Micheal Lynagh... On the Ball As Usual

First topic message reminder :

Firstly all the talk is about how amazing the Aussie Super teams skill levels are and how they are all playing immensely... Despite the league format proving otherwise, and all teams similar standings to last seasons finish.

He loves to highlight how goo players like AAC, Folau, and JOC are, despite 2 having poor games this morning showing little going forward and totally outclassed by Inman and English.

Then we talk about the strengths of the Aus team... The back row

Then Cooper will definately be named in the Aus team, despite him being told he has to defend in the front line to prove himself for international rugby and him not doing so much at all! Lynagh is convinced Cooper and Beale should be named and assessed at the camp, how can Beale be assessed where he is now? And surely for all Coopers weaknesses what he brings to any team isn't up for debate, it's his attitude toward everything, and Deans relationship!

And lastly Lynagh scoffs at the perceived weakness of the Aus scrum and physicality, as they beat both Wales and England in the Autumn and their scrum was the better despite being weakened...

Oh Mr Lynagh you sure know how to make astute observations.

gcBlues wrote:
Barry Manilow?

Thats what I thought when I first went there too. Its worlds apart from Barry Manilow and the Rio beach with the same name though.

GunsGerms wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:
Not going to get much time in Sydney mate, land and 2 days later heading down to Canberra, Melbourne and then return for the last test and legends game, so really get 4/5 days at most, with the sky walk, bridge walk and Manly visit plus having to go visit the gypsies rels time will be tough, I'll check that out though mate, looks lovely (if the weathers there)

Yeah forgot it will be "winter".

Love Manly, love taking the ferry there.

Never done the bridge walk cause it is crazy expensive. Was told that the best time to do it is sunrise or sunset, dont know though.

£150 a pop ( ) but the trip is pretty once in a lifetime so can't really begrudge the expensive stuff!!! We have the sunset tour, but want to change to the sunrise, we also have the skywalk the same day.

Ye we are visiting family in Manly so the ferry trip I am looking forward to!

ha ha. Thanks for reminding me about the lawns. Need to do that tomorrow.

10 day Sydney forecast °C

Fri May 31: 10-22 (some rain)
Sat June 1: 12-19 (some rain... 1st day of winter)
Sun June 2: 12-17 (some rain)
Mon June 3: 9-19 (partly cloudy, chance of rain)
Tue June 4: 7-19 (partly cloudy)
Wed June 5: 8-21 (mostly clear)
Thurs June 6: 10-21 (mostly clear)
Fri June 7: 10-23 (partly cloudy)
Sat June 8: 9-22 (some rain)
Sun June 9: 5-24 (partly cloudy)

More rainy in Brisbane at the moment and a degree or 3 warmer over the same period.

Bluesman,

Understand if you have already booked the bridge, but if not ...

If you caught the lift up Centrepoint (instead of climbing stairs - that's win # 1 right there and not included in my financial modelling) and then caught a train from Martin Place to Bondi Junction (15 minutes $4.20), then the 380 bus to Dover Heights (includes complimentary driveby of Bondi Beach at no extra cost to the first 500 lions fans) and asked the driver to kick you off at the Dover reservoir / park ($2.20), you would get the same view but from two angles.

If you then re-caught the 380 to Wato Bay, stuck $7 in you shoe to remind yourself (even when you recoup the benefit I will soon reveal) not to miss the last ferry that will incidentally deliver you back to the bottom of the Harbour Bridge (30 mins)), you'd have approximately enough money to drink yourself into a serious coma at the Watsons Bay Hotel while looking at the same view from the third angle.

Couldn't have said it better myself. The Bridge climb is a rip off!

The views from Centrepoint, Dover Heights, Watson's Bay, Rose Bay (near Kambala), Nielson Park, Taronga Zoo ferry wharf are much better... and they are all free!

Mate I've actually paid the money for the bridge myself, but my fingers started typing of their own accord as if to teach me a lesson!

We did it illegally (for free) a few times in the mid-80s. However, the cops got onto us (I was missing that night!) and ever since then it's been those operators raking it in with all the added security, etc.

