35th Rip View Swim Classic details announced

DETAILS surrounding Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club’s (SLSC) biggest event of the year have been announced, with a Bellarine summer classic locked in for early next year.

Point Lonsdale SLSC’s annual Rip View Swim Classic will take place the day after New Year’s Day on January 2 with hundreds of swimmers, both competitive and non-competitive, expected to make their way down to the Borough of Queenscliffe for the event.

Rip View Swim Classic director and Point Lonsdale SLSC member Murray Keeble says himself and the club are excited to begin preparations for the 35th running of the event.

“We know we still have a lot of work to get through over the next month, but we’re all feeling really positive at the moment, the COVID-19 thing is completely in the rear-view mirror, and everyone is back in the full swing of things.

“We’re already seeing great enthusiasm among the public and we’re keen on welcoming people back to Point Lonsdale.”

More than 1,000 swimmers attended last year’s Rip View Swim Classic with endurance athlete Archie Vernon and competitive swimmer Dakoda Mathers securing top honours in the 1.4km main event.

The Rip View Swim Classic will run its regular format on the day featuring three races with male, female, and age category winners in each.

The day’s proceedings will begin with the longest race of the three, the 3.8km Rip View Swim Classic event beginning at Santa Casa in Queenscliff, before the shorter 600m Groyne 2 Groyne is quickly conducted.

The day then culminates in the running of the headline 1.4km Rip View Swim Classic, starting from the Spring beach in Point Lonsdale and concluding at the Point Lonsdale Front Beach.

All funds raised through swimmer entries will be diverted back into the club’s resources.

“Right from consumables through to repairs in the club house, which is now a major community hub, through to training equipment for Nippers and extra comfort items for the club we’re yet to obtain,” Mr Keeble said.

“The funds will continue to bring the club to life, and it can allow the club to function as it’s meant to, and that’s keeping our beaches safe.”

For more information about the Rip View Swim Classic, head to rvsc.org.au