Coogee Swim Takes The Cake

By Dan Hutton on October 25, 2010 in Sport

Now in its 11th year, the event has come a long way from its humble beginnings when local MP, Ernie Page, apparently lined up at that starting line on his own in howling westerlies that whipped the sand up into a frenzy, while everyone else watched on from the shelter of the surf club. Back in those days mind you, the swim didn’t venture out as far as Wedding Cake Island because to many it seemed too intrepid and it was worried that the seemingly dangerous swim would put off too many competitors!

Thankfully things have changed these days and the event now caters for all sorts, regardless of whether you want to circumnavigate ‘the Cake’ (2.4km Swim Around the Island) or stay in the relative safety of the bay (1km Splash and Dash and 800m Junior Splash).

If you’re not confident in the water, it’s still well worth making your way down to one of Coogee’s many vantage points to watch the race in action. Reasonably large swells have a history of showing up on race day, despite Coogee’s reputation for being a relatively calm beach, and when they do hit the Express Glass Island Challenge quickly becomes one of the Eastern Suburbs’ greatest sporting spectacles!

The 2010 Express Glass Island Challenge is proudly hosted by Coogee SLSC. It’s one of the most picturesque ocean swims on the calendar to be sure to book your spot. To find out more information about entry details and pricing visit www.oceanswims.com.