How the hell did they achieve that? It's like a private company getting the gig for the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty. A licence to print money.

Anyway, well done to them... they grabbed the ball and ran with it. Much like the Wallabies will be doing shortly.

belovedfrosties wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Its a shame about Kurtley Beale...

Whats the crack with him...is he in a complete mess with the drink.

Might getting back into the Aussie squad in an enclosed environment not be worth a chance? The guy is top class.

Apparently being in Melbourne is considered to be a predominant factor in Beale going off the handle, there is quite a drinking and partying culture in that squad thats done him no favours. I heard somewhere (can't remember where) that there were talks of sending him off to perth where they look after their players a bit better and are less party hardy.

Haha! Have you heard of a bloke called Ben Cousins? Legendary AFL player who was based in Perth and went completely off the rails and sank his career in spectacular fashion. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/cheering-ben-cousins-into-the-abyss/

As someone who grew up in Perth, it truely is the wild west. Young blokes hit the booze big time, there are loads of booze busses and police target drink driving a lot. There is money everywhere due to the mining boom (which has stabilised now I think) so lots of miners get on the drink when they're away from the mines.

Saying that, the Force are a very good team who look after their players so I think he would benefit from a swap, but Perth can definitely be the opposite of rehab depending who you know and where you socialise. latest post on facebook from one of my mates based in perth was a butane tank being used as a flame thrower to burn a tube sock on a washing line, empty beer cans scattered everywhere in the garden

Bloody oath. It's like someone finally decided to ask the question, and Clover said ... "Yeah. Ok.".

It is a great experience though. Hopefully Vivid is still on as well which would add a nice angle for BM.

boomeranga wrote:Bluesman,

Understand if you have already booked the bridge, but if not ...

If you caught the lift up Centrepoint (instead of climbing stairs - that's win # 1 right there and not included in my financial modelling) and then caught a train from Martin Place to Bondi Junction (15 minutes $4.20), then the 380 bus to Dover Heights (includes complimentary driveby of Bondi Beach at no extra cost to the first 500 lions fans) and asked the driver to kick you off at the Dover reservoir / park ($2.20), you would get the same view but from two angles.

If you then re-caught the 380 to Wato Bay, stuck $7 in you shoe to remind yourself (even when you recoup the benefit I will soon reveal) not to miss the last ferry that will incidentally deliver you back to the bottom of the Harbour Bridge (30 mins)), you'd have approximately enough money to drink yourself into a serious coma at the Watsons Bay Hotel while looking at the same view from the third angle.

BALLS!!! Wish I knew that before I shelled out the 300 or so!! Of the 3 you mention, which is the best (wouldnt fancy travelling back and forth all day)

Bsando,
Geez.. it's the the Wild West all right!

Yes, Ben Cousins was such an amazing talent. Poor guy was out of control as you say. I hope he's doing well now.

Boomer,
Did you see Tim Horan's "last 6 picks"?

Final 6's from the Rugby HQ panel

Brendan Canon:
Nick White
Quade Cooper
Jesse Mogg
Hugh McMeniman
Hugh Pyle
Richard Brown

Tim Horan:
Nic White
QC
Jesse Mogg
?
?
? missed the last 3...

George Gregan:
Nic White
QC
Jesse Mogg
A. Fainga'a
MMM
Dan Palmer

I can't believe GG picked Ant Fang. No way!

Personally I'd go for:
White
QC (even if he's not used... a psychological impact on Gats... but I'd play him)
Mogg/Beale (probably risk it with KB)
MMM
Palmer

Did anyone see this?

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/british-and-irish-lions-skipper-sam-warburton-an-injury-doubt-for-clash-against-barbarians/story-fn5k35fo-1226653424405#.UacwWdjm7Mc

bsando wrote:

belovedfrosties wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Its a shame about Kurtley Beale...

Whats the crack with him...is he in a complete mess with the drink.

Might getting back into the Aussie squad in an enclosed environment not be worth a chance? The guy is top class.

