Mollymook Ocean Swimmers 2022 Awards night and Christmas Party.
Tim, harmonica and guitar.
Mike and Lloyd sing some beautiful ‘old time’ songs.
Category: Mollymook Ocean Swimming
Mollymook ocean swimming
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.
Mollymook Surf Club Charity Ocean Swim
2022 Annual Swim
The 2 km feature event attracted 132 entrants. Surf Club President, Rod Austin OAM thanked Lewis Betts and his fellow organisers for such a successful event and the many volunteers for their contribution.
Click on pics below to enlarge
2022 – Mollymook Ocean Swim
Planning for the Mollymook Annual Charity Ocean Swim Classic, Saturday April 30, 2022
Mollymook SLSC is calling on its members to assist with the running of the annual Mollymook Charity Ocean Swim to be held on the 30th of April 2022.
This event can’t go ahead without the help and support of its members! We are asking for anyone who can assist even if it’s just for a couple hours!
If this is something that you can help with, please contact the follow people:
Water Safety – Mark Green – 0403 015 097
Work Party – Les O’Sullivan – 0417 655 401
First Aid – Mick Hendrie – 0419 241 198
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Welsh Island, Narrawallee Ocean Swim Classic
Intrepid group of Mollymook Ocean Swimmers prior to their Welsh Island to Narrawallee Ocean Swim. (Pic credit, Leonie)
Pic: The route from ‘Welsh Island to
Narrawallee and return. Pic credit: Dave. (Hans also sent in a route pic)
Take Us to the Morning Sun in ‘Nazza’
Mike provides the following report: “After weeks of meticulous planning and kilometres of arduous ocean racing preparation, a bunch of intrepid Mollymook ocean swimmers took the journey to Narrawallee (aka ‘Nazza’) to participate in the inaugural Welsh Island Classic.
Why? I hear you ask. Well, it was because we are inspired by aquatic life, plus by late February, Summer’s on the run. People told us ‘bout the Welsh Island way so we thought we’d have some fun. They didn’t try and hold us back. There was nothin’ they could say.
So there we were – ‘goggled eyes in paradise – and we went to swim today . . . [humming]
Take us to the morning sun in Nazza (Oh-oh-oh)
Take us where this classic swim
Gonna treat us so right, so right, so right
We waded in just north of Welsh Island (cartographically known as ‘unnamed island’) and swam around its eastern shore. In open water now, we headed south towards the far corner of Narrawallee beach where we frolicked among the waves. Once everyone arrived, we regrouped and set off on the return journey.
As we passed Welsh Island for the second time, we could almost smell the scrumptious brunch, beneath the sunny sky. Barista coffees comin’ to us baby ’cause right before our eyes, our hosts Sue and Chris together with a generous band of helpers and supporters were preparing for our return. Thanks so much to Sue and Chris for opening their home and lending their name to this classic event, and thanks to Greg for his wonderful brain wave in conceiving it.
We had so much fun in the post swim debrief . . . Friends talking on the balcony, talkin’ ’bout sea life love, talkin’ ’bout the rocks and waves, and the way they shake us up . . . [singing]
Take us to the morning sun in Nazza (Oh-oh-oh)
Take us where this classic swim
Has treated us so right, so right, so right
[also inspired by Dragon and ScoMo]“
Welsh Island, Narrawallee – Ocean Swim
Welsh Island, Narrawallee Ocean Swim – Preview (Pic credit: Sue)
‘Welsh Island’ Classic this Sunday, February 20, 2022
Greg has provided the following details: Narrawallee Part 2, another scenic swim.
Meeting 6;30 @ 51 Matron Porter Drive Narrawallee. (Just look for the ‘Welsh Manor’)
This swim will be a beach start (opposite ‘Welsh Manor’) out around ‘Welsh Island’, then head south to the southern end of Narrawallee beach (re group) and head back northwards, around ‘Welsh Island’ and into the beach. Here we will regroup and head to the ‘Welsh manor’ for a fresh shower and scrumptious light breakfast, followed up with coffee. It will be fantastic …
(Swim approx. 2kms , water temp expected to be just lovely with a light northerly wind.)
Look forward 2cu there for swim adventure number 2. Regards, GSM😎
Comments from last Saturday’s Jones Beach to Narrawallee swim qualifier:
Glynis wrote: “Well done everyone maybe next time I will join you elite swimmers. I was in Sydney for the weekend, was thinking about you all !!”
John Sarich (nee Smeeth) wrote: “What an awesome swim. Looking forward to having a crack at that swim on my next visit down south”.
