About the Swim
Coogee Island Challenge is one of ocean swimming's much-loved events, and one of the very first of the season! In November 2020 its back after the forced cancellation in April due to COVID-19.
After such a long hiatus out of the water, ocean swimmers will be keen to hit the cooler waters of November for a challenging swim around the much loved Wedding Cake Island.
Along with the main event - the 2.4km swim around the island - the 1km Splash and Dash and the 800m Junior Dash will also return.
Online registrations close Saturday 28 November, but on the day registrations up until 9am on the day.
800m Junior dash followed by the 1km swim within the bay and then the big one.. 2.4km swim around Wedding Cake Island.
Presentation at approx 12 midday on the beach promenade. Club closed for renovations this year.
Event Times
8:30am (800m Jr Dash), 9:15am (1km), 10am (2.4km)
Online Entries
Close 3pm, Saturday, November 28, 2020
Under 18 swimmers
Parents/guardians of swimmers aged under 18 must complete the online entry form, not the swimmers themselves. They must include their consent to the entry with full name and phone contact. Just a phone number, a first name, or a number and first name will not do. Entries of U18 swimmers are not complete without this complete parental/guardian consent. Entries of U18 entrants must use the parent's email address, not that of the U18 entrant.
Conditions
Coogee is well-protected from the heaviest swells by Wedding Cake Island, but this can be deceptive, for with the island and rock platforms at both ends of the beach, the water inside can become quite choppy. Rarely much of a break at Coogee, but there is usually quite a sharp shore dump (see above). Swimmers outside Wedding Cake Island are likely to experience a sweep, but the course generally is set well off the island to optimise safety. Keep your eye out around the island for the stunning bottom, both inside and on the island's outside. It truly is a treat.
Transport
If you drive, get there early. Otherwise, bus services to Coogee are excellent from both Circular Quay and Central Railway.
Parking
On street. Be warned, as in the eastern suburbs generally, parking usually is congested. There are very good bus services to and from Coogee, however, from and to both Circular Quay, Bondi Junction railway station, and Central Railway.
Refunds
Refunds are available prior to close of online entries. Afterwards, refunds will not be permitted. If race is cancelled due to conditions deemed by the Race Committee to be too hazardous to continue, then rollovers to the next event will be offered. See Refunds/Cancellation policy here