Apparently being in Melbourne is considered to be a predominant factor in Beale going off the handle, there is quite a drinking and partying culture in that squad thats done him no favours. I heard somewhere (can't remember where) that there were talks of sending him off to perth where they look after their players a bit better and are less party hardy.

Haha! Have you heard of a bloke called Ben Cousins? Legendary AFL player who was based in Perth and went completely off the rails and sank his career in spectacular fashion. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/cheering-ben-cousins-into-the-abyss/

As someone who grew up in Perth, it truely is the wild west. Young blokes hit the booze big time, there are loads of booze busses and police target drink driving a lot. There is money everywhere due to the mining boom (which has stabilised now I think) so lots of miners get on the drink when they're away from the mines.

Saying that, the Force are a very good team who look after their players so I think he would benefit from a swap, but Perth can definitely be the opposite of rehab depending who you know and where you socialise. latest post on facebook from one of my mates based in perth was a butane tank being used as a flame thrower to burn a tube sock on a washing line, empty beer cans scattered everywhere in the garden

I grew up playing / following Aussie rules and BC was my absolute favourite player. He was a phenomenom. Bit unfortunate he turned out to be an Ice addict though, and therein lies the problem for us. We will forgive near anything if you are good enough.

thebluesmancometh wrote:

boomeranga wrote:Bluesman,

Understand if you have already booked the bridge, but if not ...

If you caught the lift up Centrepoint (instead of climbing stairs - that's win # 1 right there and not included in my financial modelling) and then caught a train from Martin Place to Bondi Junction (15 minutes $4.20), then the 380 bus to Dover Heights (includes complimentary driveby of Bondi Beach at no extra cost to the first 500 lions fans) and asked the driver to kick you off at the Dover reservoir / park ($2.20), you would get the same view but from two angles.

If you then re-caught the 380 to Wato Bay, stuck $7 in you shoe to remind yourself (even when you recoup the benefit I will soon reveal) not to miss the last ferry that will incidentally deliver you back to the bottom of the Harbour Bridge (30 mins)), you'd have approximately enough money to drink yourself into a serious coma at the Watsons Bay Hotel while looking at the same view from the third angle.

BALLS!!! Wish I knew that before I shelled out the 300 or so!! Of the 3 you mention, which is the best (wouldnt fancy travelling back and forth all day)

Sorry mate. Half hour after posting that I now feel like a knowitallwanker posting "well this is what I'D DO". I've also climbed the bridge and it is definitely one of the main things to do. Sydney is nothing if not a pretty tart, so get up there and look down her top!

Like all big places, you're favourite depends on where you spend your time. I love Bondi to Watson Bay, but I've read the tips you have had about Manly and they won't send you wrong. Wear shorts. Be friendly. You'll have fun.

Linebreaker wrote:

Couldn't have said it better myself. The Bridge climb is a rip off!

The views from Centrepoint, Dover Heights, Watson's Bay, Rose Bay (near Kambala), Nielson Park, Taronga Zoo ferry wharf are much better... and they are all free!

Taronga zoo is not free but it is an unbelievably good zoo. Worth every penny IMO. Great seal show. Up there with my favorite things to do in Sydney especially if you have kids. Savage views too.

Like Watson's bay a lot too. Was at a wedding there recently. Very nice place.

The Taronga Zoo wharf is. I prefer being down at sea level.

Linebreaker wrote:The Taronga Zoo wharf is. I prefer being down at sea level.

Why would you go there if you werent going to the Zoo?

GunsGerms wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:

Couldn't have said it better myself. The Bridge climb is a rip off!

The views from Centrepoint, Dover Heights, Watson's Bay, Rose Bay (near Kambala), Nielson Park, Taronga Zoo ferry wharf are much better... and they are all free!

Taronga zoo is not free but it is an unbelievably good zoo. Worth every penny IMO. Great seal show. Up there with my favorite things to do in Sydney especially if you have kids. Savage views too.

Like Watson's bay a lot too. Was at a wedding there recently. Very nice place.

I think our ticket for the skywalk includes some other attractions including a zoo, is that the zoo? Was going to give it a miss, but if it's a prticularly good one I might pop my head in.

