Mollymook News
editor Ken Banks
The Mollymook ocean swimmers are not an organised group. They are simply a number of local Mollymook Milton Ulladulla citizens joined by numerous other ocean swimmers holidaying in the Mollymook Milton Ulladulla area who enjoy an ocean swim each morning. They meet at the Mollymook Surf Club at 6.30 am and a 2nd group of longer distance swimmers at 6.45 am daily, throughout the year. (However during winter when the days are shorter we may start up to 15 minutes later, viz. 6.45 am and 7.00 am). There is no water safety, each person chooses individually whether or not to swim in the prevailing conditions and if so the distance they swim and understand they swim at their own risk. Most endeavour to swim in pairs or groups and numbers vary from 4 to 6 in the winter to say 40 during summer.
Organiser Sue Welch sends these photos from their annual Girls Night Out at Bannisters Pool Bar.
Sue writes: “It was a really lovely night, and we enjoyed the cool change sitting out by the pool.
A very special group of beautiful women and loving friends.”
Click on pics to enlarge.
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers take home the medals at the Husky Swim.
Kate Wardner files this following report on the Husky 3km swim last weekend: “On Saturday Ian, Cate and myself (with Leonie very kindly being support person) entered the Husky 3km ocean swim as part of the ‘Sand and Sea’ festival.
While the water conditions at Mollymook were pretty miserable, Husky was blue and flat but with not great visibility – and apparently 19 degrees but still not warm enough for me to not wear a wetsuit after 27 degrees in Vietnam!!
As you can see we all got medals and stood on the podium, and were so caught up in the moment that Ian and I said we might do the 5km next year!!! (Or not).
A fun event and special thanks to Leonie.
Click on pics to enlarge.
Kate Wardner shares this report on her Ocean Swimming holiday at ‘Lan ha Bay, Vietnam. “We are doing around 2.5kms per swim so far it appears. The visibility is poor due to the limestone karsts (the pointy rock islands) that dissolve in to the water, but the views about water level are amazing as you can see!!
The water is around 25-27 – not too hot but occasionally you think a cold patch would be nice! It’s also incredibly salty which is nice after a season in a wetsuit!!
We are in 3 teams and refreshingly I am one of the fastest in the middle group. There are 4 in the top group that swim like everyone else in the 6.45 am Mollymook group!! But at least I know I’m not super slow now – just normal. I’m back on Monday!!”
Click on pics to enlarge.
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, new swim cap
Mollymook Ocean Swim Caps have arrived.
Hans provides the following update: “I have received the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers caps. I think they turned out great. I gave out caps this morning to the ones who have paid. I will be at the surf club every morning till Saturday (this week) as I then will be leaving in the afternoon for a few days in Sydney. I will keep the ones who have NOT been paid for a few weeks as I have a small waiting list for caps from those who didn’t order.” Regards, Hans
P.S. John Louth mentioned that during the original design of the caps, the inspired words ‘between heaven and earth’ were Issi’s contribution and passes on his thanks to Han’s, as do we all, for getting them made.
The local Mollymook Ocean Swimmers line up for a photo shoot prior to starting the 2023 Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic
Kath Rogers provides this report and pics on the 2023 Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic.
“Conditions were not the best very choppy, strong currents and some nasty sets slamming onto the banks at the southern end for the finish.
So a great effort by everyone especially the support team out there in boats, ski’s especially Bob and Mike in the water with the swimmers with safety floats.
It was a fun morning” Kath.
The results are available on this link: 2023 Mollymook Surf Club Charity Ocean Swim.
Feedback: From Peter Hendriks: “Thanks, Kath for the report. What a beautiful sunny day for the swim. I was registered for the 2.4km “Coogee Island Challenge” Swim, which was to be held today (the day after the Mollymook swim). Sadly, due to rough seas the Coogee swim was cancelled. See you over the Easter Weekend”. Peter.
