South Maroubra SLSC revives ocean challenge a decade on
THE beauty of South Maroubra beach has inspired the revival of a fundraising swim last held a decade ago.
Southern Courier
Don't miss out on the headlines from Southern Courier. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Tribute to 'Bra Pa' John McCormack
- Botany author's ghostly tale wins over young fans
- 'Some kids hadn't seen the ocean'
THE beauty of South Maroubra beach has inspired the revival of a fundraising swim last held a decade ago.
After joining the local lifesaving club two years ago, director of competition Simon Smith decided it was time to bring back the ocean swim, teaming up with major sponsor Audi Centre Sydney to create the South Maroubra Ocean Challenge.
“The reaction has been great, there’s a lot of excitement,” Mr Smith said of the event to be held on Sunday, February 5.
“We are a small club with very skilled lifesavers and a long history, and we need to ensure that keeps going — people want a local swim that also supports the club.”
The circuit has been specially tailored to the unique conditions at South Maroubra, with Mr Smith and swim coach Colin Marshall working to ensure the course is not too complicated.
Swimmers will head out along the rock pool ledge on the right hand side of the beach to the reef, then left across the beach before looping back.
Children as young as nine from the club’s nippers group are expected to take part in the 500m swim, while anyone over 13 can participate in the 1km and 2.5km swims.
“We have a few swimmers who are around 65 to 70 so it would be great to get them involved, as well as people from clubs in the surrounding areas,” Mr Smith said.
“We want to get as big as the Coogee ocean swim — Maroubra is such a beautiful beach, it just makes sense.”
All money raised from the swim will be invested in maintaining and purchasing lifesaving equipment for South Maroubra SLSC, and general running costs.
Registrations are now open at oceanswims.com.au/swims/calendar/eventdetail/ 631/54/south-maroubra-nsw-e.html
‘It’s scary’: Speed race has SailGP guns on edge
SailGP gun Kyle Langford has given an insight into the wet, wild and high risk speed chase that could see 100km/h broken on Sydney Harbour – and the fear and pain involved.
Thanks Kylie! How old soaps playing role in Aussie SailGP success
Soaps Neighbours and Home and Away - and a British Olympian who watched them - are strangely playing a part in the resurgence of the Aussie crew in the SailGP series hitting Sydney at speed.