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Bilgola Swim 2022 cancellation
It’s with a heavy heart that we have to cancel the Bilgola Swim for Season 2021/22. This Sunday would have been the second time that we would have tried to hold it, after our initial date – 16th January – coincided with the Tongan Tsunami.
This time a combination of floodwaters/large swell/ torrential rain/water debris/contaminated water – take your pick – will stop us from running the event this Sunday. As most swimmers have already committed the funds to enter we want to help those people that have been directly affected by these recent floods and earlier tsunami by contributing 10% of entry fees to be split between Save the Children Fund for the Tongan Tsunami and Lifeline NSW to help residents of northern NSW in their time of need.
Thank you once again for your support. We will be running this Bilgola Swim hopefully in late October 2022, then back with the 2023 Bilgola Swim on Sunday 15th January. Please put this date in your calendar and we look forward to seeing you next season!
Regards,
David Madew
Bilgola Swim Director
Tucked away on the Northern Beaches of Sydney is Bilgola Beach – one of the smallest and most picturesque beaches in the Sydney area – and home to one of the more challenging Swims of the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series.
Despite its bucolic setting, the swell is tricky, reflected in the Guringai Aboriginal meaning for the original place name ‘Belgoula’ of ‘swirling waters’. But fear not – alongside this reputation, another reputation is the water safety offered by Bilgola SLSC for the 500M and 1500M swims on the day which is second to none.
The Blackmores Billy Swim, affectionately known as the 'Billy', has two different swims starting an hour apart, 500m and 1.5km and the more daring of swimmers can certainly try to complete both.
The event is a major fundraiser for Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club, supporting patrol activities and equipment acquisition throughout the season. Your entry fees help keep Bilgola Beach safe.
Blackmores is once again the major sponsor, with Harris Farm supplying fruit for after swim replenishment.
While you're in Bilgola, make a day of it and explore the northern tip of the beaches.
Enter and complete 4 out of 5 swims in the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series and you'll go in the draw to win an OceanFit Swim The Whitsundays swim tour valued at $1,995!
There are five swims in the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series that are held across five different parts of Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Newport, Avalon, Mona Vale, Palm Beach and this event at Bilgola.
The entire series is a brilliant excuse to take in the beauty of five of Sydney’s Northern Beaches during the height of summer while supporting the local surf lifesaving clubs who organise the events.
There are two courses as part of the Bilgola ocean swim: a very achievable 500m swim and the 1.5km main event.
The diamond-shaped 1.5km course offers the challenge of a straight run out through the break, then turning NE, aiming towards the dramatic headlands that mark the boundaries of the beach.
Turning SE, the furthest point out for the swim is about 500m from shore. Then, turning SW, if you care to look, you’ll see southern neighbours, Newport Beach – but stop before you reach it, as you’ll turn NW on the next-to-final leg approaching Bilgola.
The final leg is directly back through the break, with the waves and the high tide at about the time of your return to the beach, allowing a gracious and spectacular return to the beach.
The 500m swim is a smaller circuit just off the beach.
Bilgola is tucked away in the trees with a regional beach feel about it.
The Bum Balinos Cafe is a relaxed beachside cafe and a favourite with the locals.
If you fancy a round of afternoon golf, book a round in at the Avalon Golf Course just north of the beach.
When you're this far up the northern beaches, there is a lot of sightseeing to be done just by driving around the coastline. Hit Sunday driving mode and see what's around the next corner.
There is special event parking in Porter Reserve at North Newport, you'll find the entry in Burke St off Barrenjoey Rd. A free shuttle bus will transport you to the beach.
If you want to try your luck closer to the beach, there is a park at Bilgola and space along The Serpentine.
Bilgola Beach
Cancelled
2021 results | 2020 results | 2017 results (1.5km | 800m) | 2016 results (1.5km | 800m) | 2015 results (1.5km | 800m)
500m & 1.5km
Two swims for the price of one!
+$5 for on-the-day entries.
500m - 13-years-old & 1.5km - 15-years-old
Bilgola NSW, Australia
The organiser of this event, Bilgola SLSC, is a registered charity. This event is a major fundraiser for the club, and all proceeds go towards providing its volunteer lifesaving services to the community.
Cancelling your entry
Should you wish to cancel your entry, for any reason, at any time, the following applies:
Event cancellation
Should the event be cancelled due to poor and/or dangerous ocean conditions, or Government-mandated health restrictions, the following will apply:
The organiser thanks you for your understanding and support.
2021 results | 2020 results | 2017 results (1.5km | 800m) | 2016 results (1.5km | 800m) | 2015 results (1.5km | 800m)
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