Swimmers gear up for return of Moorpanyal 1000

SWIMMERS will make a splash in North Shore next weekend as the Moorpanyal 1000 returns for its 25th year.

Hosted by the North Shore Residents Group, the event is Australia’s largest open water free swim and is expected to attract about 200 participants.

On February 15, swimmers will complete a 1km course, making their way out to the buoys and returning back to shore.

Residents group secretary Tennille Moisel said the majority of participants were usually over the age of 60.

“You probably have about 25 to 30 per cent of people will be over 60 and some of them have been doing the swim for almost 20 years.

“We also have a lot of first-time ocean swimmers as well. They’ll come down, never done it before, wanting to give it a go. It’s a nice local one to be able to do without being part of thousands of people.”

Since the inaugural event in 2000, the Moorpanyal 1000 has grown in size and after sitting at about 120 swimmers, numbers have surged in recent years with the event now capped at 200.

Ms Moisel said the event started as a way to showcase North Shore, particularly Moorpanyal Park and the beach.

“The residents group formed and decided they wanted to really engage with the local area and to do that through partnering with some of those local industry representatives to deliver this free swim.

“We’re really passionate about local people being fit and so for us, the swim is a great way for the community to come together.”

A free barbecue will follow the swim and prizes will be awarded in several categories.

Ms Moisel encouraged people to head down and show their support.

“We definitely want lots of people to come along and even if you’re not swimming, come and be part of it, it’s just a fun day,” she said.

For more information and to register for the event, head to moorpanyal.com