Friday 7 November 2008

Bondi Baths and Icebergs

Early morning at Bondi Baths, at the southern end of Bondi Beach, sees lots of lap swimmers. In spring (Oct 20 & 27), the sea temperature is still quite low - about 16 or 17 degrees, so a few people wear wet suits.

Bondi Icebergs was founded in 1929 by some dedicated winter swimmers. Every Sunday from May to September, over 700 male and female swimmers compete in races. To be a full swimming member you must swim three out of four Sundays for a period of five years. There are 90-0dd junior members, aged 5 -17, called 'Bondi Icecubes'.

The official winter swimming season opens on the first Sunday in May, when blocks of ice are ceremoniously thrown into the pool.

Artist Alex Lavroff has painted a beautiful series of works called The Iceberg Series. You can see them by clicking on the link.






















Photos taken at approx 7am October 20 & 27, 2008