me
for a trial/assessment lesson. I know for sure we are changing peoples view about  ocean swimming one by one.
Happy swimming everyone!
Mark

Swimming and specially ocean swimming breathing is an key component of a good and effective freestyle stroke. Breathing comes always up as the number one challenge swimmers face  transitioning from pool to the ocean. Feeling comfortable in your surroundings is the start to get your breathing under control. Taking deep breaths is essential. This calms down your heart rate and ensure your muscles stay relaxed. First time swimming in the ocean can cause an uncomfortable feeling. This can only be fixed by starting to concentrate on your breathing pattern. Close your eyes for a couple of second and slow down your stroke rate. Once heart rate settles down try to find a comfortable rhythm. Like all new things practicing makes perfect and before you know it you are totally adapted to the new surroundings. Practicing bi lateral breathing drills will benefit and help you calm down.

Unfortunately we did not have a camera on us when a medium size bat ray brushed past us.
A phenomenal creature. Spring has come nicely this week with temp in the mid 20's and water creeping back up to 19 degrees. We seen a big increase in swimming activity this week.

Allison who started this week had her first ocean experience and she absolutely loved it. So thrilled to see how she reacted when we got out of the water. If you have been thinking about leaning to swim in the ocean but need that little bit more convincing please contact me and we will be able to help you discover this great outdoor sport.
Happy swimming everyone.
Mark Bemer
Great shot from Tyson Wassermeyer who is mb-freestyles new ocean swim instructor.

Spring arrived this week with a bang giving us a full 2 degrees increase in water temperature ( from 16 to 18). The sunrises earlier and earlier which means we can start swimming now around 6.30 am. Ocean swimming is clearly on peoples mind now that we said goodbye to the winter.  A warm welcome to Nicholas, Allison and Chris who joined us at mb-freestyle. In the school holidays we will be starting our ocean kids swim program as well. We made some great progress with our members as they go further, faster and feeling more confidence in the ocean than ever before. Sunrise over Manly Beach...

I am also pleased to announce that Tyson Wassermeyer has joined mb-freestyle as a casual ocean swim instructor. Tyson has a wealth of experience and is a fulltime lifeguard  and a competitive open water swimmer.
The underwater landscape is amazing to explore photos by Jennifer Gwynne.

Kristin also completed her first Shelly beach to Manly crossing as she is preparing for the Coles classic in January.
Nicholas making great progress after his third lesson he is now at 1.2 km , up from 400 metres just 3 weeks ago.  Kim now frequently doing over 1km in her swim fit session.

Our social group "The skinny dippers" have started a new initiative. Every swimmer has to take 3 pieces of plastic out every day.  After some big swell comes rolling in we are reminded how bad we treat our ocean. We collected more then a kilo of plastic trash. Please pick up plastic as it is killing fish, turtles, dolphins and it shows how ignorant we are with our litter. Ocean trash collected by our group.

This week we also got together again with our Bronze medallion group for a dry and wet session. We have a great group of locals who are learning all the ropes of surf life saving.  I was reminded how powerful the surf was when my rescue board got smashed out of my hands by a big dumping wave. If you would like to learn to open water swim please contact me.  We also have a great spring special where you receive $100 discount on a 10 private lesson package. Keep freestyling everyone and enjoy the spring weather. Mark Bemer
Nick and myself finishing our two hour Bronze medallion wet session on Saturday morning. Love the screaming colours!