The Neville Richards Wreck2Reef Open Water Swim at Indented Head Yacht Club is going down this Saturday 11th February, 2023.
On Saturday, February 11th 2023, locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to participate in the 13th annual Wreck2Reef Open Water Swim to help raise funds for the Indented Head Yacht Club Young Tackers Program.
Returning for the first time in three years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Open Water Swim Classic at Indented Heads will be held in the calm, safe, and protected waters of Half Moon Bay, Indented Head with four categories – 2.5km swim, 1.2km Open, 500m Novice swim and a 300m junior dash.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
The 300 metre junior Dash for Cash returns, while the 800 metre Novice Swim replaces the 500 metre Novice Swim from 2020 and the 1.2km and 2.5km swims will run.
The Wreck2Reef is the final open water swim on the Bellarine this summer after the Ocean Grove SLSC open water swim festival was cancelled on Australia Day on January 26.
Wreck2Reef race director Andrew Dix said it was pleasing a full schedule of swims is back on the agenda for the first time since 2020.
“This year will be the first year we have run the full program since before COVID – so that’s something we are looking forward to,” he said.
“From our perspective, it is obviously something people like to do, we will do whatever we can to make sure we put the day on.
“The die-hard swimmers all they want to do is get out and swim and they will look for every opportunity and we don’t want to let them down.”
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Here’s everything you need to know about the Wreck2Reef open water swim.
Categories
300 metre Dash: Open to 12 years and under. Dig for cash on completion.
800 metre Novice Swim: Open to all age groups. Challenge yourself!
1.2KM Open Swim: Free entry for those registered for the 2.5km swim.
2.5KM Swim: Open to all age groups.
Start Times
2.5km Open Water Swim
9.30am Female
9.40am Male
300 metre Dash
10:30am – 12 and Under
1.2km Open Water Swim
10.50am – Female, 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+
11.10am – Male, 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+
11.30am – Female, Under 14, 14-17; 18-29; 30-39
11.50am – Male, Under 14, 14-17; 18-29; 30-39
800 metre Novice Swim
12:10pm – Open
All competitors must pre-register online using RegisterNow.
Competitor numbers will be capped at 300, and registrations will close once this number is reached. Limited ‘on the day’ registrations may be available if the cap is not reached – an additional late fee of $10 is required.
Registrations received from midnight Friday 10 February will cost an extra $10 per event.
PRE-EVENT
Feeling unwell, have cold or flu-like symptoms, or have been in contact with any known COVID-carriers? If so, please stay home.
Wreck2Reef request that only registered participants or a parent, guardian, or coach of a minor enter the registration hall.
Spectators are requested to move directly to the foreshore area.
All registered competitors will be sent a QR code on the mobile phone nominated upon registration. Please ensure you have this phone with you to assist in speedy time band allocation in the registration hall.
ON ARRIVAL
Hand sanitiser will be provided at the registration hall entry point. Masks can be worn if preferred. Numbers in the registration hall will be managed to ensure capacity rules are complied with.
To assist volunteers, best to arrive early, especially for the 2.5k event. Those swimming multiple events use the same timing band, but swim caps will be allocated for each event.
For those competing in the 2.5km event, please allow 15 minutes to walk from the Hall to the start line. Please deposit all unrequired personal equipment in the trailer provided at the 2.5km start line, and the team will transport any swimmer gear to the finish line for personal collection. All gear must be in clearly named/marked bags.
COMPETE
Bins will be provided after the finish line to deposit caps and timing bands. If competing in multiple events, retain the timing band for the next event.
Open showers will again be provided after the finish line. Please move through this area quickly.
A freshwater facility will be provided at the finish line, but to reduce waste, disposable cups will not be supplied. Please ensure you bring your own water container and necessary supplies with you and dispose of any waste in the bins provided.
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POST-EVENT
The top three finishers in each event will be presented with medallions as soon as possible after the last event finishes.
Any uncollected medals will be posted to winners after the event.
All results will be posted online.
The coffee van will be available at all times during the day, and the Yacht Club will be running a BBQ. All purchases are to be made by EFTPOS.
All seems pretty good to us! Keen to get involved? Register and find out more here.
