Byron Bay ocean swim helps raise vital funds for charity groups

SWIMMERS from across the region will compete in one of the longest running events of its kind with the Byron Bay Property Sales Ocean Swim Classic set for Sunday, 3 May.

It will be the 39th edition of the event which has raised close to $2 million for local charities and sporting groups.

It was first held in 1983 and has only been cancelled a couple of times due to dangerous surf conditions.

The event features a challenging 2.2km course from Wategos to Main Beach, alongside the shorter Byron Bay Chocolate Co Dash.

The dash is an 800m mini swim from The Pass to Main Beach and caters to a wide range of abilities.

A Super Fish will be crowned in the open men and women’s division with previous winners including Olympians Grant Hackett, Ky Hurst and Melissa Gorman.

Gorman has won the event multiple times, while Hurst has been involved as a competitor and race sponsor.

Organised by the long-running Winter Whales group, the swim has been a staple on the local sporting calendar and continues to attract strong fields.

The whales expect around 900 competitors again this year, with many entrants traditionally registering in the lead-up to race day.

 

“We’ll get about 900 competitors again this year, a lot of people register late so it can be hard to know exactly how many will be there on the day,” an event spokesperson said.

“Each year we look at which charity or group might need a bit of extra support.

“Next year will be a big one at 40 years, it’s been one of the longest-running events for the Byron Bay community.

Recent beneficiaries include the Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter while the event also supports other emergency services and the local scouts.

Racing caters to swimmers aged 12 and over, with age divisions extending to 75 years and above.

Trophies will be awarded to the fastest three overall male and female competitors, while medals will be presented to the top three place getters in each age category.

The race begins at 7am, with further details on entry fees, check-in times, and course information at byronbayoceanswim.com.au