Swim Cairns will be holding an open water training session at Lake Barrine on Sunday 19th May 2019.
This increasingly popular sport is a complete all-round fitness activity that challenges the mind and body.
Water safety and coaching will be provided by Swim Cairns' coaches Gaby & Theresa Donnelly.
Minimum age is 18 years.
Cost: $25 + booking fee per swimmer.
Experienced swimmers and those new to open water will be catered for in two separate groups: Experienced and New To Open Water:
Experienced group: Swimmers need to be experienced in open water swimming. This group will focus on improving endurance and confidence. During the session all basic open water skills are practiced as well as more advanced skills such as surging and drafting.
Distance for this group will start at 2.5 km.
Swimmers should be able to swim 1km in under 25 minutes.
Check in at 7:00am. Swim starts at 7:30am.
New To Open Water group: Swimmers need to be competent pool swimmers. This introductory session will familarise you with the basics of open water swimming techniques. We have a structured approach to teaching that will help build your confidence. Progressively we will build on techniques as your confidence develops. If you love swimming but not sure if open water swimming is for you, come and join our New to Open Water group.
Distance for this group will start at 1km broken in 250m legs.
Must be able to confidently swim 1km in the pool in under 30 mins.
Check in at 8:30am. Swim starts at 9:00am.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I'm not sure which group to book?
Please contact Gaby or Theresa via Facebook, email or phone to discuss.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes. Swimmers must be 18 years or over for insurance.
Yes, there is water safety accompanying each group but ultimately you are swimming at your own risk. Please be honest about about any medical conditions and your swimming ability when registering. If you find yourself in any trouble while swimming, roll onto your back, raise one arm straight up so that water safety can see you. Most importantly try to remain calm.
Can I bring my own paddler & kayak?
Yes, but only with prior notice. Please contact Gaby or Theresa to discuss.
For swimmers in training for marathon events where a support paddler is compulsory we can also accommodate you with prior notice.
Lake Barrine we meet beneath the Teahouse on the ground floor.
Lake Eacham we meet at the covered BBQ area closest to the floating dive pontoon.
What time should I arrive?
Swimmers should allow extra time to prepare as all personal belongings need to be returned to your vehicle which may be parked some distance from where we meet. Personal belongings must not be left unattended.
No. Lake Barrine and Eacham are National Parks, no domestic pets permitted.
Visit Register Now at: https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=34448
Registration will close at 7:00am on Saturday 18th May 2019.
What do I need to bring with me?
Your swim cap, goggles and swim wear. Wetsuits and fins optional. We recommend applying 50+ sunscreen 30 minutes before entering the water.
Please lock personal belongings in your car and keys can be left with water safety. Belongings left at the meeting point are left at your own risk.
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation & refund policy is:
Cancel after 7:00am day prior - no refund
Cancel before 7:00am day prior - full refund less $5 processing fee, or transfer to another date.
Cancellations will only be accepted in writing by emailing swimcairns1@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. Cancellation by text message will not be accepted.
Do you cancel in bad weather?
For the safety of all concerned, if thunder/ lightning is forecast we will cancel. Cancellations will be posted by 2:00pm the day prior on Swim Cairns Facebook. We shall also endeavour to contact everyone by email or phone.
Is there parking available?
Yes. At Lake Barrine swimmers are asked to use the BOTTOM car park closest the lake. The middle & top car parks are for your buses and day visitors.
At Lake Eacham there are several car parks available.
If you have not visited the lakes before, please allow extra time.
Are there toilets available?
Yes. National Parks have toilet and change facilities available at both lakes.
At Lake Barrine, toilet facilities are available at the Teahouse if ordering food or drink. For safety reasons, swimmers are asked to ensure they are completely dry before entering the Teahouse.
Is there accommodation available at the lakes?
At Lake Barrine, there is no accommodation at the lake itself. However, there are several accommodation options located in nearby Yungaburra.
At Lake Eacham, the closest accommodation is the Lake Eacham Tourist Park only 1.3km away.
Is there food available at the lakes?
At Lake Barrine, food & drink is available from 8:00am at the Teahouse overlooking the lake above the meeting point.
At Lake Eacham, there is no food at the lake itself. The closest is Fronds Cafe & Gallery at Lake Eacham Tourist Park or Altitude Cafe formerly Gillies Highway Roadhouse at the Gillies Range turnoff.
How far are the lakes from Cairns CBD?
Lake Barrine is 58km, allow 1 hour driving time.
Lake Eacham is 70km, allow 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please check the RACQ road conditions report for road works and low the necessary extra drive time.