About the Event Timetable Merchandise Accomodation Justin's Training Tips Sponsors Homeloans About the Event Timetable Merchandise Accomodation Justin's Training Tips Sponsors Caves Beachside Resort Ocean Swim

About the Event

Additional Event Information | Course Map | Getting There & Google Map | Race Rules
Swim Events & Prize Money | Download Entry Form

Caves Beach is a small family beach located within the Wallarah Peninsula, approximately 1.5 Hrs drive north of Sydney. Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club commenced operations in 1929 and boasts a proud tradition in surf  lifesaving. The inaugural Ocean Swim was conducted on March 18th 2004. Swimmers assemble at Caves Beach Surf Lifesaving Club for pre race registration and instruction prior to
the swim start.

Those looking for an enjoyable walk can make the journey to Spoon Rocks and the start line following the coastal headland trail, giving swimmers a panorama of the Pacific Ocean and a elevated birds eye view of the swim course. Shuttle buses are also available to transport swimmers to the start at Spoon Rocks beach. The start at Spoon Rocks provides a smooth entry with shelter from the Mawson breakwall. Built in the 1960’s in an attempt to make a safe harbour port from which to load coal, it now stands severely weathered by the hands of time.

The area provides a lovely secluded beach for the local swimmers and a great starting point for the race. Conditions here are ideal for the novice as well as providing a fast sprint start for the more experienced ocean swimmer. The swim will take competitors on a scenic course passing the cliff formations, beaches and caves, for which the area is well known.

Unique from most other swims the race can be viewed in its entirety from the elevated headland putting the spectator, close to all the action in the water. On a clear day swimmers will see the ocean floor for much of the 1.5 kilometer straight line journey into Caves Beach.

The presentation is scheduled for between 12:00 and 12:30 at the Caves Beach Surf Club followed by a live band on the club forecourt. Take the time over a cooling refreshment to view the presentation ,rub shoulders with fellow swimmers and  tell tales of your heroic efforts or of a good swimmer out of luck. By being at the presentation you have the chance to score a great Caves Beachside Resort accommodation prize. Enjoy the day.

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Additional Event Information top

Start

Competitors are to assemble at Caves Beach Surf Lifesaving Club from 7am on race day to collect their timing bands and/or complete registration. At the direction of marshals bus transport will be leaving to take competitors to Spoon Rocks Beach for the race start. Last bus transport will leave Caves Beach Surf Club at 9.30am. Competitors may also make their own way to the start line making sure they have completed all the necessary registration requirements at Caves Beach.

Finish

Swimmers will swim a one-way course as shown on the course map to the finish line. Swimmers must pass the course buoys on the seaward side. Competitors will finish the swim at the finish chute on Caves Beach. All swimmers must return their timing chip before leaving the finish chute.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits, fins and other flotation devices are allowed but competitors must swim in the back of the pack wave.

First Aid

First aid stations will be situated at the start and finish lines if required. Swimmer’s physical condition is their responsibility.

Safety

Water safety craft will patrol the course throughout the event. Swim protocol is if you are in difficulty move to the side of the course and raise your hand straight above your head.

Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of this event are Caves Beach Surf Lifesaving Club

Cancellation

The race director reserves the right to cancel or relocate the event due to rough or dangerous conditions. All competitors should check the Caves Beach Website for information on the Friday before the race for confirmation of venue.

Registration

On race day, all swimmers will be issued with a race cap, number and timing device. Failure to wear the race cap, timing band or race number may result in the swimmer not receiving an official time. Make sure you have completed your registration details fully and correctly and the declaration on the entry form has been signed.