Beijing Winter Olympics reminder,
Don’t forget our ‘Mollymook connection’, Sami Kennedy-Sim will compete on Thursday February 17. Details and times on my recent post: Link – Sami – Beijing Winter Olympics.
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Narrawallee Ocean Swim Report
Intrepid group of Mollymook Ocean Swimmers (The following pic credits, Greg, Helen and Tim)
‘Once in a Lifetime’ Swim’
Jones Beach to South Narrawallee
Mike provides the following report: “This morning we Mollymook swimmers found ourselves swimming in another part of the ocean, in beautiful water with a beautiful coastline. And we asked ourselves ‘how did we get here?’ Well, a few of us felt that we’d been letting the days go by, and it was time for new adventures.
So with expert logistical support (thanks to Greg and the taxi-driving team), over twenty of us gathered in the early light above Jones Beach, stopped for a quick photo op, and then stumbled over rocks and stones into the blue again, the silent water. Our destination – the idyllic sands of South Narrawallee some 1.4 kms to the north west!
We glided and churned through the waves asking ourselves ‘how do we work this?’ not letting the water hold us down, instead noting the vibrant sea life and the water at the bottom of the ocean. For many it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Before too long, the first arrivals emerged from the shore break to be followed by a succession of companions realising that time wasn’t after us. Feeling chuffed at making it, we asked ourselves ‘What have we done’?
Later we gathered at Milton for a debrief, coffee and a Mollymook ocean swimming community catch-up.
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was . . .
[after David Byrne, Talking Heads ‘Once in a Lifetime’]”
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Pic: The route from Jones Beach to Narrawallee. (Thanks Tim)
Narrawallee Ocean Swim
Jones Beach to Narrawallee Ocean Swim
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Excursion to Narrawallee
Greg Young provides the following info in regard to the planned scenic swim from Jones Beach to Narrawallee:
Date: This Saturday February 12, 2022
Details: Meet @ Southern End Narrawallee beach (Surfer Ave) 6:30 / 6:45 a.m. car shuffle to Jones beach. Plan to start the swim around 7.00 am
Expected conditions: Overcast & low 20’s / light SSE winds / low swell 😎
Coffee etc TBA on day 😎
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Australia Day Memorial Swim
Australia Day Ocean Swim 2022 (Pic credit Sue W.)
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Australia Day, January 26, 2022
Australia Day swim: Over 20 swimmers swam on the annual Australia Day ‘length of beach’ swim at Mollymook, a distance of 2 km. A big welcome to one of our foundation group swimmers, Bobby White.
February Narrawallee Swims: After receiving yesterday’s post in relation to the two planned ocean swims at Narrawallee, Peter the Priest was quick to respond, saying he would be making the trip down from Sydney for these planned iconic swims.
Annual Mollymook Ocean Classic: The 2022 Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic has been scheduled for Sunday May 1, 2022. (Mark the date in your diary)
2022 Beijing Winter Olympics: Sami Kennedy-Sim (our Mollymook connection with these winter Olympics) gave the following update. “My competition date is February 17. I believe seeding is around 2:30pm and Finals at 5pm (Sydney time) but keep your eyes on the schedule via the Olympic Games Web site and 7Olympics (Channel 7). I will be travelling to Beijing on February 9th with my amazing support team. I am so proud to be in this position and I hope to do you all proud come race day- I will wave to you all on Channel 7!”
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Mollymook Sporting News
Narrawallee Beach
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers Calendar for February 2022
Greg, Sue and Mike are presently organising some exciting ocean swims in February, for the Mollymook ocean swimmers:
On the morning of February 12/13 (will select the actual day, closer to the date when weather conditions are better known) the plan is to swim from Jones Beach (the little beach below Bannisters) to Narrawallee. A picturesque rock reef swim.
On the morning of February 19/20 (will select the actual day, closer to the date when weather conditions are better known) we will have the Welsh Island Classic. The plan is to start in front of Welsh Island, swim around the island then head south to Narrawallee’s south end and return. A magnificent breakfast will be provided by the sponsors of the Welsh Island Swim.
For more specific details, see Greg, Sue or Mike as the dates draw nearer. 😎
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NSW Country Surf Titles
The NSW Country Surf Championships will be held this weekend January 28 – 30, 2022 at Cape Hawke near Forster. Mollymook have a huge contingent participating in the nippers, junior, open and masters categories. One of our original ocean swimmers, a teenager back in 2000, Simone Brayne (nee Everett) will be competing in the masters female over 40 years category after making a successful comeback at last years championships winning the 35-39 years ocean swim and ironman events. Other notable entrants include; Ed Macartney, Tony Ireland, Robbie Scott to name a few.