I used to live there in Clifton Gardens. It was a daily occurrence for me.

It might pay you to read more closely next time.

thebluesmancometh wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:

Couldn't have said it better myself. The Bridge climb is a rip off!

The views from Centrepoint, Dover Heights, Watson's Bay, Rose Bay (near Kambala), Nielson Park, Taronga Zoo ferry wharf are much better... and they are all free!

Taronga zoo is not free but it is an unbelievably good zoo. Worth every penny IMO. Great seal show. Up there with my favorite things to do in Sydney especially if you have kids. Savage views too.

Like Watson's bay a lot too. Was at a wedding there recently. Very nice place.

I think our ticket for the skywalk includes some other attractions including a zoo, is that the zoo? Was going to give it a miss, but if it's a prticularly good one I might pop my head in.

Most spectacular city zoo in the world. You'll love it. You've probably got the gondola ride thrown in as well.

Whats going on above, how are my posts being edited? I didn't type that last sentence...

Not to mention my thread you little scamps!

Don't worry bluesman. There's been a disruption in the time space continuum. These things have a habit of resolving themselves with no apparent logic. Just enjoy the ride.

Linebreaker wrote:I used to live there in Clifton Gardens. It was a daily occurrence for me.

It might pay you to read more closely next time.

Youre right, I dont usually pay much attention to your posts

boomeranga wrote:

bsando wrote:

belovedfrosties wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Its a shame about Kurtley Beale...

Whats the crack with him...is he in a complete mess with the drink.

Might getting back into the Aussie squad in an enclosed environment not be worth a chance? The guy is top class.

Apparently being in Melbourne is considered to be a predominant factor in Beale going off the handle, there is quite a drinking and partying culture in that squad thats done him no favours. I heard somewhere (can't remember where) that there were talks of sending him off to perth where they look after their players a bit better and are less party hardy.

Haha! Have you heard of a bloke called Ben Cousins? Legendary AFL player who was based in Perth and went completely off the rails and sank his career in spectacular fashion. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/cheering-ben-cousins-into-the-abyss/

As someone who grew up in Perth, it truely is the wild west. Young blokes hit the booze big time, there are loads of booze busses and police target drink driving a lot. There is money everywhere due to the mining boom (which has stabilised now I think) so lots of miners get on the drink when they're away from the mines.

Saying that, the Force are a very good team who look after their players so I think he would benefit from a swap, but Perth can definitely be the opposite of rehab depending who you know and where you socialise. latest post on facebook from one of my mates based in perth was a butane tank being used as a flame thrower to burn a tube sock on a washing line, empty beer cans scattered everywhere in the garden

I grew up playing / following Aussie rules and BC was my absolute favourite player. He was a phenomenom. Bit unfortunate he turned out to be an Ice addict though, and therein lies the problem for us. We will forgive near anything if you are good enough.

Yeah I'm an Eagles fan so I was obviously devastated by his fall from the top, he was a legend and a role model for me when I was a kid playing junior aussie rules every weekend. I think the worst thing for him was when the press found out about his addiction late 2006 after winning the Brownlow medal (very prestigious award for any non AFL fans reading). Press took him to the cleaners, West Australian can be pretty brutal in the their articles. As you say, public just wanted to see him clean and back to his old self, yet he had been on the ice for a long time I think and just loved to push his limits, on and off the field.

Do you watch much AFL nowadays?

GunsGerms wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:I used to live there in Clifton Gardens. It was a daily occurrence for me.

It might pay you to read more closely next time.

Youre right, I dont usually pay much attention to your posts

I disagree!

bsando wrote:

boomeranga wrote:

bsando wrote:

belovedfrosties wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Its a shame about Kurtley Beale...

Whats the crack with him...is he in a complete mess with the drink.

Might getting back into the Aussie squad in an enclosed environment not be worth a chance? The guy is top class.

Apparently being in Melbourne is considered to be a predominant factor in Beale going off the handle, there is quite a drinking and partying culture in that squad thats done him no favours. I heard somewhere (can't remember where) that there were talks of sending him off to perth where they look after their players a bit better and are less party hardy.

