Sandy Beach

Monday, April 7, 2014

Looking back: 1992

Aren't we beautiful? Do you recognise anyone?

Oatley Swimming Club in 1992. We have not changed a bit.

Spunks, eh?

The river now - as it was then, in 1992. (Photo by Phil)

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Last swim meet of 2013-14 season

It was one of those mild autumn days: sunny, sweet and warm.

There's always one in every crowd

A length of the baths was scheduled today. It follows the shark net and is roughly 365 metres: about a year long.

The start is at the far end of the baths, and is a land component of the program where you walk barefoot along the shore.

The starting line up for length of baths

Length of baths race in progress

Ditto

Timers clocking the length of baths race

The finishing line: timers tell each swimmer their times. It is not always good news.

As you can see, some swimmers use flippers.

A river mermaid

Atmosphere shot

Our boatie, who crosses the river for the swim meets.

The river is a friendly place, and here are some warm moments:

Friends with mud boots

Mud high boots with matching gloves

As always, trees stand by, keeping green.

A non-swimmer.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Dive Dive Dive

Senior ladies - mid-air.

Juniors goggle up for the dive

GO!

Senior men goggle up

And they are away...

The round-the-baths race (700 metres) (about). We start at one end, swim to the end of the baths, then back to where we started.

As you can see, the round-the-baths race is an informal affair and allows flippers, any swimming stroke, walking in the shallows, no age limit and much banter. The winner is not the first home, but whoever swims closest their nominated time. For this reason, there is one rule for this race: you cannot wear watch.

This is how the baths look before we hit the water...

...and this is the baths after we hit the water. We are indeed a force of nature.

Here is another force of nature: our beloved, much respected and handsome handicapper.

A wet day at Sandy Beach

Swimmers trying to stay dry

The BEST Christmas cake ever

Saturday, November 23, 2013

A swim in November rain - with visitors from Cronulla

One Sunday in November 2013.

High tide, but also rain and chill wind. Swimmers from Cronulla made a guest appearance at this meet, and set a high standard of speed and good cheer.

A little bit of winter never stops a competitive swimmer

Races are underway.

It is warmer in the water than out, as a wind chill factor comes into play.

Between swims, we wrap up

The races continue, despite the chattering of teeth.

This meeting, combined with the Cronulla team, includes a relay. The photos below are a record of powerful swimmers at their best.

Relay swimmers waiting on the pontoon for their turn to hit the water.

Some informal handicapping

The race continues

The final leg of the relay

The winning team powers to the finish line. And yes: Cronulla wins.

We treat our Cronulla guests to another of our distinctive races: Around the Baths (about 800m) or The Kilometre (about 1km).

The Kilometre is an informal measurement, being around the baths once plus the distance along the net end to end.

So, you start at other end of the pool, swim along the net, then take a hard right at the starting blocks. Continue on, swimming a full circle around the pool and back to the starting end.

Those doing The Kilometre must walk down to the other end of the pool - and a very pretty bush walk it is - for the starting position, which is quite informal, and anywhere in the mud will do. The starter, who is standing on the shore, signals the start of the race by dropping a white flag.