The Glistening Dave Pano. But you knew that.

Bondi. One of the most recognisable urban landscapes to surround any beach in the world.

We didn't wear the oceanswims.com GPS-in-a-prophylactic this time. Guest wearer was Mermaid Jo. We'd like to know what she thinks of this course. We suspect its jagged nature is more to do with Mermaid Jo's back being deeper in the water than is oceanswims.com's cock-like comb when he has it between two caps on his noggin than it is about her capacity to hold a line. We suspect, sitting half way down her back -- and we know how far because we watched her round the last booey -- the GPS kept losing signal then regaining. Another lesson from North Bondi.

Glistening Dave is fascinated with the cowboys who run surf club rubber duckies. A charming juxtaposition here. Are they showing off?

 

On the line.

 

Peppery sea.

The gladiators return.

This is Alcatraz Joe Oakes, visiting for the weekend from Portland, Oregan. See below for Joe's story.

Howard Roby made a comeback to ocean swimming at North Bondi. Howard did Rottnest a few years back, buggered his shoulder, had it reconstructed, and while convalescing, he took up his bride's exercise bike to keep fit. And he buggered his knee, had it reconstructed ... Howard is an anaesthetist. He has a Cole Classic plate from a placing a few years back. We asked Howard once, how highly he regarded his Cole Classic plate. He replied, "Higher than my medical degree". Welcome back, Howard.

Bondi is known for its coloruful, eccentric characters. Here is Reg, leader of the Judean People's Front, with accolyte Mr Cheeky. Who can tell what's going on between them here? But we hope no-one else saw Mr Cheeky doing what it looks like he's doing, and that it was washed way out to sea straight away. We imagine Reg would be very popular at Bondi with that builder's smile. Reg's real name is Julian. Mrs Sparkle saw him on Sunday. She called out, "Hey, Julian!" No response. Then she called out, "Hey, Reg!" And he turned around straight away. Julian finally has found his calling.

Ah, yes. Ducky drivers will be ducky drivers, whatever beach they're on.

Shelly Clarke lays down the law to the starter.

 

The youngies take it much more seriously than most of us older coves.

 

 

 

 

Having a good time.

 

Kick.

Serious.

Very serious.

Doesn't he look sinister! He's wearing the Darth Vader goggles. And he could be Darth Vader himself. Click here for you to get your own Darth Vader goggles, or any other gear you'd like from View.

We've all done it, Usually at times when we don't think anyone else will notice.

Meleé.

Rotator cuff injury in the making.

Waikiki? Why is Waikiki in here? Because, later in February, we'll b releasing details of our travel packages to swim in Hawaii -- off Maui and Waikiki -- in early September. We just wanted to draw your attention to it. Keep your eye out for details. We've just had a week in Hawaii, scouting locations, getting to know the place and appropriate people, etc. And we can tell you, this will be a fantastic trip. We visited Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu. Below is one of our favourite experiences: sunset from the Shore Bird on Waikiki, so close to the water, that it's literally a dozen steps from the bar into the water. Where the sunset is so glorious that it draws applause from the assembled mob. With Hawaiian bands playing in the background. Sigghhhh! Hawaii!