Haha! Have you heard of a bloke called Ben Cousins? Legendary AFL player who was based in Perth and went completely off the rails and sank his career in spectacular fashion. http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/cheering-ben-cousins-into-the-abyss/

As someone who grew up in Perth, it truely is the wild west. Young blokes hit the booze big time, there are loads of booze busses and police target drink driving a lot. There is money everywhere due to the mining boom (which has stabilised now I think) so lots of miners get on the drink when they're away from the mines.

Saying that, the Force are a very good team who look after their players so I think he would benefit from a swap, but Perth can definitely be the opposite of rehab depending who you know and where you socialise. latest post on facebook from one of my mates based in perth was a butane tank being used as a flame thrower to burn a tube sock on a washing line, empty beer cans scattered everywhere in the garden

I grew up playing / following Aussie rules and BC was my absolute favourite player. He was a phenomenom. Bit unfortunate he turned out to be an Ice addict though, and therein lies the problem for us. We will forgive near anything if you are good enough.

Yeah I'm an Eagles fan so I was obviously devastated by his fall from the top, he was a legend and a role model for me when I was a kid playing junior aussie rules every weekend. I think the worst thing for him was when the press found out about his addiction late 2006 after winning the Brownlow medal (very prestigious award for any non AFL fans reading). Press took him to the cleaners, West Australian can be pretty brutal in the their articles. As you say, public just wanted to see him clean and back to his old self, yet he had been on the ice for a long time I think and just loved to push his limits, on and off the field.

Do you watch much AFL nowadays?

Sorry for not replying Bsando. My battery died.

I still watch Carlton every week, but not all the games like once upon a time. I find now that a lot of the teams play such similar styles that it isnt as interesting to me as it once was. They have done a brilliant job of cleaning it up, and it was necessary to do it, but I miss the physical confrontations that were once more a part of it. It's more professional now, but I think a little less spectacular.

Linebreaker wrote:Bsando,
Geez.. it's the the Wild West all right!

Yes, Ben Cousins was such an amazing talent. Poor guy was out of control as you say. I hope he's doing well now.

Boomer,
Did you see Tim Horan's "last 6 picks"?

Final 6's from the Rugby HQ panel

Brendan Canon:
Nick White
Quade Cooper
Jesse Mogg
Hugh McMeniman
Hugh Pyle
Richard Brown

Tim Horan:
Nic White
QC
Jesse Mogg
?
?
? missed the last 3...

George Gregan:
Nic White
QC
Jesse Mogg
A. Fainga'a
MMM
Dan Palmer

I can't believe GG picked Ant Fang. No way!

Personally I'd go for:
White
QC (even if he's not used... a psychological impact on Gats... but I'd play him)
Mogg/Beale (probably risk it with KB)
MMM
Palmer

Did anyone see this?

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/british-and-irish-lions-skipper-sam-warburton-an-injury-doubt-for-clash-against-barbarians/story-fn5k35fo-1226653424405#.UacwWdjm7Mc

Richard Brown would be a bit of a suprise, and I hope no Ant Faingaa either. Dingo has played it pretty safe with the first 25 so I dont think they need to add more safe bet type players. I agree with your picks, plus another hooker in James Hansen. Saia getting game time is a concern.

thebluesmancometh wrote:

boomeranga wrote:Bluesman,

Understand if you have already booked the bridge, but if not ...

If you caught the lift up Centrepoint (instead of climbing stairs - that's win # 1 right there and not included in my financial modelling) and then caught a train from Martin Place to Bondi Junction (15 minutes $4.20), then the 380 bus to Dover Heights (includes complimentary driveby of Bondi Beach at no extra cost to the first 500 lions fans) and asked the driver to kick you off at the Dover reservoir / park ($2.20), you would get the same view but from two angles.

If you then re-caught the 380 to Wato Bay, stuck $7 in you shoe to remind yourself (even when you recoup the benefit I will soon reveal) not to miss the last ferry that will incidentally deliver you back to the bottom of the Harbour Bridge (30 mins)), you'd have approximately enough money to drink yourself into a serious coma at the Watsons Bay Hotel while looking at the same view from the third angle.

