As the entries keep pouring in for the 25th Beach Hotel Ocean Swim Classic and the 5th Westpac Mini-swim, intending swimmers that have not entered are reminded that entries will close online at midnight on Friday 4 May.
Those who like to leave it to the last minute to see what the conditions are like can rest easy with the forecast of a mostly sunny day on Sunday current. There should be swells of less than 1.5m and light winds for the swim period.
Anyone wishing to enter in person can do so from 3pm to 5pm Friday afternoon at the Byron Bay Surf Club by cash or cheque only.
Sunday’s proceedings kick off with a 7am start for check-in to get your swim cap and timing device plus the relevant commemorative t-shirt or event baseball cap. These check-ins finish at 9am (earlier for the mini-swim).
Ocean Classic competitors can walk around to Wategos for the start from 10am or use the buses provided by Blanch’s that will leave regularly from the front of the Surf Club to the start. From then it is all systems go to enjoy one of the nation’s finest swims, knowing full well that you are assisting various selected charities and local organisations.
The Elite Superfish category has been boosted by the entries of 17 swimmers from a Swimming Australia camp being held on the Gold Coast. There also has been interest shown by a few of the Iron Man/Woman series competitors and the winner of the female section of the latest Rottnest Island Channel Race. 2012 Olympic team member and six-time winner, Melissa Gorman, will be trying to make this year’s Classic her fourth win in a row. In the men’s division of the Superfish, two-time winner Trent Grimsey and his brother Codie, who won last year, are also competing.
Westpac Mini-swim
The little sister to the longer race is the Westpac Mini-swim, being run for the fifth year. Designed for the novice, the nervous and the nippers, the swim’s starting age is nine years.
The mini-swim starts at 8:45am, however, so those swimmers should check-in early in order to make their way along the beach to around about the Clarkes Beach Camping Grounds for their start.
There are quite a few of our more senior swimmers stepping-back to the 800m distance of the Mini. Money raised goes to selected charities and local organisations.
Full details and entry portals can be found on the event’s website www.byronbayoceanswimclassic.com.au.
