Pittwater LIfe December 2019 Issue

From little
swims, Big
Swims grow
ON
THEIR MARKS: Four ocean swims are scheduled in January.
News
The Big Swim, Palm Beach to Whale
Beach, held at the end of January, is
one of the popular choices for ‘Can
Too’ ocean swimmers – the organisation
which helps swimmers face their fears
and helps raise money to find a cure for
cancer.
However, many ocean swimmers are
also taking advantage of the swims in
the Pittwater Swim Series – ideal for
building up for the Big Swim.
This season, ocean swims are at
Newport (January 5th), Bilgola (12th)
and Warriewood to Mona Vale (19th) in
the lead-up to the Big Swim on the 26th.
(Meanwhile Avalon have set their date for
March 29).
Can Too swimmer Lindsay Asquith is
considering the lead-up swims. Lindsay
attended the Can Too courses for
nervous swimmers due to an experience
with the 2004 Tsunami.
“I have trained under the Can Too
mentoring program and I am now an
experienced ocean swimmer,” she said.
“And the lead-up swims sound ideal for
Big Swim training.”
According to John Guthrie, one of the
organisers of the Pittwater Series, each
of the lead-up swims offer both short
and long options.
“It’s a great way to build up your ocean
swimming fitness for the 2.8km Big
Swim,” John said. “For those not greatly
experienced at ocean swimming the
shorter swims are a great way to build
confidence and test skills acquired in the
pool,” he said.
Another incentive for swimmers is the
chance to win a trip for two, including
airfares courtesy of Travel View Avalon
and three nights, luxury accommodation
at the Bay Royal Apartments Byron Bay.
The prize also includes two entries to the
Byron Bay Classic.
Fellow Pittwater Series committee
member Rob Berry says the swims
continue to attract thousands of ocean
swimmers to Pittwater.
“We really appreciate the support of
Northern Beaches Council which provides
a grant towards promotion of the swims
as well as all the individual clubs’
sponsors who help to make it happen.
“The swims are important fundraising
events for the purchase and maintenance
of vital lifesaving equipment which helps
to make the beaches safer for everyone.
They are also great for local businesses
that benefit from the influx of
competitors and their support groups,”
said Rob.
There are many overseas swimmers
who enter as well as swimmers from all
over Australia.
For more information about the
Pittwater Ocean Swim Series go to
www.oceanswims.com; also, each host
Club has information on their websites.
8 DECEMBER 2019
The Local Voice Since 1991