Elite Swim Category

The Elite category allows for faster swimmers to clear the field and avoid running over slower swimmers. Starters nominating in this division are eligible for prize money allocated to the Elite division only. Swimmers wishing to compete in the elite division must nominate to do so on the official entry form. Contact Darryl on 0409 180 931 for information or email oceanswim@cavesslsc.com.au

Get the T-Shirt

Ocean swim t-shirts and merchandise can be viewed by clicking on the Merchandise link

Course Map top

Course Map

Getting There & Google Map top

  • From South: Leaving Sydney on the F3 freeway heading north take the Swansea exit and continue on  the Pacific Highway to the Swansea roundabout. Exit right off the Swansea roundabout and follow signs to Caves Beach along Bowman St. (Bowman St merges into Park Ave). Follow Park Ave along and turn left into Civic Ave. Turn right onto Caves Beach Rd. Turn left onto Mawson Close and follow the road
    (Mawson Close merges into The Esplanade) around to the Caves Beach Surf Club Council Carpark.

  • From North: At Hexham turn left and remain on Pacific Highway. Follow signs to Charlestown and then continue to Swansea. Left off Swansea roundabout and follow signs to Caves Beach along Bowman St. (Bowman St merges into Park Ave). Follow Park Ave along and turn left into Civic Ave and turn right onto Caves Beach Rd. Turn left onto Mawson Close and follow the road (Mawson Close merges into The Esplanade) around to the Caves Beach Surf Club Council Carpark.

  • From Hunter Valley: Take the Wallsend exit on the F3 freeway to Cardiff continue to Warners Bay and thru to Swansea. Turn left off the roundabout and follow signs to Caves Beach along Bowman St. (Bowman St merges into Park Ave). Follow Park Ave along and turn left into Civic Ave. Turn right onto Caves Beach Rd. Turn left onto Mawson Close and follow the road (Mawson Close merges into The Esplanade) around to the Caves Beach Surf Club Council Carpark.


View Larger Map

Race Rules top

  • All swimmers must swim the prescribed course keeping all course buoys on their LEFT shoulder and pass course intermediate guidance buoys on the seaward side.

  • Swimmers must swim in the category for which they are eligible. With the exception of those deemed eligible for the Open/Elite division

  • All swimmers must wear their prescribed cap, race number and timing device.

  • Any paddlers accompanying a swimmer must remain well clear of other competitors such as not to impede their progress or give unfair advantage to their swimmer.

  • Any swimmer in the “Back of the Pack” is not eligible for podium prizes but will receive their finisher’s medallion.

  • All swimmers are to behave in a fair and sportsmanlike manner without interference or aggression towards other competitors and any breach of this rule may result in disqualification from the Homeloans Limited Caves Beach Ocean Swim.

  • If in the opinion of an event medical officer or a water safety official a competitor is physically or otherwise incapable of starting or completing the Homeloans Limited Caves Beach Ocean Swim or has been in the water for an inordinate time such competitor may be disqualified from starting or be removed from the water at any time.

  • If in the opinion of the race referee the weather or swimming conditions are dangerous or unsuitable the Homeloans Limited Caves Beach Ocean Swim may be cancelled without notice.

  • Prize winners must be present to receive their prize.

Swim Events & Prize Money top

The Homeloans Limited 1.5 Kilometre Individual Swim

Start Time 10am. Elite division, with staggered wave starts. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each of eleven (11) Age Categories, & Elite division male and female. Swim categories are open and age groups of 12 to 14 years then in 5 year age groups up to 65+.

Aquasphere Back of the Pack

This category includes wetsuit swimmers, flippers, kickboard, and mask and snorkel users. There are no podium prizes for back of the pack starters but they will receive a finisher’s medallion.

Coal and Allied Dash for Cash

A fun sprint swim sponsored by Coal and Allied for Ocean Swim competitors only. Competitors make their way to the sea, approx 100 metres. At the starter’s gun there is a sprint back to shore. There is a short run up the beach in a race to grab the cash. A separate event is held for men and women. The dash for cash will be held as soon as all ocean swimmers have completed the course. Winner takes all, Male $300 , Female $300

Elite Division male and female

1st $500

2nd $200

3rd $100

Age categories male and female

1st... Swim merchandise to the value of $75, 2nd...Swim merchandise to the value of $25

Stockland Teams Challenge

$200 per team in each of 4 age categories

All Swimmers

All swimmers will receive a participation prize.
All swimmers are electronically "chip" timed and competitors are eligible for prizes in their selected division only.
Swimmers must be present to collect their prize.
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