Posted on April 18, 2022 by Ken Banks

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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Posted on April 12, 2022 by Ken Banks

Highlights: 2022 Aussie Surf Titles

Sam Zustovich: GOLD in the OPEN Male Beach Flags.

Mollymook Beach athletes, results at the 2022 Australian Surf Championships.

Mollymook Surf Club athletes once again put in superb efforts in the various beach events at the Aussie Titles held at Kurrawa Beach, Qld. Credit to Mollymook’s coach Daniel Robberds, who has been able to pull together and train our small contingent to a level capable of competing against the best beach athletes in Australia. Results included:

Sam Zustovich: GOLD in the OPEN Male Beach Flags event.

Ashton Neall: SILVER in the U17 male Beach flags.

Payton Williams, SILVER medal in the Open Female Beach Sprint.

SILVER medals won by our U17 Female beach relay team of: Karla Jones, Olivia Greenhalgh, Mischa Boniface and Alexa Farland.

SILVER medals won by our U19 Female beach relay team, (with some of our U17 girls stepping up): Mischa Boniface, Amy Joy, Alexa Farland and Karla Jones.

SILVER medals won by our OPEN Male beach relay team: Brock Scrivener, Ashton Neall, Sammy Zustovich and Jack Bridges.

BRONZE medals won by our U17 MIXED beach relay team: Levi Sommers, Ashton Neall, Olivia Greenhalgh and Mischa Boniface.

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Posted on March 15, 2022March 15, 2022 by Ken Banks

Mollymook champions on the bike, swimming and SUP’s

CWA hospitality at Barellan (Pic credit Leonie)

The finish line. (Pic sourced by Ian & Leonie)

Fundraising for MND Research

1. Mollymook marathon push-bike peddling champ, Ian gives a wrap up following the completion of their massive bike ride. Ian writes: “All 80 riders crossed the finishing line at Ariah Park on Saturday afternoon after a 130 km journey from Griffith. Fatigue and loss of concentration caused a few incidents but we all made it. l can tell you I am off the bike 🚴for awhile pending return to normal of certain parts of my lower anatomy returning to normal.

We have been privileged to meet some amazing athletes (para Olympians/basketballers and footballers) on the journey.

Last night at the Ariah Park footy ground we had dinner with 300 others to wind up the ride and the great news was the event had generated over $450,000 to assist with research to find a cure for MND. The other great thing is our researchers are collaborating with other like minded scientists throughout the world to help find a cure.

Leonie and I look forward to catching up with you all on our return to home. Again thanks for all your good wishes and support.”

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Posted on March 11, 2022 by Ken Banks

Raising Funds for MND Research

Ian McLeod, 78 year old from Narrawallee riding 100’s km fund raising.

Ian’s update: Quote “Hi all. The ride is going so well and the 80 riders are getting stronger as each day passes. Albury to Wagga was a cracker of a ride with mostly a howling wind at our backs. But the hills were still tough. I spent some kms in the van as I kept having punctures. Good timing actually!!

Thursday’s ride took us to Narrandera which was mostly good but 2 big climbs which spread out the pelotons considerably.

Got to the bottom of my puncture problem….a tiny shard of glass which had pushed through the tyre. Off to Griffith tomorrow so will be sampling some good food and 🍷!!

Thrilled to say fund raising has gained momentum with the tally around $430,000. It is such a privilege to be involved with this MND charity. Regards from Ian and Leonie”.

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Glynis’ response: Sending lots of energy his way I’m sure the calories are flowing from the support team.

Wendy wrote: You are both truly amazing – Ian and Leonie. Your ongoing support for MND is a reflection of your characters and dedication to this cause. We are so proud of you both 👏. Happy cycling 🚴‍♂️ Ian and happy catering Leonie, stay safe. Cheers Wen Jenner 😊

Dave wrote: Great to hear how Ian is going with his ride. It’s a huge effort. I’ve seen some photos of Mollymook and Narrawallee with huge surf. Hope to be back this weekend.

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Posted on February 28, 2022 by Ken Banks

Fund Raiser for MND Research

Ian providing information on his upcoming ‘PedalCure4FightMND’ 850 km ride around the Riverina.

Laura gives a moving speech in regard to her MND fund raising experience

Fund Raiser for MND Research

Ian writes: “The Friday evening ‘do’ at our home was a great success in the main due to the wonderful support given by you all. The weather caused a little concern but the happy atmosphere prevailed and nobody’s spirits were too dampened.

The evening was touched with mixed emotions ranging from a having a good time to a few tears and everything in between. The reason for this was that I was allowed to use some local MND stories to highlight the terrible effects this disease can have. Firstly Max Woodward’s loss of his bubbly wife Jo and secondly Robbie’s loss of her God daughter(mother and athlete) at 44.

Then what a delight it was to have our very own Laura talk about her involvement with MND and the amazing 27km swim she did to raise lots of money for MND research. For someone who was terrified about public speaking, you did so well.

Mike and Lloyd provided wonderful background music and l think Christina and Jo would have loved to do a bit more dancing. Thanks to Mike and Lloyd.

I think we all had a good time with good food and company abounding.

I would like to say the Mollymook Swimmers have been wonderful contributors to the MND cause and I thank you for your support.

My dear wife Leonie and her helpers, thanks for making the evening so special.

Regards to all. I’ll pedal long and hard to support MND”. Link: MND Fund Raiser

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Posted on February 20, 2022February 20, 2022 by Ken Banks

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]“

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Posted on February 15, 2022February 15, 2022 by Ken Banks

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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Posted on February 13, 2022February 13, 2022 by Ken Banks

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)

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Posted on February 8, 2022 by Ken Banks

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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Posted on February 2, 2022February 3, 2022 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Swimmers, news update.

Tony (right, doing swim leg) and Dave (to follow in the board rescue), were the raging HOT favourites for this Board Rescue Event

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers at the NSW Country Surf Titles

A number of the Mollymook Ocean swimmers were part of the 1000 plus competitors who took part in last weekends NSW country surf titles at Cape Hawke beach, Foster. One of the stand out events was the men’s board rescue. In an absolute ‘boil-over’ veterans Robbie Scott and Paul Jones pull off a massive upset defeating the raging favourites Tony Ireland and Dave Tudor-Jones.

(Click on the following pics to enlarge)

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Posted on January 26, 2022 by Ken Banks

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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Posted on January 25, 2022 by Ken Banks

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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Posted on January 18, 2022 by Ken Banks

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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Posted on January 17, 2022January 18, 2022 by Ken Banks

‘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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Posted on January 9, 2022 by Ken Banks

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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