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Mollymook ‘Big Surf’ anniversary
Sunrise at Ulladulla Harbour, Monday January 17. Pic credit Grant M.
Flash back to January 2018, Mollymook ‘Big Surf’ Riders
Whilst the present 2022 Tsunami alert is no longer applicable here at Mollymook, it does take us back in time to the ‘Big Surf’ that occurred back in January 2018. The following are some highlight pics
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‘Laps for Life’ Swimming Challenge
Mollymook Swimmers invited to swim for ‘Laps for Life’
Annie Lisle, the Relationship Coordinator for ReachOut Australia would like to ask the Mollymook Ocean swimmers to consider participating in their annual flagship March swim event, ‘Laps for Life’. Their purpose is to raise awareness and critical funds for youth mental health.
You can participate as an individual or as a group/team for this ‘Laps for Life’ challenge on their website ‘Laps for life’.
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Mollymook Ocean Swimmers tackle the Captain Christie
Arriving at Gerringong, the contingent of Mollymook ocean swimmers. Pic credit, Leonie
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers tackle the 2022 Captain Christie at Gerringong
Drenched in tradition, the legend of the Captain Christie Ocean Swim dates back to 1882. It is believed Captain William Earnest Bartholomew Christie took up his sailor’s challenge to swim from Gerringong Boat Harbour around the rocky headland to Werri Beach – all for a bottle of the finest whisky. And he won.
Dave provided the following Mollymook feedback on today’s swim: “Here are some pics of the Mollymook swim squad who made the trip up to Gerringong for the Captain Christie Swim today. 1.8km from Gerringong harbour, north around the headland to Werri Beach. Greg, Kate, Chris, Sue, Wendy and Ian are showing off the bottles of scotch they received for finishing. Melanie (Wendy and Craig’s daughter) also swam. Jill Pettifer received a prize for her age group”.
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New Year’s Day Mollymook Ocean Swim 2022
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, New Year’s Day 2022
Over 30 swimmers swam on New Year’s day, some missing from the pic got an early start, driving up to the north end and some others arrived late. First group of swimmers to arrive back at south Molly were Tim, Ray, and John, however some were of the belief that they took off ahead of the starter’s gun. So actual finishing positions are being reconsidered. Altogether about 30 odd swimmers were counted in the water. Special thanks to Kate, Simone, Robbie, Cheryl and Chris for providing water safety. (Birthday wishes to Robbie whose birthday was on the 2nd. Simone’s and Leckshe Losal whose birthday is today January 3.)
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Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Night of Nights
Perpetual ‘Octopus’s Garden’ trophy. Who will be the Swimmer of the Year in 2021
Mike the effervescent MC
Tim, Sue and Pete, Professional Artists
Raymondo, fiddling with his violin
Lloyd and Mike
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Night of Nights
Mike our MC gave the opening introductory message:
Quote “The foundation saga of the highly esteemed and prestigious Octopus’s Garden Award for the Mollymook Ocean Swimmer of the Year began in the ocean mists off Mollymook beach.
In the early years of this century, some legendary stalwarts of the swimming group decided it was time to formally recognise peers whose deeds were deemed to be especially intrepid and consistent in the face of shifting ocean conditions. Making it to the reef, or the creek, or the corner – and back consistently with style and grace (if not pace) were essential criteria, as were the joie de vie and general inspirational vibe of the person. Also by way of the dangers associated with ocean swimming and the creatures thought to lurk in the murky depths, it was noted that sometimes humming a few bars of the Beatles ‘Octopus’s Garden’ helped overcome one’s creeping paranoia.
And so it came to pass that the Award was established”.
(Best to view pics on a large screen, click on images to enlarge)
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Mollymook Ocean Swimmers Christmas Gala
Perpetual ‘Octopus’s Garden’ trophy for the 2021 Swimmer of the Year
Mollymook Ocean Swimmers
Christmas Gala
When: 5.00 – 8.30pm Saturday, 18 December 2021.
Where: Mollymook Surf Club
What to bring: A plate to share (Drinks purchased from the bar)
There will be awards – Swimmer of the Year (incorporating the perpetual Octopus’s Garden trophy pictured) plus The Golden Flipper and more – there will be music, and there will be dancing at our annual ‘night of nights’ as swimmers from different time zones (you know who you are!) gather with friends to share tall stories, fun and laughter. See you there! Regards, Mike
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