"Chaotically fun": Morartys ready to go as Lorne braces for Pier to Pub influx

THE Lorne Pier to Pub continues to be a family affair for thousands of locals and visitors, and for the Morarty family, it means three generations of family members will again suit up for the annual event tomorrow (January 14).

Former Lorne Surf Life Club President and life member Neil Morarty, daughter Bec Read, and grandson Billy Read are all registered for Saturday’s 1.2km swim from Lorne Pier to Lorne SLSC.

Neil will gear up for his 29th swim (virtually in 2023), meanwhile Bec and Billy will be in Lorne competing on the day in their fifth and second swims respectively.

“I have enjoyed this event for as long as I can remember,” Mr Morarty said.

“The family and I have been involved in lifesaving since 1963 and this is one of the town’s iconic events.”

Morarty will be one swim away from becoming a rare Triple Sharkbait holder following this year’s Pier to Pub, which is an honour given to swimmers who complete the event 30 times.

“That 30th swim is definitely in the back of my mind, but with the Pier to Pub coming back after two COVID cancellations, it will be a somewhat different event this year, in a better sense,” Neil added.

“It’s a very well-organised event each year, it’s very well run, and consequently, it remains an event that people train all year for.

Former Lorne SLSC president Neil Morarty is competing in his 29th Pier to Pub this weekend.

“It’s the largest open water swimming event in the world and it’s an event that all the family can enjoy, evidently my own, which makes it extra special for me personally.”

Neil’s daughter Bec has volunteered at the Pier to Pub as part of the Lorne SLSC for 25 years, before being allowed to take part.

“I’ve heard estimates from the club that up to 50,000 people visit Lorne in total just for the Pier to Pub, which makes the event chaotically fun,” Ms Read said.

Bec Read knows all to well the amount of preparation that goes into running Pier to Pub.

“It’s obviously a massive event for the surf club and we remain extremely proud to be involved in such a big swim.

“It really is all hands on deck for the surf club behind the scenes, preparations have been ongoing for months led by club vice president John Takac.”

Ms Read, Lorne SLSC’s current vice-president for junior development, will also be backed by her partner and 14-time age group winner Tristan on the day, who will swim in his 27th Pier to Pub.

Bec’s son Billy is slated for his second swim, meanwhile younger daughter Holly will have to wait a little longer due to age requirements.

The race, now in its 43rd year, will engage local and international participants following the pandemic, attracting over 6,000 entrants across both the Mountain to Surf and Pier to Pub events.

The first wave of swimmers will launch from Lorne Pier at 11am.