Competitors dive into Ocean Swim

More than 100 competitors are expected to dive into tomorrow's Sovereign Hills Ocean Swim at Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie.  But who will collect the spoils?

Professional triathlete and world champion Craig Alexander prevailed in 2007, however local duo Scott Munro and Belinda Neville starred last year. Munro and Neville captured both the 500m and 1km races, with another Port Macquarie youngster Hannah Munro close behind.

"We're expecting a good roll-up" organiser Jade Zaicew said. "Swimmers will venture from as far south as Victoria and north to Queensland. "We've also invited local politicians to compete against each other. "At this stage, only Peter Besseling has put up his hand for the challenge."

The event to be hosted by the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club, consists of two races - 500m and 1km. "Competitors can compete in both swims", Zaicew said. "The 500m sprint takes in 250m out to sea and return. "The 1km swim will be from Nobby's Beach and across to Flynns Beach, then back to shore. "We're expecting medium swells, which should test traditional flat water swimmers against the stronger ocean, surf club swimmers. "One of our members, Greg Mortlock, believes the conditions will be tough - and he looks forward to beating most in his age division".

"He swims at Flynns Beach and around the area quite regularly. "It's not uncommon to see him hanging near the surf club several times a week".

"So, local knowledge could play an important role in the races. "And if it rains, no problems - the event still goes ahead".

The 500m swim starts proceedings at 10am , to be followed by the 1km event.

"All winners, overall and age categories, will walk away with exclusive Ocean Swim shirts, and each competitor receives local fruit and bottled water from Mount Seaview Water," Zaicew said.

"Our club is all volunteer-based with proceeds from the race going towards equipment and training items. "We'd just like to thank major sponsor Sovereign Hills as well as Joyer IT and Finnians Irish Tavern for their support".

 

Ocean Swim Support: From left, Jade Zaicew, Sovereign Hills' Nicole Landy, Luke Davis, Mount Seaview's Jack Buchanan and Geoff Woodham.

 

Story and photo courtesy Port Macquarie News

<- Go back