Family to swim for Pier to Pub glory

THE Pier to Pub swim will again make a huge splash in Lorne tomorrow (Saturday, January 11).

The event is returning for its 45th year and is slated to feature more than 6,000 swimmers of all levels.

Participants will enter the water at Lorne Pier and cover a 1.2km distance toward the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.

On average, the race takes 22 minutes to complete, with the quickest time of 10 minutes and 2 seconds recorded by Sam Sheppard in 2016.

Star athletes, media personalities, politicians and local residents are among those who will pull in swimming caps and dive in.

Jasmine (second from left) and mother Naantali will be competing against each other for the Pier to Pub title.

Previous winner Lani Pallister will return and Olympian Nick Sloman is locked in, as is former AFL footballer and incumbent Lorne Dolphins coach Ed Curnow.

For Anglesea’s Naantali Marshall and Jas Hume, family bragging rights will be on the line in the premier Superfish division.

The pair will become the first mother and daughter duo to compete against each other for the title.

Naantali is a six-time winner of the Pier to Pub and at age 49 has no plans to slow down.

“I’m feeling super-relaxed ahead of the race than I ever have.

“I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, but now that I’m close to 50, it’s more about the kids and just being part of it.

“I’m thrilled to be doing the Superfish with Jas. I’m sure she’s going to beat me, but that’s what I’d probably like!”

More than 7,000 people will take to the water in the 2025 Pier to Pub.

Jas, aged 15, is looking to follow in her mum’s footsteps with the aim of competing the swim in 13 minutes and 30 seconds.

Father Sam (33 Pier to Pub starts) and youngest daughter Zoe (12 years old) will also be competing in the event.

“It’ll be the first time we are all doing it as a family, which is fantastic,” Naantali said.

“Sam is doing his 34th, I’m at my 32nd and this will be Zoe’s first. She’s the least interested in swimming in the family, but we are very proud she’s giving it a go.

“This race means so much to my husband and me, and we can’t wait to all compete.”

The Lorne SLSC also hosts the Mountain to Surf, an 8km run, today (Friday, January 10).

For more information, head to the event websites.