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Budgy Smuggler Season Is Back

By Charlotte Boreham on November 12, 2013 in News

Photo: Mark Brookes

Photo: Mark Brookes


As the heat of summer slowly rises, the beginning of ocean swimming season quickly approaches. Ocean swims are not only a great way to top up your vitamin D levels and lose a few winter pounds, they’re also a fantastic opportunity to help raise funds for the local surf lifesaving clubs as well as a variety of charities.

The first ocean swim of the season is the Coogee Island Challenge on Sunday, November 24, which will feature two main swims, the 2.4km Island Challenge and the 1km Splash and Dash.

“For those who are going to have their first ocean swim hit-out, I strongly recommend the 1km Coogee Island Splash and Dash,” event organiser Lisa Bolton told the Beast. If you are worried about a dress code Lisa also informed us know that “budgy smugglers, dick-stickers, swimmers, togs, bathing costumes or any combination of them are strongly recommended as a starting point; I’ve no personal objections to nudity but the Council may.”

On the following Sunday, December 1, the second ocean swim of the season, the famous Bondi to Bronte, gets underway. It will also feature two swims, the 2.4km Macquarie Bondi to Bronte and the brand new 800m Bronte Bay swim.

“The new Bronte Bay swim is aimed at new ocean swimmers who want to take part in the event but may find the 2km swim challenging,” race director Stephan Ford said. “This is the first time that we are having the 800 metre swim and we are hoping that it goes well, so that we may include it for years to come.”

Both events require a basic level of swimming fitness and ability, and the water tends to be cooler and rougher at the start of the season, so make sure that you are competent and confident in the water before entering any of the swims. Whether you decide to participate or watch, the spectacle of seeing hundreds of lycra-clad swimmers taking to the saltwater is something you just can’t afford to miss out on.

For more information about the upcoming ocean swims, visit www.coogeesurfclub.com.au/islandchallenge, www.bonditobronte.com.au or www.oceanswims.com.au.

The Beast.