BALLS!!! Wish I knew that before I shelled out the 300 or so!! Of the 3 you mention, which is the best (wouldnt fancy travelling back and forth all day)

I believe I've done most of that in one day. I ended up in a kiwi bar in Bondi after wanting to get to Bondi specifically, but didnt see the beach cos I got there at night! Had a ball though...1987- night of the Wallabies AB's Sydney match where Fitzy the winger got a couple I think.... Oddly havnt been back to Sydney since. melbourne and the gold coast several times (my own personal heaven on earth) and Hobart of all places- nice quaint little place- reminds a little of Wellington with the hills, harbour etc...have to get back there...

thebluesmancometh wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:
Not going to get much time in Sydney mate, land and 2 days later heading down to Canberra, Melbourne and then return for the last test and legends game, so really get 4/5 days at most, with the sky walk, bridge walk and Manly visit plus having to go visit the gypsies rels time will be tough, I'll check that out though mate, looks lovely (if the weathers there)

Yeah forgot it will be "winter".

Love Manly, love taking the ferry there.

Never done the bridge walk cause it is crazy expensive. Was told that the best time to do it is sunrise or sunset, dont know though.

£150 a pop ( ) but the trip is pretty once in a lifetime so can't really begrudge the expensive stuff!!! We have the sunset tour, but want to change to the sunrise, we also have the skywalk the same day.

Ye we are visiting family in Manly so the ferry trip I am looking forward to!

If its a reasonably clear evening the sunset climb is pretty spectacular. Sun starts to rise about 5.30am so it'd be a cold and early start for a sunrise climb. I'd recommend going to a headland (north head, south head, Long Reef) for the sunrise - it's whale season and there are plenty moving up the coast. Been quite a few dolphin pods dropping by as well. This is what greeted me when i went down for a surf one morning last week:
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dolphins-caught-at-play-with-surfers-off-avoca-beach/story-fni0cx12-1226648014617

Icu wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:
Not going to get much time in Sydney mate, land and 2 days later heading down to Canberra, Melbourne and then return for the last test and legends game, so really get 4/5 days at most, with the sky walk, bridge walk and Manly visit plus having to go visit the gypsies rels time will be tough, I'll check that out though mate, looks lovely (if the weathers there)

Yeah forgot it will be "winter".

Love Manly, love taking the ferry there.

Never done the bridge walk cause it is crazy expensive. Was told that the best time to do it is sunrise or sunset, dont know though.

£150 a pop ( ) but the trip is pretty once in a lifetime so can't really begrudge the expensive stuff!!! We have the sunset tour, but want to change to the sunrise, we also have the skywalk the same day.

Ye we are visiting family in Manly so the ferry trip I am looking forward to!

If its a reasonably clear evening the sunset climb is pretty spectacular. Sun starts to rise about 5.30am so it'd be a cold and early start for a sunrise climb. I'd recommend going to a headland (north head, south head, Long Reef) for the sunrise - it's whale season and there are plenty moving up the coast. Been quite a few dolphin pods dropping by as well. This is what greeted me when i went down for a surf one morning last week:
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dolphins-caught-at-play-with-surfers-off-avoca-beach/story-fni0cx12-1226648014617

WOW thats impressive, although did they get the same treatment as others would for dropping in?

Which brings me nicely to my next question, what will the surf be like out there in the next 6 weeks? I will be going Sydney Melbourne Sydney, is it worth hiring a board for a month and keeping it with? or just buying an old one? If there isn't many surf spots this time of year I won't bother, and I havn't surfed since... oooo, uuuu, 10+ years (God that makes me feel old)

The surf, as always will be variable - dependent on the weather although winter is usually the time for big swell and east coast lows, which is the weather system that the Scots and Wallabies played in last year. The water north of Sydney is still quite warmish although I have broken out the full length wetsuit already. Down south though I would expect it to be bloody freezing. It might more enjoyable finding a small bar with an open fire to hang out in.

