BONDI EARLY
MORNING SWIMMERS
REPORT
It has been another mixed year for the BREMS
group. Unlike the previous season, Bondi hasn’t
been blessed with regular good surf this season
and the shallow and straight banks have made
bodysurfing and all surfing for that matter,
difficult and at times dangerous. But the early
morning BREMS members have doggedly
persisted, displaying a concerted lack of regard
for personal safety but with fortunate results.
A number of the group travelled to Hawaii
in 2023 to revisit the famed and dedicated
bodysurfing spot, Point Panic. This was the first
time since 2014, when Peter Ryan and Keiran
Speed led a seven year pilgrimage to the spot,
making many excellent memories in the surf
and out. While the surf wasn’t large in 2023, it
was nevertheless a good experience, especially
for those who hadn’t surfed the mystical Point
Panic before.
The Club flag was once again lowered to
half-mast in January in honour of the passing
of Ken Jackson. Kenny, a longtime Member of
BREMS and a past member of the Club, had the
well-deserved Nickname of ‘Arms and Legs’ due
to his unusual body surfing technique which got
him onto some pretty good-sized waves with
little style but good effect. Ken, aged 92 at the
time of his death, introduced several Members
to the Club and those who knew and surfed with
him often still speak of his daring pursuits.
The BREMS team, along with others in the Club,
have patronised Surfish Cafe for morning coffee
each morning and are very grateful for having
been so well looked after by George, Bill, Maria
and their excellent staff.
In May, the BREMS group were greatly saddened
by the passing of Keiran Speed. Keiran, or Keiro
and the Skipper as he was affectionately known
to us, was enormously liked and admired by
our group. He was positive, driven, generous
and cheeky, a true champion. He has left a
great mark and will be forever in our memories,
aided by some wonderful antics, many of which
have been captured in memorable photos and
books of trips to Hawaii, birthday celebrations
and coffee after each morning’s bodysurfs and
swims.
The camaraderie, support, wide-ranging
conversations and laughter of the BREMS group
have continued unabated.
Garry Beath
93
117TH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2023/24