Swimmers pose for a pic at this morning’s ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim @ Narrawallee
Greg Young reports on today’s ‘Welsh Island’ Classic II Ocean Swim.
“Sunrise on the horizon, blue skies and great water conditions provided for a beautiful morning, swimming the ‘Welsh Island’ Classic.
Mingling swimmers @ Osprey, before heading down track to start the swim. Quick water brief on beach then off, under way.
Thanks again to Dave & Ian [on boards] for our water safety. Although water was a little stirred up, clarity wasn’t too bad. Water temperature was excellent.
A few of our swimmers decided one way was enough, [No big deal] they walked back to Osprey.
All back on beach, breakfast / coffee was in order. Excellent spread of food on table was very much appreciated by All.
Oopps… Along with our own baristas handling machines – Chris & Ian, job well done.
All in All great morning Cheers Greg”
(Pics courtesy of Greg, Sue, Hans and Ed)
Comments:
“A really wonderful morning with a terrific bunch of swimmers”. Sue.
“Great article and pics. Thanks” Johnny Sarich, Charleville, Qld.
< < Course outline.
A beautiful sunrise greeted the swimmers entering the water for the ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim
Pic from last years ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim @ Narrawallee
Greg Young provides this update on details for this Sunday’s ‘Welsh Island Classic II’ Ocean Swim, Sunday February 19, 2023
“Weather forecast looking good; sunny – calm – low swell.
Details – We’ll meet @ Chris & Sue’s home “Osprey” 51 Matron Porter Drive , Narrawallee 6:30 am to be in water @ 7am.
Leaving the beach, we will head out around Welsh Island then turn south, to South Narrawallee. (end of beach /regroup) Return heading north to Welsh Island, rounding Island and back to the beach. Approx. 2km. (If needed, feel free to exit water & walk back)
Breakfast will be on balcony @ Chris & Sue’s.
Please bring breakfast contributions, coffee/tea on the house. (Breakfast suggestions-fruit, pastries etc. or check with Sue, Leonie, Kate or Isabel in morning @ the beach). Cheers Greg”
Feedback: Peter Hendricks responded from Sydney: “Hey that’s fantastic, I hope to get there for this one”.
Pic of contestants in last years ‘Welsh Island’ Classic ocean swim @ Narrawallee
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers line up prior to their Jones Beach Ocean Swim
Greg Young files this report on today’s, Jones Beach Ocean swim. “This morning’s Jones Beach Swim greeted us with a bute day, calm waters , No wind – Ideal !
26 swimmers, all anticipating the temperate water conditions, along with our water support, Dave & Sienna [many thanks]
Swimming along with so many different fish species, also spotted a 3′ Bronze Whaler.
Small waves back @ beach, the feeling was pretty up beat, good time by all.
Look out for next years swim 2024. Cheers Greg”
Feedback:
John Sarich: What a wonderful swim. Great pics.
Alison Lockhart: So much fun. I hope we get south one weekend. Missing you all, the beach, the morning swim, the plovers, cafe, etc
Ed Macartney: Great swim this morning.
Preparing for their start in the Jones Beach Ocean Swim (Click on pics below to enlarge)
Mark the date. Plans have been submitted for approval by the Surf Club organizer’s for this years annual Mollymook Ocean Swim to be held on Sat. April 1, 2023.
Vice President, Mick Hendrie provided the following information:
Planned sequence of Events:
Entries will open soon on the ‘Ocean Swims.com‘ website: https://oceanswims.com/event/mollymook-ocean-swim/
Mollymook Annual Ocean Swimming
This morning Hans Visch completed the epic journey, swimming from Narrawallee to Mollymook’s south end. Hans explained that this was one of the items he had on his ‘Bucket List’. The ‘Bucket List’ was made famous by actors Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, in the movie undertaking experiences / achievements that a person wishes to accomplish during their lifetime.
