Wreck2Reef ready to run

THE annual Wreck2Reef will begin from Indented Head on Saturday, February 8.

People of all abilities are catered for, with a 2.5-kilometre swim, a 1.2-kilometre open swim, a 500-metre novice swim and a 300-metre Junior Dash.

Run by the Indented Head Yacht Club, Ned Fairlie,  event director and club secretary, said the shorter races make the event great for people looking to try out open water swimming.

“The novice course is a great taster for those that haven’t done much open water swimming. And it’s quite family friendly with the junior event.

“We have protected, calm waters which makes it a great event for those new to open water swimming.”

The 2.5-kilometre swim goes past the 1925 Ozone Shipwreck, but it is very visible from the Indented Heads shoreline.

Mr Fairlie said the competition has consistently expanded since it was first run 11 years ago.

“Every year participation has grown. We had a record number of 330 participants last year.”

The event also provides plenty for spectators with a bouncing castle for the children and several food trucks.

The funds from the event will go to the Young Tackers Program.

Paul Simmons, one of the program’s instructors, says the event takes a huge amount of work from volunteers associated with the club.

“It’s not just the people you see at the event, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to help prepare for it.”

The program has grown a great deal in recent years, with approximately 40 children aged from five to 18 involved last year.

The club is also looking to start providing more opportunities for adults to learn how to sail, as many of the parents of the children in the Young Tackers Program have expressed interest in learning.

Mr Simmons says Wreck2Reef is a big part of this success, as the money raised from the event helps make the program more affordable to participants..

Registrations are still open. Prices range from $20 for the Junior Dash, to $60 for the 2.5-kilometre swim.

To register visit registernow.io/event/ap-348.