Icu wrote:The surf, as always will be variable - dependent on the weather although winter is usually the time for big swell and east coast lows, which is the weather system that the Scots and Wallabies played in last year. The water north of Sydney is still quite warmish although I have broken out the full length wetsuit already. Down south though I would expect it to be bloody freezing. It might more enjoyable finding a small bar with an open fire to hang out in.

I'm not travelling 10 million miles to sit in the bar and whinge about the weather, I can do that at home (plus with all the rugby I'll spend plenty of time in bars)

What do you mean by freezing, because I tend not to find the brit winter water that cold (generally below 10/12) and I have been known to be in the water in boardies at some point that time of year too.

How far north would we have to travel to find some warmer water? are we talking a few hours drive or a flight to Brisbane?

Icu wrote:The surf, as always will be variable - dependent on the weather although winter is usually the time for big swell and east coast lows, which is the weather system that the Scots and Wallabies played in last year. The water north of Sydney is still quite warmish although I have broken out the full length wetsuit already. Down south though I would expect it to be bloody freezing. It might more enjoyable finding a small bar with an open fire to hang out in.

Only freezing for Aussies. The water in Ireland and Wales is nearly always cold particularly in Winter when the best waves come along.

Bluesman as you are going to Manley anyway you should surf there. Its pretty good though a little over crowded if I remember right. You can rent boards there. I got soooooo burned the last time I was there cause I surfed way too long.

I usually get out of Sydney and look for quieter beaches near Newcastle like Seal Rocks for example.

thebluesmancometh wrote:

Icu wrote:The surf, as always will be variable - dependent on the weather although winter is usually the time for big swell and east coast lows, which is the weather system that the Scots and Wallabies played in last year. The water north of Sydney is still quite warmish although I have broken out the full length wetsuit already. Down south though I would expect it to be bloody freezing. It might more enjoyable finding a small bar with an open fire to hang out in.

I'm not travelling 10 million miles to sit in the bar and whinge about the weather, I can do that at home (plus with all the rugby I'll spend plenty of time in bars)

What do you mean by freezing, because I tend not to find the brit winter water that cold (generally below 10/12) and I have been known to be in the water in boardies at some point that time of year too.

How far north would we have to travel to find some warmer water? are we talking a few hours drive or a flight to Brisbane?

Surfing in warm water is pretty horrible. Stick with the cold stuff. Water up north is like having a bath, rotten.

Surfing without a wetsuit is great GG. Surfing with a jet ski miles from land in French Polynesia is quite a thrill. Surfing the West coast of NZ is good wearing a wetsuit because it's less obvious that you've shat yourself with all the rips and powerful waves.

GG

Whats the point going to manly if I can't hire a board then???

If Manly is generally crowded I think I'll give it a miss surfwise, it has been over 10 years and I am no spring chicken, the wrong word from the wrong kid might send me over the edge!

I love warm water surfing, possibly because I never got to do it often, and xmas day surfing off the coast of Clare can take it's toll mentally, I mean even I had to put a suit on, and within the hour you seriously can't remember your own adress let alone speak it!

So by freezing they mean not as warm as it used to be, I am/or was used to sub 10 regular, and sub 6 even...

thebluesmancometh wrote:GG

Whats the point going to manly if I can't hire a board then???...

I said you can hire a board there.

thebluesmancometh wrote:


If Manly is generally crowded I think I'll give it a miss surfwise, it has been over 10 years and I am no spring chicken, the wrong word from the wrong kid might send me over the edge!

It may not be be over crowded as Aussies are a little soft when there is a little breeze.

thebluesmancometh wrote:

I love warm water surfing, possibly because I never got to do it often, and xmas day surfing off the coast of Clare can take it's toll mentally, I mean even I had to put a suit on, and within the hour you seriously can't remember your own adress let alone speak it!

So by freezing they mean not as warm as it used to be, I am/or was used to sub 10 regular, and sub 6 even...

Lahinch? Maybe your suit wasnt heavy enough. Need a hat, booties and gloves too if you are doing it at xmas.

