There are two swims on offer at the 20th Annual Beach Hotel Byron Bay Winter Whales Ocean Swim Classic -- the 2.2km main event and, for the first time in 2008, the 800m Mini Swim. Swimmers can choose to do either swim. It is not possible to do both.

Ocean Swim Classic

The 2008 Ocean Swim Classic will be, as in previous years, a 2.2 km open ocean swim from Wategoes Beach to Main Beach, Byron Bay.

The event is open to all strong swimmers 12 years of age and over on the day.

You may enter either the Open Elite Superfish Men or Elite Superfish Women categories for cash prizes, or age categories of 12-15, 16-19, and then 5 year age groups from 20 to 74, including a 75 and over group. Medals will be awarded for the first 3 places in each age group.

The Classic first wave will start at 9:45am from Wategoes Beach. Please enough plenty of time to register at Byron Bay SLSC, then to travel to Wategoes on the swim shuttle buses. This means, you should register by 8:30am.


Mini Swim

The Mini Ocean Swim, is a swim of approximately 800 metres to 1 km depending on conditions.

The course will start on the beach at a point west of “The Pass” and will finish in front of the Surf Club.

Aimed to introduce competent swimmers to the joys of ocean swimming, this event is for people who want to try open water swimming for the first time or feel that the Classic swim is a bit too formidable!

It is also designed for children 9 years of age and over, who are good swimmers, such as surf club nippers and swimming club members.

Medals will be awarded for first boy and first girl aged 9, 10, 11 or 12 on the day.

The Mini first wave will start at 8:45am. Please enough plenty of time to register at Byron Bay SLSC, then to travel along the beach to race start. This means, you should register by 7:45am.