If there is anything that is absolutely certain amongst our sport, that one thing is growth. Our calendar is growing; our field of competitors is growing; and we, as individuals, are growing, both in terms of performance and in terms of confidence.

My question is this, "How big is too big?”

The total number of participants in the Coogee Swim last year was 700+; this year the event catered to more than 1000. This week at Bronte, that increase was again represented as more than 1300 swimmers took part, compared to just over 1000 last year.

I understand that one fundamental advantage of our sport is to raise funds for event organizers. To that degree, I am elated with the increase in participation. However, another fundamental aspect is a basic enjoyment in taking part. Can we structure these events without threatening either of these main components?

We had 18 members of our club who took to the waters between Bondi and Bronte beaches. This event is an amazing opportunity for anyone who finds enjoyment on this stage. Personal gratification can be obtained in a multitude of ways; by racing to see how you stack up against one of the stronger fields assembled, or in feeling the freedom of swimming away from one controlled area and into an ‘unknown’ environment, or maybe in taking on the potential natural challenge posed by Bronte’s known rips, the list in endless.

I would like to stress the importance of understanding where our personal gratifications come from BEFORE we take part in these events. It becomes all too easy to let event distractions deter our enjoyment when we are standing on the beach breathing heavily.

Has it passed the point of “Happiness is simply taking part?” If so, we need to know how far it has passed that point, and where that point now resides.

Lets each find where our personal limits lay, and then work together to reach them.