The Coogee Island Swim, also known as the Coogee Island Challenge, is again setting the stage for another exciting open-water event at Coogee Beach.
Swimmers from various age groups will have the opportunity to tackle the pristine waters around the iconic Wedding Cake Island on Sunday, 14 April 2024.
The Coogee Surf Life Saving Club meticulously organizes the event, which is not only a test of endurance and skill for the participants but also a key fundraiser for the club. Proceeds from the event are crucial for purchasing vital lifesaving equipment, ensuring the safety of beachgoers throughout the year.
Dive into the Challenge
Participants can choose from three exhilarating courses, each designed to cater to different skill levels and ages:
- Junior Dash: An 800m circuit around a set of buoys within Coogee Bay, starting at 8:30 a.m. This event is tailored for swimmers aged 10-12, taking advantage of the calm conditions in the bay. Entry is set at $35.00.
- Splash and Dash: A 1km swim starting at 9:15 a.m., aimed at beginners and experienced swimmers looking for a warm-up. The course extends slightly beyond the juniors’ route within the surf-free waters of Coogee Bay. Entry for this swim is $55.00.
- Island Challenge: The main event starts at 10:15 a.m. and involves a 2.4km lap around Wedding Cake Island. This challenge is for swimmers aged 13 and over. They start from the north end of the beach and finish to the cheers of spectators along the beach and promenade. Entry is $65.00.
For those seeking the ultimate test, a combined entry for the 1km and 2.4km swims is available at a discounted rate of $85.00.
A Swimmer’s Sanctuary
The waters off Wedding Cake Island offer a unique experience for swimmers, with the potential for crystal-clear visibility that reveals an underwater world teeming with marine life and rock formations. The event promises a physical challenge and an unforgettable sensory journey around one of Sydney’s most remarkable natural landmarks.
The Coogee Island Swim has been a fixture on the ocean swimming calendar since at least 2000. It has grown in popularity and, in November 2011, attracted a record number of 1,800 competitors. Its spring and autumn editions provide year-round opportunities for swimmers to meaningfully engage with the community and the ocean.
Whether you’re an experienced ocean swimmer or looking to dip your toes into open water swimming, the Coogee Island Swim offers a distance and challenge level for everyone. Come down to Coogee Beach and be part of this extraordinary event.
Published 19-March-2024
