Swim for the ages at ocean classic

ONE of the most iconic and longest-running community sporting events in Byron Bay will aim to raise about $75,000 for local charities this year.

The Byron Bay Property Sales Ocean Swim Classic is expected to attract about 1000 competitors on Sunday, March 4.

It comprises a 2.2km swim between Wategos and Main Beach.

There is also the Byron Bay Chocolate Co Dash 800m mini swim from The Pass to Main Beach.

The event has been run by the Winter Whales since 1983 and has featured Olympians such as Grant Hackett, Ky Hurst and Melissa Gorman.

It has been held most years and has only been cancelled a handful of times due to unfavorable conditions.

The 2025 swim will be the 38th edition of the event, which has now raised more than $1 million for the community.

“It is an incredible effort and some of the guys have been involved the whole time,” Winter Whales president Phil Jarvis said.

“We’re up to about $1.8 million in money raised and most of that has gone to local charities.”

The main swim attracts a strong contingent from south-east Queensland, who come down on a long weekend.

It has remained a popular event despite a growing number of ocean swims in other holiday hotspots.

The local scouts and the Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club were the main beneficiaries last year.

The event also supports local emergency services including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service at Lismore.

“Grant Hackett still holds the record, and Ky Hurst has sponsored the mini swim in the past,” Jarvis said.

“We’re always open to have as many people as possible, even if they just want to do the mini swim – it’s a lot of fun.”

The swim caters to swimmers as young as 12, with divisions up to 75 years and older.

The race starts at 7am with entry fees, check-in times, contacts and locations posted online at byronbayoceanswim.com.au .

The Winter Whales meet every Sunday for the 2.2km swim and are keen to recruit for the coming season.