North Shore community swim indicates strong numbers for 2024

ORGANISERS of an annual North Shore swimming event are gearing up for another day of community fun, 24 years on from its inaugural swim.

The Moorpanyal 1000, Australia’s biggest free open water swim hosted by the North Shore Residents Group, is back on Saturday at Moorpanyal Park.

Residents group and event committee member Tennille Moisel says the event always draws a strong response from the local community.

“We’re quite a small suburb made up of only six residential street, but it’s close-knit community that has a beautiful little beach at our disposal.

“Because of the beach, we have a front row seat of everything that is happening in the channel and picturesque views of Geelong and Corio Bay.

“It’s always a terrific family and community day which attracts swimmers from not only North Shore and Geelong, but from across the state as well – we had people travel from Gisborne and Traralgon.”

The Moorpanyal 1000 comes from humble beginnings, with 14 registered swimmers at its inaugural edition in 2000.

The race involves swimming 450m out from Moorpanyal Park’s beach into Corio Bay, 100m of swimming across, then 450m back to shore.

Last year’s swim involved more than 150 competitors with early registrations for next weekend’s event suggesting similar numbers with more than 40 early registrations inside 72 hours.

“It’s looking like it’s going to be another strong swimming day, but to date the swim has always retained that grassroots element,” Ms Moisel said.

“We’ll have the Coast Guard volunteer their help as well as the Bancoora Surf Lifesaving Club on hand as well.

“It’s a great option for swimmers only just getting into these sorts of events or someone training for an upcoming sports season, we get competitors of all walks of life.

“It’s just a fantastic day to get involved and enjoy our little pocket of the region.”

Race sections include Male and female Under 15, Under 18, Open, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and 60-plus. The minimum age to compete is 12.

Register HERE now or on the day.