Swimmers can take note of Hans excellent example of being accompanied by a paddler for safety. (Pics taken by Hans escort)
Well done Hans, this swim you undertook would have to be a first ever in our local area. Mollymook is well known for their achievements in Surf Boat racing and Beach Athletics, but never for swimming such distances as Narrawallee to Mollymook’s south end.
Hans, your a CHAMP.
Feedback:
1. From John S. the originator of the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers back in the 1990’s. John’s response: “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m envious, its a very good swim”.
2. From Dave C; “What an achievement for Hans. He has been building up to this for some time. So great that he’s done it. Cheers Dave”
3. From Craig D; “I’m highly impressed. A huge achievement though I wonder how much protection a paddler can give you after seeing the bites some big fish have taken out of canoes! Necessary mentally at least.”
4. Awesome! Lisa C.
Map showing Han’s epic swim this morning
Adventure swims along Narrawallee beach and Bannister Head are open to all Mollymook swimmers and friends. The setting is beautiful Narrawallee beach, clean water, protected, a great challenge with the possibility of seeing sea life in the clear waters.
Details are:
For more information contact Greg , Kathryn &/or Sue at the beach.
Up coming Narrawallee Adventure Swims, scheduled for March 2023
Simone Bayne, on her way to winning a GOLD Medal at the NSW Country Surf Titles
Another wonderful Country Surf Championships event was held over this past weekend at Cape Hawk (one-mile beach), Forster.
How time flies. As a teenager, Simone Brayne (nee Everett) was one of the foundation members of the Mollymook Ocean swim group back in 1999. For a number of years she was a regular competitor at the various ocean swim events throughout NSW travelling regularly with the likes of John Sarich (formerly Smeeth), Bobby White, Peter Cooke, Kim Wilson etc. Twenty plus years on, married with a family, Simone continues to do what she enjoys most, swimming in the ocean. Still a regular swimmer in the annual Mollymook Ocean swims, today she spends her spare time with husband and children heavily involved in the Mollymook Surf Club. And of course competing at country and NSW State title events, this year entering and winning the 40 to 49 masters age category.
A convincing winner, a wonderful lady of outstanding character, with family including Mum and Dad travelling up from Mollymook for the event.
Simone Bayne, GOLD Medal, Masters 40-49 age category, NSW Country Surf Titles
Mollymook Ocean Swimmer, Kath Rogers shows off her ‘Mollymook Beach, Iceberg Swim Award’
From roving reporter Mike Gaffney, “Mollymook Ocean Swimmers are known for their wintry ocean adventures but this achievement really put an icy shiver up everyone’s wetsuit.
Last year during her Icelandic travels with Geoff, Kath decided to go for a dip. We understand that it was somewhere north of the Arctic Circle.
In recognition of her polar achievement, Kath was duly awarded the 2022 Iceberg Award. Pretty cool eh?
[nb: Certification was arranged by John and Jacqui under the auspices of the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers 2022 Night of Nights. The ceremony took place at an extraordinary morning meeting at the Beach Hut] ”
Plenty happening in this idyllic place, Mollymook.
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Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, 2022-Ladies. (Pic credit Simone)
Sue writes; “After much excitement and anticipation the night had finally arrived : the Annual Girls Night Out for the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers. Despite not being the balmy summer’s evening one would expect the cool and blustery conditions did not dampen the spirits and fun of the nineteen happy partygoers.
A lovely night of chatter, laughter, reminiscences and friendship, enhanced by pizza and assorted cool drinks, was enjoyed by all gathered on Bannister Headland.
Meanwhile, on Narrawallee Headland the boys had gathered for a night to rival the girls festivities. Beer and wine flowed, enhanced by a terrific BBQ and salads supplied by the Hospitable Host Ian McLeod.
It is truly such a unique and special blessing to be a part of the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers – whether as a die-hard swimmer or as a friend or partner of these crazy year round swimmers. Nights like this bring it home and reflect the strong and enduring friendships amongst the swimmers.
Thank you and a Merry Christmas to all”.