Graeme (Molly) Wolfenden circumnavigates Fingal Island in an 8 km solo, ocean swim.

Graeme moved to the Port Stephens area from Mollymook and began swimming with the ‘Shoal-Bay Wharfies’. Accordingly they gave him the nick name ‘Molly’.

Prior to his move up north, Graeme was one of the foundation builders of the original Mollymook Ocean Swimmers group and the inaugural Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic in 2003.

Moving north to the Port Stephens area he has made his presence known as a keen ocean swimmer. Here is an example of his most recent feat:

Graeme writes: “The old adage, ‘Don’t let the old man in’ was ably demonstrated last week when I (aged 68), completed a solo ocean swim circumnavigating Fingal Island in 2 hours 40 minutes. Water safety was provided by members of the Fingal Bay Surf Club and several ‘Wharfies’.

The 8 km swim was undertaken in treacherous seas (on the ocean side of the Island), with some bommies unloading on me and a couple of sharks for company. This swim had it all!

Anyway I became the first person to complete this challenge – I must be mad! Our swimming group have t-shirts displaying “ Don’t let the old man in” fits perfectly with me, nearly 68 and still having some mongrel left in me. Say hi to the gang down Mollymook way. What memory do they have of me?” Regard, Graeme.

P.S. Some of Molly’s previous swims have been from Shoal-Bay to Hawks Nest ( Jimmies Beach) and return and on another occasion from the Tea Gardens bridge to Shoal-Bay.

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