Bondi Icebergs @ the famous Bondi Beach

Bondi Icebergs call themselves the home of winter swimming since 1929 but today, even though we are well into autumn (fall), it was like the middle of summer. Jen and I headed to Bondi Beach to Icebergs to do our laps.  I promise that I'll share some furniture projects in tomorrow but in the meantime I had to share this stunning location with you. (all the photos are straight from my camera - no filters required!)

If you ever come to Sydney (or live here already) this pool must be on your to do list. I had the best swim and was just so happy (actually, joyous) from being there and enjoying the experience. The sun was shining, the pool was a turquoise green and fresh and a little brisk (just how I like it).  And for a measly $5.50 entrance fee - pretty good value!

I had to share these photos of this lovely old lady and her swimming cap. Just perfect for this pool. Probably similar to what they wore on their heads in 1929.  

We followed our swim by a sandwich and a latte up on the deck overlooking the ocean.  Soaking up the sun and the view. Isn't Sydney just wonderful! No wonder they call us the Lucky Country.

 I'm thinking of returning tomorrow...I think I'm hooked!

I had to share this from the Bondi Ice bergs page about their membership. They take it very seriously. Read through their rules - they are hilarious!

How to Join the World Famous Bondi Icebergs

Potential Icebergs should note that induction days for the Bondi Icebergs Winter Swimming Club are held over two weekends in April. NB You should confirm these dates and times at the club.  Complaining about getting it wrong and citing this information, will get no hearing.

After being “Lofterized” in the Members room (don’t worry it doesn’t hurt...much), filling out a form, paying membership up front, you swim a 50m time trial.

a.  To establish you won’t drown.  You need to be able to get from one end of a 50m pool, to the other, via the water, self propelled.  (For stroke correction see “Jo the Mermaid”.  Have noticed a few improved swimmers around the pool and even “the Spy” is vowing to learn to freestyle, so get on with it.)

b.  To establish your handicap time.  I’ll repeat that, your handicap time.  So swim faster, if possible, than you’ve ever swum in your entire life.  (If you don’t get it by now, oh well...)

However, be real, the Icebergs is a commitment and the Club makes no apologies for that.  It is what makes the Club the largest, most recognized winter swimming club in the country, if not the world.  You are obliged to swim 3 Sundays a month over the 5 month winter season.  You will be considered a novice  i.e., not a Long Service Iceberg, until your 75 swims over a minimum of 5 years is up. Being an Iceberg is a responsibility and taking responsibility for yourself.  As JFK said when he was an Iceberg,  “Think not what the Icebergs can do for you, rather, think what you can do for the Icebergs.”

Can’t make the Induction Days?

No worries - You can’t be an Iceberg.

Live too far away to make the commitment of every week?

No worries - You can’t be an Iceberg.

Former Olympian “I don’t like swimming in cold water.”

No worries - You can’t be an Iceberg.

You want special rules, that you’ve decided to make up, to apply to you.

No worries - You can’t be an Iceberg.

You think you want to be an “Iceburger”, like it’s something you get at Macca’s.

You’re an idiot - You can’t be an Iceberg

You’re a hand wringing, slim hipped, purse carrying, nancy boy, who’s blaming everyone but yourself for not having your current membership card on Winter Season Opening Day.

Be an Iceberg - Pay the Pool Entry Fee, it’s about taking responsibility, remember?

Being an Iceberg isn’t for everyone and that’s why being an Iceberg is special.  There are plenty of other winter swimming clubs you can join.  They have limp wristed names like Dolphins, Seals, Crabs or Eels.  None of them are the Icebergs.  None of them have “Rule 15B”.  It wasn’t a Penguin that sunk the Titanic was it?  You’re not going to walk into some gin joint anywhere in the world and proclaim proudly “I’m a Splasher” and expect anyone to care...oh please.  None of the other clubs have hundreds of swimmers turning up week after week after week, rain or shine.  It’s what makes the Icebergs great.

Wrong Question:  How cold does it get?

Correct Answer:  It’s never cold enough!

You’re an Iceberg!  Toughen up!

So why do it?  It’s fun, whether you like it or not!  It’s a point of contact with people from all walks of life, you can bag a local Fireman (everyone does) and an aspiring Prime Minister on the same morning.  You can drink beer and eat meat pies.  There’s healthy food at the “Crabbe Hole Cafe” on pool level.  (The best coffee in Bondi, no contest and food is good for you, scary but true.)

At a time when sleazy public figures try to dictate what it is to be an Australian, this stands above all that sludge as a Great Aussie Institution.  If you need exercise, REAL men and women swim the Bay, 800m each way, before, or after their race, or both.  Even Tex has done it and everyone knows what a pussy he is.  (What do you mean SHARKS?  There aren’t that many.  Well, maybe a few...)

Be a man, not a mollusc.  Do it for yourself and do it for AUSTRALIA!  See you there sport.

If you want to live vicariously here's the pool cam

I then got to relax for 2 hours while I got my hair cut and streaked. Talk about feeling totally luxurious to day!  Probably not the best photo as I'm really squniting in the bright sunshine despite my big dark sunnies. But as I haven't had my hair done since August last year when I was heading to the US I'm pretty happy to have nicely cut hair for a change!

cheers Fiona