This is THE EVENT in Sydney. There is no other TRUE open water ocean swimming event on our wonderful calendar.

In its third running, the South Head Roughwater Swim again gave those souls brave enough the opportunity to push themselves to their own boundaries and tackle the conditions outside the Heads. John Fallon’s event again grew in numbers. This year tipping the scales with over 50 boat entries (made up of solos, duos, and relay teams) compared to 30 last year and 10 in the inaugural running. 

We as a club were again heavily represented with a fair majority of our morning squad using this event as their seasonal limit to strive toward. 20 of us took part, in varying sized teams including a fair number of solos, and a few relay teams.

Chris Cole, Richard Banks, David Earls, Clare Payne, Margie McDonald, Mick Bransby, Chad Schneider, and Kylie Elbourne all signed on to take on the entire course. Geoff Hudson, Brad Playford, and Joshua Scott took to a team of three, Sandy Harvey, Majella O’Brien, Louise O’Brien, and Kirstin Farr headed up a strong all female team, and Nick Nichles, Brett Newbold, and Greg Frazer also went out as a threesome. Steve Hawksley was lured with the prospect of a couple cold ones as a part of the popular Chuck Hahn team.

The tensions were slowly but surely tightening as the weeks before the event slowly became days, and as late afternoon sneaks into dusk, the event was suddenly upon us. It would be no lie to mention that there were a few nerves in the lead up and on the beach that morning.

So much work and effort had been put in, and our expectations were staring us straight in the face. How would we respond?

Two open water swimming enemies: wind and bluebottles. They both chose to show up on the day. Someone once eloquently said “Challenge only presents itself to those ready to handle it.” So we must have been ready. Hell of a time for our season’s first encounter with blueys!

The swell wasn’t as large as it was last year, but it wasn’t as helpful either. The push from behind last season became a push side on this year, and after a healthy ‘ricochet’ off the impressive cliff-face, it started to push from both sides.

So the stage was set for a demanding day. Our teams were corralled, and we went into battle. And battle it was.

Richard and Dave swam as a partnership, as did Chad and Kylie, and Marg and Chris; while Mick and Clare slogged away in their own little realms. It certainly was a punish trying to make progress toward that elusive harbour opening.

This event meant something different to each participant and it would be elusive to attempt to describe its meaning in bulk. What can be described however (and certainly should be congratulated) is the journey up to the event.

Waking up at 5:15am is something not done by the mainstream population; especially if it isn’t associated with a paying occupation. However that is exactly what this group of individuals CHOSE to do three times a week for nearly 6 months. All to test their resolve and focus on a goal.

I’m not sure whether the getting out of bed in the dark is more difficult than the pain endured in the pool, but needless to say both were undergone. The human spirit is an extremely impressive thing, and I personally watched a few wonderful stories unfold in front of me this season.

I would like to say a heartfelt congratulations to those individuals who made the decision to set a challenge for themselves and pursued it through to accomplishment. You all know how much effort was put in, and the pride should finally outweigh the daunt.

Chris Cole, Richard Banks and David Earls (our club’s first time solo swimmers) deserve a special congratulation. Please follow the link for their story . . .

Great job to the ladies, who took home the champers for first place women’s team division. Well done as well to Geoff and Brad who supported a slightly spooked Joshua (the event’s youngest swimmer) with a bit less than the most training they’ve ever done.

Nick, Brett and Greg powered home for a great time, even without their gun. Well done to all.

A huge thank you needs to go out, firstly, to John Fallon without whom this event wouldn’t take place and to all the supporters -- boat captains, ski paddlers, crew members, who gave inspiration and encouragement along the way.