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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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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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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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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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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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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Perpetual ‘Octopus’s Garden’ trophy.      Who will be the Swimmer of the Year in 2021 

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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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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