GunsGerms wrote:

Icu wrote:The surf, as always will be variable - dependent on the weather although winter is usually the time for big swell and east coast lows, which is the weather system that the Scots and Wallabies played in last year. The water north of Sydney is still quite warmish although I have broken out the full length wetsuit already. Down south though I would expect it to be bloody freezing. It might more enjoyable finding a small bar with an open fire to hang out in.

Only freezing for Aussies. The water in Ireland and Wales is nearly always cold particularly in Winter when the best waves come along.

Bluesman as you are going to Manley anyway you should surf there. Its pretty good though a little over crowded if I remember right. You can rent boards there. I got soooooo burned the last time I was there cause I surfed way too long.

I usually get out of Sydney and look for quieter beaches near Newcastle like Seal Rocks for example.

No 'e' in Manly and you don't get sunburn in winter here. Seal Rocks is about 120km north of Newcastle in the Great Lakes District.

You sure know your onions!

Blues, forget what GG says. He hasn't a clue.
Manly in winter is far from crowded. Queenscliff is the exposed end and you can hire boards there from the Surf Club.
Isn't that where near where you lived... by the lagoon? Or was that another Welsh poster?

Linebreaker wrote:

No 'e' in Manly and you don't get sunburn in winter here. Seal Rocks is about 120km north of Newcastle in the Great Lakes District.

You sure know your onions!

Blues, forget what GG says. He hasn't a clue.
Manly in winter is far from crowded. Queenscliff is the exposed end and you can hire boards there from the Surf Club.
Isn't that where near where you lived... by the lagoon? Or was that another Welsh poster?

Like I said if there is a little breeze all the Aussies wuss out. It was summer last time I was in Manley though. I get sun burn when I surf in winter in Ireland. Thats just me though, fair skinned Irish.

Lahinch, havn't been back for a few years, I used to live down the road in Kilrush!

Suit?! How dare you swear, anyone needing a suit at Poopie creek is a wuss, or thats at least what we used to tell them, while trembling, dribbling and looking pretty pale. Xmas day with just a summer halfy on was pretty hard, no extra's (although I don't beleive in hood, socks etc) not the most fun but the surf was ok and pretty quiet there too.

Wouldn;t try Lahinch in the summer any more though, between the schools locals and fairweathers it's stupid crowded.

I've never been to Oz LB.

If Manly will be pretty quiet and I can hire a board and suit I'll give it a bash I think, from what Ive read 18-22 degrees water temp it'll feel like holiday, especially if it's dry and near similar temps too, real tropical!

Just realised it was Maes who lived here for a while.

Sort of balmy here today. 2nd week of winter. I haven't had the heater on in the evenings for the last 4/5 days but the skies look ominous.


Has Mr Lynagh said anything controversial recently or has he gone all quiet?

GunsGerms wrote:

Icu wrote:The surf, as always will be variable - dependent on the weather although winter is usually the time for big swell and east coast lows, which is the weather system that the Scots and Wallabies played in last year. The water north of Sydney is still quite warmish although I have broken out the full length wetsuit already. Down south though I would expect it to be bloody freezing. It might more enjoyable finding a small bar with an open fire to hang out in.

Only freezing for Aussies. The water in Ireland and Wales is nearly always cold particularly in Winter when the best waves come along.

Bluesman as you are going to Manley anyway you should surf there. Its pretty good though a little over crowded if I remember right. You can rent boards there. I got soooooo burned the last time I was there cause I surfed way too long.

I usually get out of Sydney and look for quieter beaches near Newcastle like Seal Rocks for example.

Ha ha. You're right about that. As soon as the water temp drops below 18C everyone's out. We are definite lightweights when it comes to cold water but it's only a few months before it warms up again so why bother freezing your b*ll**ks off?. I was told long ago that the only people who are in the water without a wetsuit after April were tourists and Victorians. If you can avoid surfing at Manly do so although it sounds like you've limited time. Too many people. I grew up down that way and avoided the place like the plague. If you have a choice, try anywhere from Long Reef upwards